Bit odd how Patrick Stewart is only mentioned for his work with Pitbulls and not his work against domestic violence. His mother was abused by his veteran father and after finding out exactly what his father had been through and coming to understand him also started supporting causes for veterans with ptsd thereby honoring both his mother and his father.
Isn't he also associated with a group that advocates against torture, and was part of the inspiration for his torture scenes in "Chain of Command: Part II"?
@@eldorados_lost_searcher You both highlighted advocacy on the part of Sir Patrick Stewart that I really admire. A shame this was not also included during his segment in this video.
All extremely good points and definitely worthy of great praise. Counterpoint: the video of him getting licked all over by a pupper at 6:12 is *unquestionably* a great gift to humanity.
You forgot DeForest and Carolyn Kelley who gave lots of money and time to rescue animals through the North Shore Animal League. Animal advocacy was a passion of theirs.
My grandfather landed on the same beach as James Doohan, juno beach, during the Normandy invasion. He was also in the Canadian army and Juno beach was the Canadian one where troops landed. It's amazing to me what brave men like him and my grandfather went through in order to serve their countries and save humanity. God bless him, he will always have a special place in my heart!
James Doohan was amazing, and that story he told in the first _"Trekkies"_ documentary choked me up the first time I heard it, and it still gets me every time.
as someone who 7 years ago at this time helped a friend out when she was pregnant with her son and was homeless too (long story). i helped her find a place to live. i know how James Doohan feels when he tells the story (i know that i saved 2 lives). she calls me her little brother for what i did for her and her son (i get a little choked up everything i tell the story).
@@NeilCWCampbell no i was saying i know how he feels when he talks about the story (i get choked up everytime i tell it) plus he says its the best thing he has ever done.
Aron Eisenberg. He saved my life and helped me recover from severe anorexia and helped me follow my dreams of acting. I got to talk about it on a episode of 7th Rule (his video show with Cirroc Lofton and Ryan Husk) after he died. He was an extraordinary human being
I don't know whether to be happy or cry! All I can say is that I wish you every success, in life and in your career. Take good care of yourself and let us know when you are starring in your first big role! Especially if it's on ST :) Much love and peace to you x
John Billingsley (who played the doctor in enterprise - character name escapes me atm) does a lot for a food foundation/bank in America. (I only know that because of the shuttlepod podcast 😃)
@@megatronjenkins2473 He invented the Phlox Capacitor, which enabled Voyager to reach the speed of 88 light-years per hour in order to travel back to the future Federation.
Thanks Ellie! We know that Star Trek is inclusive...which is wonderful in itself. But I was unaware of the tireless efforts of many of these actors. I admire these people for the what they have brought over the years to the Star Trek universe, but even more so the contributions they have made to humanity. Thanks to all these wonderful people that have put a face to causes that may have not had one!
There's a severe underrepresentation of Gender Non Binary Cheddarsexual Multiracial Lopsided Midget Vegan Pastafarian Squirrels in Wheelchairs with a Speech Impediment... Do you get offended when you watch a Trek episode that is obviously discriminatory ?
Yup, they glossed over most of it, but James basically just kept telling the woman "I enjoyed talking to you, and I hope you'll come see me at !", thereby constantly giving her a goal to live for, even if it was just "Go talk to Scotty, one more time".
All these people have done great things and deserve every award, every check and every plain old thank you they get and infinitely more. Live Long And Prosper to you all.
The more I learn about Nichelle Nichols the more she deserves a profile miniseries like five episodes of her life or something. I would watch that I would pay for it if I had the money she's so badass
I will never tire of being reminded how the people who make Trek are as good examples of humanity as the show itself endeavors to portray. I'm sure there are counter-examples, but this list warmed my heart. 🖖
9:27 I am so glad that, while not devoid of controversy, Star Trek has been a remarkably positive experience for the world and most of the people involved exemplified this.
I would like to recognize Gene Roddenberry as well. Without his vision of a better future of humanity, the opportunities, the conversations, and the influence that his creation had might not have been realized in our world. I believe that the positivity and the societal challenges presented on the show have had a very lasting effect on our reality, and it's one of the reasons that his characters have resonated with so many.
I met Chase Masterson a few years ago at a convention, and she's absolutely lovely! I had no idea at the time about her anti-bullying work, otherwise it would have been a far more emotional meeting, as I was a victim of bullying in school. I got to take a couple pictures with her, and I got an autographed promo pic, and while they were already special to me, they just now became three of my most prized possessions! I also had a major crush on her from her first appearance on DS9, so meeting her crossed off a big item on my bucket list! I'd love to meet her again someday! 10,000 Energon cubes to whomever can make that happen!!! And Ellie, as usual, you rock a Starfleet uniform 😍😍😍😍😍
See its videos like this that really defines Trek Culture, showing us the viewers the best of Star Trek, the best of humanity and pushing up and never putting down. I'd love to see a sequal to this to show more epic work done by star trek alumni. 😊
Re: James Doohan The details of that friendly fire incident are quite fascinating. TL/DR: They say smoking kills, but in this case, it didnt. The incident happened the night following the invasion. A panicky guard accidentally opened fire on him, wounding Jimmy six times. Of course, most people would be aware of the loss of his finger, but one bullet could have delivered a potentially fatal wound. Jimmy had a silver cigarette case, a gift from his brother. Like many soldiers, he kept the case in his uniform's breast pocket. That cigarette case stopped one of the bullets that hit him; if it weren't there, he very likely would've died that night.
Must’ve been a sterling silver case , because real silver is too soft, or the bullet was not FMJ using p+ powder. Either way it is a very fortunate combination of randomness and luck .
Any acknowledgement of Nicholls' work on behalf of NASA is incomplete without mentioning Mae Jemison, a female, black astronaut (and thus real-life Uhura) who played a transporter operator in TNG. Also, Sir Patrick's work promoting a decent cup of tea is not to be ignored
Patrick Stewart was my second best role model (the first being my dad), and I learned so much about diplomacy and negotiation from watching him handle everything from the Klingons to the aliens of the week (putting my own funny spin on it, of course). James Doohan was just a big adorable teddy bear of a man with a heart that was just as big and generous. George Takei was far from the stereotypical "inscrutable Asian actor" often expected back in the day (Robert Justman once said he was the most "scrutable" man he had ever known, which amused Takei to no end), and his work with human rights is covered well in this video. Both Nimoy and Brent Spiner have gotten tons of mail from fans on the autism spectrum who have said that they helped them express themselves better. They are all wonderful people who bought into Roddenberry's idea for a better future and continue to spread it around. 🖖😎👍
Another brilliant list, I have always loved that James Doohan story. However, you did get one thing wrong, the longest running Kids show in the world is Blue Peter, which beat Mr. Rogers and Sesame street by a decade when it first aired in 1958.
Yeah that jumped out at me too. Might not even be 3rd in the US (as you have to ignore cartoons) and I doubt it's even top ten in the world as I would expect many countries to have decades long (1000s of episode) kids shows that English-speaking people aren't aware of
@@anthonykent3849 it's actually confirmed in the Guinness book of records. I think the longest continuous running cartoon is the Simpsons. (No surprise there.)
Thank you for this. I'm sure that this list is far longer than what you have shared. You hit on all the ones I knew about and a several that were new to me. It's tidbits like this that really warms my hart to know that some of the people that I have grown up watching doing more with their money and influence than just bettering their next paycheck. Would love to see another one of these lists showcasing even more actors that contributing to the betterment of humanity.
I would have put Commander Laforge....ahem I mean Levar Burton at number 1. Teaching kids to read and that it's ok to ask questions and it's ok to be you. If you recall Reading Rainbow just wasn't about books, but the ideas contained within books. He helped give children a voice and to feel not alone. I remember seeing him on TNG as a kid. I was so happy to see one of my heroes from my favorite educational/kids program be on my favorite show that was really one of the only ways I ever bonded with my father when I was a kid. Ellie, this was a great list! Kudos to you and the team for coming up with it. I actually got choked up and shed a few tears. This is why I love Star Trek. It shows us just how good we can be if we want to be. Peace and Long Life!
Eight of these names are quite familiar to Trek fans when it comes to off-screen contributions. But Susan Oliver and Chase Masterson are not. Good on you for featuring these two.
This is the kind of video I want to see. There are so many videos out there that focus on the negatives, "Everything Wrong With (insert movie/TV show)", "Why X Franchise is Dead/Dying". It's nice to see some positivity. Good job, folks. *Sigh* Yes, especially you, Ellie. You knew it was coming.
Probably should have been a list that exceeds 10 based on what I recall of people who've been on the show. Also have to say they did a good job with Doohan cause I'd heard he was on the beaches of D-Day but never realized he lost a finger. Also even if they had to change the name (which I find dumb considering the circumstances) glad to see Levar Burton revived it did help maintain my interest in reading and introduced me to books I likely never would have seen or thought of.
Yup, he tells the story of getting the finger blown off and running I think it was something like 2 miles to the medic tent where they went "Nothing we can for the finger, now what about that bullet in your knee?" He apparently got shot in the knee somewhere along the line, but was so concerned over his finger he didn't even notice!
One other thing Patrick Stewart did that was really going above and beyond. (I heard this right from Wil Wheaton) Back during the summer of "Best of Both Worlds". Sir Patrick heard about a kid who had a terminal illness and was a huge fan of the character of Picard and was scared the character would be killed off. So he went to the kid's hospital room and sat by his bed readinging him the script for Part II so that he would know that his favourite character would make it. All in all, Trek actors really have a habit of just being the best people. Maybe Star Trek's core ideology just naturally appeals to kind people for the most part.
Love this video! I knew about some of these examples but you gave me knew reasons to love several of our favorites even more. And Armin! How cool! Thanks for this, Ellie and crew!
I started tearing up when I saw the thumbnail. I've heard the story about the letter. (Also Le Var Burton and Reading Rainbow--I was in preschool when TNG started so I was as much of a fan of Burton on TNG as I was on Reading Rainbow. He was my first celebrity crush, so, ya know, any chance to see him smile or hear him laugh.) P.S. Honorable mention to Robert Picardo for his work with The Planetary Society!
I always wondered what filming "Family", where Picard faces the PTSD he suffered from all he went through as Locutus, was like for him, given his family's history with his dad's PTSD from being a soldier.
Maybe not "World Changing" but, When the animated version of Star Trek was being cast , they weren't going to hire Nichelle Nichols or George Takei. Leonard Nimoy told the producers he wouldn't do it unless they hired Nichelle & George.
It was the Horgon next to the group of Ferengi that got my attention. (I didn't see the NX under the NCC until the 2nd view). The padd Bashir handed to Dax with the words Go Away on the screen- I can't tell if that happened in the show or if it's one of Martin's jokes. It's good though. The Equal Rights banner got by me on the first viewing too. And so did the subliminal Like (without a Subscribe) when Scotty carrying tribbles gave us all a Thumbs Up 60 years before UA-cam. Nicely done.
People hadn't been spotting them recently so I made it a bit more obvious 😂 That Go Away on the PADD is 100% genuine Trek, no interference from me there. The Scotty thing was to highlight the missing finger but ohh yeah there is a thumbs up there 👍 I put a hidden thing in a video a while ago just for you but unfortunately I don't think you've seen it.
@@BuhurtUK Please make them more obvious. I'd like to interact with the other commenters about these, when they are seen. I'm going to find that video I missed.
Doohan's story about the fan was one of the best stories I've heard about a 1-on-1 interactions I have ever heard. I can understand that it brings a tear to his eye. I don't know how anyone can not feel anything after hearing that story.
Leonard Nimoy was also a patron of the arts in NYC, making a large donation to Symphony Space helping to keep it afloat, and having its Thalia Theater named after him. (I saw him perform Stravinsky's "A Soldier's Tale" there once - a theatrical highlight for sure!)
Ellie, Thank You for this video... Just when I thought I couldn't possibly respect actors from my fave franchise, even more...you proved otherwise. Some I knew about, some I had no clue, so thanks for the enlightenment 🖖🏼🖖🏼🖖🏼🖖🏼🖖🏼
Met Takei, nice guy, but I find it highly ironic how while he was interned in WW2, he advocated putting people who refused the COVID shot into camps. I wonder if he got the irony of that. James Doohan, was really cool. I met him 3 times, once when I was a kid in Detroit at a convention in the 70s. I asked him how they kept the phasers on the belts and he said "Velcro". My mind was blown...but it is easy to impress a 6 year old. Later in 1991, at the big convention in LA, I got to meet him again. I was in the Navy at the time and had a bad accident on my ship, where I ended up losing a finger. My hand was in a cast at the time and when I met him, he asked about my hand. I told my story, then he told his! Holding up his hand showing me his missing finger, he told me his D-day story. I ran into him again at a convention in Michigan in 2002. I wanted to thank him, because his story helped me get over the psychological problems associated with my injuries. Despite being in bad shape, suffering Alzheimer's he remembered me. Really a class act.
I have met most of the original cast, with the exception of Leonard Nimoy and DeForest Kelley, both of whom passed before I could meet them. I met George at a convention. Walter came to the dealer's room with my then 4-year old, bringing her to me after she charmed him in the costume contest. I met Nichelle when she was having dinner with Mae Jemison in Houston. Both women were wonderful. I met Shatner at a collectables opening. But my love and heart was with Jimmy Doohan. I never sleep at night, just a night owl and Jimmy was wandering the convention hotel halls about 3 a.m. We ended up on a couch in a deserted hallway, talking about medical stuff (he had just had his heart attack) and about our lives and kids. Before we knew it, it was 6 and the sun was beginning to show up. It was such a wonderful talk, we kind of bonded over his problems and mine (I have MS and fibromyalgia, which didn't have a name back in that time). He encouraged me to keep working on my writing, which was my passion and still is, and I told him he needed to take care of himself because a lot of people loved him and wanted him to continue. I can't say that I didn't cry like a toddler, for hours, when he passed away. And, even now, when my husband or I are working to get a computer to cooperate, we've been known to hold up the mouse and say "Hello, computer..." in that brogue. I miss him.
"Star Trek is that show loved by dorks and geeks" Somewhere in the world so many know that Star Trek is SO MUCH more. This is what we as humans are meant to do: inspire others to their own personal greatness.
Read a question somewhere lately that asked why ST in all it's franchises is still so popular. My answer was: Hope. Star Trek, at least all the one's I've watched so far, have this as the underlying thread: we will do better, we will overcome our dopey attitudes and we will work together for everyone ... and that's the message that Star Trek gives us across all derivations.
Couldn't have put it any better@@scloftin8861. When Star Trek was originally on air black and other non white viewers would've seen the inclusion of Sulu and the rest of the crew as a sign things were changing. Star Trek is about the wonder of exploring ourselves and beyond. And a lot of what has been shown in Star Trek has become true in terms of technology. Star Trek is about reconnecting to our childhood essence where anything is possible and we're only limited by our own limits. We're all explorers even on Earth in our own lives. All on our own Trek. So, LIVE LONG AND PROSPER! David
@@scloftin8861 I love your post! The hope that Star Trek has given me is so beautifully echoed in the musical theme of the last series: “Faith of the Heart.” When I first heard it, it seemed so different (so *wrong!) compared to the other themes! Yet after reflecting on its message and music, I've gotta say that it's grown on me much more than any of the other themes. ❤️🥰🥲
Scotty taught me a life lesson early, always give yourself extra time because when your project comes in early you're a rock star. Great advice Scotty! Keep em flying, my friend.
I commend you for putting together such a list as this. However you did Nichelle Nichols an injustice when you failed to mention more famous people she earlier had recruited into NASA and other scientific fields. SAlly ride was one of her earliest recruits, as were other notable people... you only mentioned 2, when she had recruited thousands more in her cross country trips as an employee of NASA.
I met Jonathan Frakes following the Grenfell disaster in London and he and his family were helping in the Westway Centre. As a local resident at the time and scared half to death that friends were now missing, his kind words and support really helped a lot of people especially myself. He made me a cup of tea and we joked that unfortunately it wasn't Earl Grey and he and I had a long conversation about Star Trek. He reached out to me recently too last year when my Mum had passed away from cancer and actually attended her funeral and surprised my Dad and I when he called Jeri Ryan, my Mum's favourite Star Trek actor, and she was just as kind. Truly Star Trek is a family and I am forever grateful for the kindness he's shown me. I hope to one day meet him again and introduce him to my daughter who is my Number One
Side note: the longest running Kid's show is 'Unser Sandmännchen' from Germany. It's daily running since 1959 until today and of beyond 20.000 episodes. Actually it's the longest running TV show period.
I think Nichelle Nichols should be at the top, but my own personal bias/love of the N.A.S.A may be an influence 😅 Great list. I love how so many of the Trek Alum are working to make the world a better place, in real life ❤️🖖😁🤘🇨🇦
1000% agree. By inspiring the diversity that NASA now enjoys, she has inspired generations of people, regardless of skin color, sex, or heritage to pursue careers in science and increasing the sum of human knowledge. Her actions have advanced humanity in a way that is incalculable. Kings and queens have been made with lesser accomplishments.
Avery Brooks (aka Captain Benjamin Sisko) was a professor at Rutgers University at the Newark and other branches, teaching Theater Arts and Acting. I believed he retired from the position as his work on DS9 took him from the university but for many years he taught many aspiring actors and actresses their skills in the theater arts. My old friend and mentor, Dr. Hank Levinson (Prof. of Mathematics, Rutgers U.; RIP '09) Introduced me to him when he was on campus.
Another thing I love about Avery Brook is that he was very determined to present Sisko as a loving, good father to Jake to combat the narrative of absent black fathers. Plus he apparently became an extended family member to to the actor who played Jake (and I think Aron Eisenburg as well). Just being a good example through action is huge.
You forgot to mention how Nichelle Nichols inspired Dr. Mae Jemison, the first Black woman in space. Dr. Jemison also did a couple of cameos on ST: TNG.
I'm just going to disagree with Nichelle Nichol's place on the list. Her work with Women in Motion & NASA have broken down barriers of race, sex, & orientation in the sciences and pushed humanity forward. It also wasn't just a promotional film. She spent the next year touring the states giving presentations, speeches, and directly recruiting NASA candidates. The success of her efforts in turn made other scientific organizations revise their recruitment policies, diversifying other fields as well. Because of her, children from every background can now see this pinnacle of scientific advancement as a very real goal Dr. King had a dream and Nichelle Nichols made it happen.
Susan Oliver: Afraid of Flying so became a pilot and flew solo across the Atlantic ... This is Star Trek ... You forgot Mae Jemison ... who was inspired to become an Astronaut by Nichelle Nichols, and ...and when she appeared on Star Trek : TNG Nichelle made a point of using her perpetual invite to the set to meet her ... James Doohan helped one person ... but it was more important than all the others ... simply because it was the in his own words the best thing he did ... and this was coming from Scotty and a soldier who was at D-Day ...
These people are amazing. They give us wonderful characters on TV and films. And are people to look up to and hope for the future. I'm 57 years ago now and grew up with these actors. And I have cried when they passed over. And became legends. LIVE LONG AND PROSPER. PEACE AND LONG LIFE.
Millions of Black women all over the world like me and Whoopie remember the moment that we first saw Lt. Uhura and realized that we belonged in the stars too.
Star Trek will always be a reminder that we can and should strive to be a better and smarter species. There is a better world waiting for us if we put in the work. And Levar Burton is my damn hero.
Mr. Nimoy also championed for the inclusion of George Takei for Filmation’s animated Star Trek series, telling producers Norm Prescott and Lou Schiemer that they best represented diversity in Star Trek, adding, “If you don’t want them then you don’t want me.” Thanks for that clip from Allegiance showing Mr. Takei with Philippine actress Lea Salonga. Sir Patrick Stewart is also an advocate for both Amnesty International (whose files helped him prepare for the two parter TNG episode “Chains of Command”. He is also an advocate for literacy. The #1 slot is quite surprising- and Ironic. 🖖
Me Watching this, getting to No 2 and having no idea who number 1 is and I joke : "I have no idea who 1 is. If its Quark that would be hilarious" Number 1 : "HOLY CRAP XD" and then I get some good education. Thanks for the Laugh and the Learn
I agree with everyone on this list but Sit Patrick Stewart also does a lot of work highlighting domestic abuse, PTSD and moral injury (hidden war wounds) among veterans. Further I think George Takei should be higher on the list, he was instrumental in getting the Internment of Japanese Americans recognized by the US government and getting reoperations paid, thats a HUGE deal. Before he and his compatriots led the push in the late 80s and early 90s the US government officially denied it happened.
Bit odd how Patrick Stewart is only mentioned for his work with Pitbulls and not his work against domestic violence. His mother was abused by his veteran father and after finding out exactly what his father had been through and coming to understand him also started supporting causes for veterans with ptsd thereby honoring both his mother and his father.
Isn't he also associated with a group that advocates against torture, and was part of the inspiration for his torture scenes in "Chain of Command: Part II"?
@@eldorados_lost_searcher You both highlighted advocacy on the part of Sir Patrick Stewart that I really admire. A shame this was not also included during his segment in this video.
@@eldorados_lost_searcher Amnesty International. He's been associated with them for decades
All extremely good points and definitely worthy of great praise.
Counterpoint: the video of him getting licked all over by a pupper at 6:12 is *unquestionably* a great gift to humanity.
@@eldorados_lost_searcher Amnesty International. Absolutely.
I was lucky enough to meet James Doohan at a convention many years ago, and that story about the fan always makes me cry. He was a truly amazing man.
Never met him but I absolutely cried hearing that story. 😭
It says a lot about the guy that playing Scotty wasn't the most interesting thing about him.
Wonderful man, who lived a wonderful life. What a legacy
I met him-and De-at my first big convention. Both were very kind men.I was slsl glad to meet Leonard and Walter as well.
I met him as well. I had him sign my copy of the novelization of Relics while I told him my parents named me after him
That is a truly wonderful story.
You forgot DeForest and Carolyn Kelley who gave lots of money and time to rescue animals through the North Shore Animal League. Animal advocacy was a passion of theirs.
I noticed that, too.
Nichelle Nicols also inspired Mae Jemison, the first black woman in space and MJ also appeared on an episode of TNG.
And Nichelle turned up on the day MJ was acting so she could support her. I never knew her, but I still miss her 😢
My grandfather landed on the same beach as James Doohan, juno beach, during the Normandy invasion. He was also in the Canadian army and Juno beach was the Canadian one where troops landed. It's amazing to me what brave men like him and my grandfather went through in order to serve their countries and save humanity. God bless him, he will always have a special place in my heart!
James Doohan was amazing, and that story he told in the first _"Trekkies"_ documentary choked me up the first time I heard it, and it still gets me every time.
as someone who 7 years ago at this time helped a friend out when she was pregnant with her son and was homeless too (long story). i helped her find a place to live. i know how James Doohan feels when he tells the story (i know that i saved 2 lives). she calls me her little brother for what i did for her and her son (i get a little choked up everything i tell the story).
@@FKHC2005 way to make it about you 🤷
@@NeilCWCampbell no i was saying i know how he feels when he talks about the story (i get choked up everytime i tell it) plus he says its the best thing he has ever done.
Ditto
The story of Doohan saving that woman is powerful. Always remember that someone whispering into the void might just need someone to listen.
Aron Eisenberg. He saved my life and helped me recover from severe anorexia and helped me follow my dreams of acting. I got to talk about it on a episode of 7th Rule (his video show with Cirroc Lofton and Ryan Husk) after he died. He was an extraordinary human being
I don't know whether to be happy or cry! All I can say is that I wish you every success, in life and in your career. Take good care of yourself and let us know when you are starring in your first big role! Especially if it's on ST :) Much love and peace to you x
This video made me even more proud to be a Star Trek fan.
🖖🏻
John Billingsley (who played the doctor in enterprise - character name escapes me atm) does a lot for a food foundation/bank in America. (I only know that because of the shuttlepod podcast 😃)
Dr. Phlox, a good man in show and in real life!
@@megatronjenkins2473 oh yes of course Dr. Phlox! 🤦♀️ I could see him with the make up /prosthetics on - I just couldn't remember the name.
The Hollywood Food Coalition- I just listened to it that episode today!
@@86ninjamonkey oh yes that's it! I've been binge watching the episodes (I most recently watched the ones with Brannon Braga. )
@@megatronjenkins2473 He invented the Phlox Capacitor, which enabled Voyager to reach the speed of 88 light-years per hour in order to travel back to the future Federation.
Thanks Ellie! We know that Star Trek is inclusive...which is wonderful in itself. But I was unaware of the tireless efforts of many of these actors. I admire these people for the what they have brought over the years to the Star Trek universe, but even more so the contributions they have made to humanity. Thanks to all these wonderful people that have put a face to causes that may have not had one!
There's a severe underrepresentation of Gender Non Binary Cheddarsexual Multiracial Lopsided Midget Vegan Pastafarian Squirrels in Wheelchairs with a Speech Impediment... Do you get offended when you watch a Trek episode that is obviously discriminatory ?
I think I've heard that James Doohan story before, but I absolutely love hearing it again. What a wonderful list.
Yup, they glossed over most of it, but James basically just kept telling the woman "I enjoyed talking to you, and I hope you'll come see me at !", thereby constantly giving her a goal to live for, even if it was just "Go talk to Scotty, one more time".
It never fails to amaze me how so many of the actors of the various iterations of Trek are just such relentlessly great people.
I've been saying it for years. Gene chose his people well.
@@StockportJambo He was a WWII Veteran as well.
@@paulzammataro7185 Also saved dozens of lives whilst piloting a PanAm plane that went down after the war.
All these people have done great things and deserve every award, every check and every plain old thank you they get and infinitely more. Live Long And Prosper to you all.
yIn nI' yISIQ 'ej yIchep
🖖
The more I learn about Nichelle Nichols the more she deserves a profile miniseries like five episodes of her life or something. I would watch that I would pay for it if I had the money she's so badass
There's John Billingsley's work with the Hollywood Food Coalition, helping feed a good chunk of Las Angeles every day.
I will never tire of being reminded how the people who make Trek are as good examples of humanity as the show itself endeavors to portray. I'm sure there are counter-examples, but this list warmed my heart. 🖖
9:27 I am so glad that, while not devoid of controversy, Star Trek has been a remarkably positive experience for the world and most of the people involved exemplified this.
I would like to recognize Gene Roddenberry as well. Without his vision of a better future of humanity, the opportunities, the conversations, and the influence that his creation had might not have been realized in our world. I believe that the positivity and the societal challenges presented on the show have had a very lasting effect on our reality, and it's one of the reasons that his characters have resonated with so many.
I met Chase Masterson a few years ago at a convention, and she's absolutely lovely! I had no idea at the time about her anti-bullying work, otherwise it would have been a far more emotional meeting, as I was a victim of bullying in school. I got to take a couple pictures with her, and I got an autographed promo pic, and while they were already special to me, they just now became three of my most prized possessions! I also had a major crush on her from her first appearance on DS9, so meeting her crossed off a big item on my bucket list! I'd love to meet her again someday! 10,000 Energon cubes to whomever can make that happen!!!
And Ellie, as usual, you rock a Starfleet uniform 😍😍😍😍😍
I’ve been to several cons where Chase was a guest. She is a lovely, gracious lady and a fan favorite. And she loves interacting with the fans.
@@patriciaaturner289 she is! I'd love to meet her again someday!
See its videos like this that really defines Trek Culture, showing us the viewers the best of Star Trek, the best of humanity and pushing up and never putting down. I'd love to see a sequal to this to show more epic work done by star trek alumni. 😊
Geordi's VISOR helps him perceive light beyond the visible spectrum. That means he can literally read the rainbow
Well done.
This was a wonderful article! I loved hearing how these actors have left a greater legacy than Trek on our world.
Thank you! Enjoyed writing it!
Re: James Doohan
The details of that friendly fire incident are quite fascinating.
TL/DR: They say smoking kills, but in this case, it didnt.
The incident happened the night following the invasion. A panicky guard accidentally opened fire on him, wounding Jimmy six times. Of course, most people would be aware of the loss of his finger, but one bullet could have delivered a potentially fatal wound.
Jimmy had a silver cigarette case, a gift from his brother. Like many soldiers, he kept the case in his uniform's breast pocket. That cigarette case stopped one of the bullets that hit him; if it weren't there, he very likely would've died that night.
Must’ve been a sterling silver case , because real silver is too soft, or the bullet was not FMJ using p+ powder. Either way it is a very fortunate combination of randomness and luck .
This is why Star Trek is important and needs to be available again for multiple platforms
Any acknowledgement of Nicholls' work on behalf of NASA is incomplete without mentioning Mae Jemison, a female, black astronaut (and thus real-life Uhura) who played a transporter operator in TNG. Also, Sir Patrick's work promoting a decent cup of tea is not to be ignored
That James Doohan story always gets me.
This is but a small sample of the beauty and greatness of Trek
Patrick Stewart was my second best role model (the first being my dad), and I learned so much about diplomacy and negotiation from watching him handle everything from the Klingons to the aliens of the week (putting my own funny spin on it, of course). James Doohan was just a big adorable teddy bear of a man with a heart that was just as big and generous. George Takei was far from the stereotypical "inscrutable Asian actor" often expected back in the day (Robert Justman once said he was the most "scrutable" man he had ever known, which amused Takei to no end), and his work with human rights is covered well in this video. Both Nimoy and Brent Spiner have gotten tons of mail from fans on the autism spectrum who have said that they helped them express themselves better. They are all wonderful people who bought into Roddenberry's idea for a better future and continue to spread it around. 🖖😎👍
Another brilliant list, I have always loved that James Doohan story. However, you did get one thing wrong, the longest running Kids show in the world is Blue Peter, which beat Mr. Rogers and Sesame street by a decade when it first aired in 1958.
Yeah that jumped out at me too. Might not even be 3rd in the US (as you have to ignore cartoons) and I doubt it's even top ten in the world as I would expect many countries to have decades long (1000s of episode) kids shows that English-speaking people aren't aware of
@@anthonykent3849 it's actually confirmed in the Guinness book of records. I think the longest continuous running cartoon is the Simpsons. (No surprise there.)
@@andrewmitchell2267 Simpsons ain't even close. There's a Japanese cartoon Sazae-san thats been running for decades with thousands of episodes.
Thank you for this. I'm sure that this list is far longer than what you have shared. You hit on all the ones I knew about and a several that were new to me. It's tidbits like this that really warms my hart to know that some of the people that I have grown up watching doing more with their money and influence than just bettering their next paycheck. Would love to see another one of these lists showcasing even more actors that contributing to the betterment of humanity.
I would have put Commander Laforge....ahem I mean Levar Burton at number 1. Teaching kids to read and that it's ok to ask questions and it's ok to be you. If you recall Reading Rainbow just wasn't about books, but the ideas contained within books. He helped give children a voice and to feel not alone. I remember seeing him on TNG as a kid. I was so happy to see one of my heroes from my favorite educational/kids program be on my favorite show that was really one of the only ways I ever bonded with my father when I was a kid.
Ellie, this was a great list! Kudos to you and the team for coming up with it. I actually got choked up and shed a few tears. This is why I love Star Trek. It shows us just how good we can be if we want to be. Peace and Long Life!
I love Reading Rainbow both for itself and that it's a combination of two of my favorite kid's shows, Captain Kangaroo and Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood.
Glad James Doohan was so high up. I love his saving a fan story.
Thank you for posting this! It is a bright ray of sunshine in a world that needs it! I look forward to another list like this! ❤
Thank you! Comment made writing it worthwhile 😅
Eight of these names are quite familiar to Trek fans when it comes to off-screen contributions. But Susan Oliver and Chase Masterson are not. Good on you for featuring these two.
The list you shared made me smile. Thank you.
This is the kind of video I want to see. There are so many videos out there that focus on the negatives, "Everything Wrong With (insert movie/TV show)", "Why X Franchise is Dead/Dying". It's nice to see some positivity. Good job, folks.
*Sigh* Yes, especially you, Ellie. You knew it was coming.
But EWW is very tongue-in-cheek. It's not meant to be mean-spirited.
Thank You, for sharing these inspiring actors and their activism -a few I did not know!
Probably should have been a list that exceeds 10 based on what I recall of people who've been on the show. Also have to say they did a good job with Doohan cause I'd heard he was on the beaches of D-Day but never realized he lost a finger. Also even if they had to change the name (which I find dumb considering the circumstances) glad to see Levar Burton revived it did help maintain my interest in reading and introduced me to books I likely never would have seen or thought of.
Sounds like a great candidate for a part two then.
Yup, he tells the story of getting the finger blown off and running I think it was something like 2 miles to the medic tent where they went "Nothing we can for the finger, now what about that bullet in your knee?"
He apparently got shot in the knee somewhere along the line, but was so concerned over his finger he didn't even notice!
Excellent video Ellie, Learned a lot that I should have already known there.
Woooaaaaa, I am really loving this one, what a bunch of great people! ❤
One other thing Patrick Stewart did that was really going above and beyond. (I heard this right from Wil Wheaton)
Back during the summer of "Best of Both Worlds". Sir Patrick heard about a kid who had a terminal illness and was a huge fan of the character of Picard and was scared the character would be killed off. So he went to the kid's hospital room and sat by his bed readinging him the script for Part II so that he would know that his favourite character would make it.
All in all, Trek actors really have a habit of just being the best people. Maybe Star Trek's core ideology just naturally appeals to kind people for the most part.
This was such a lovely video, i'm a newer fan so i dont know much about the actors' lives, and this was really nice to see
Welcome to the Star Trek universe.
Welcome aboard 🖖
Love this video! I knew about some of these examples but you gave me knew reasons to love several of our favorites even more. And Armin! How cool! Thanks for this, Ellie and crew!
I started tearing up when I saw the thumbnail. I've heard the story about the letter. (Also Le Var Burton and Reading Rainbow--I was in preschool when TNG started so I was as much of a fan of Burton on TNG as I was on Reading Rainbow. He was my first celebrity crush, so, ya know, any chance to see him smile or hear him laugh.) P.S. Honorable mention to Robert Picardo for his work with The Planetary Society!
This was very informative on the actors helping the world.
Patrick Stewart has also done a lot of work opposing spousal abuse following his upbringin
I always wondered what filming "Family", where Picard faces the PTSD he suffered from all he went through as Locutus, was like for him, given his family's history with his dad's PTSD from being a soldier.
I'm very surprised that Colm Meaney wasnt mentioned for his interaction and help with the trials of Northern Ireland's conflicts.
Beautiful Ellie thank you for the video keep them coming ❤
Maybe not "World Changing" but,
When the animated version of Star Trek was being cast , they weren't going to hire Nichelle Nichols or George Takei. Leonard Nimoy told the producers he wouldn't do it unless they hired Nichelle & George.
I forgot to add
He said that they were an integral part of the show and not having them went against what the show was about
It was the Horgon next to the group of Ferengi that got my attention.
(I didn't see the NX under the NCC until the 2nd view).
The padd Bashir handed to Dax with the words Go Away on the screen- I can't tell if that happened in the show or if it's one of Martin's jokes.
It's good though.
The Equal Rights banner got by me on the first viewing too.
And so did the subliminal Like (without a Subscribe) when Scotty carrying tribbles gave us all a Thumbs Up 60 years before UA-cam. Nicely done.
People hadn't been spotting them recently so I made it a bit more obvious 😂
That Go Away on the PADD is 100% genuine Trek, no interference from me there. The Scotty thing was to highlight the missing finger but ohh yeah there is a thumbs up there 👍
I put a hidden thing in a video a while ago just for you but unfortunately I don't think you've seen it.
@@BuhurtUK Please make them more obvious. I'd like to interact with the other commenters about these, when they are seen.
I'm going to find that video I missed.
@@FirstDan2000 it's the biggest WTF moments video 👍
Doohan's story about the fan was one of the best stories I've heard about a 1-on-1 interactions I have ever heard. I can understand that it brings a tear to his eye. I don't know how anyone can not feel anything after hearing that story.
Leonard Nimoy was also a patron of the arts in NYC, making a large donation to Symphony Space helping to keep it afloat, and having its Thalia Theater named after him. (I saw him perform Stravinsky's "A Soldier's Tale" there once - a theatrical highlight for sure!)
Ellie, Thank You for this video... Just when I thought I couldn't possibly respect actors from my fave franchise, even more...you proved otherwise. Some I knew about, some I had no clue, so thanks for the enlightenment 🖖🏼🖖🏼🖖🏼🖖🏼🖖🏼
I knew who was going to be on the list but still had to watch!
Wow, I remember Reading Rainbow, loved that show when I was a kid!
The BIG one missing... Bill Shatner's charity work with therapy horses for the disabled.
Met Takei, nice guy, but I find it highly ironic how while he was interned in WW2, he advocated putting people who refused the COVID shot into camps. I wonder if he got the irony of that.
James Doohan, was really cool. I met him 3 times, once when I was a kid in Detroit at a convention in the 70s. I asked him how they kept the phasers on the belts and he said "Velcro". My mind was blown...but it is easy to impress a 6 year old.
Later in 1991, at the big convention in LA, I got to meet him again. I was in the Navy at the time and had a bad accident on my ship, where I ended up losing a finger. My hand was in a cast at the time and when I met him, he asked about my hand. I told my story, then he told his! Holding up his hand showing me his missing finger, he told me his D-day story.
I ran into him again at a convention in Michigan in 2002. I wanted to thank him, because his story helped me get over the psychological problems associated with my injuries. Despite being in bad shape, suffering Alzheimer's he remembered me. Really a class act.
Missed opportunity to call this episode "what they leave behind..."
I have met most of the original cast, with the exception of Leonard Nimoy and DeForest Kelley, both of whom passed before I could meet them. I met George at a convention. Walter came to the dealer's room with my then 4-year old, bringing her to me after she charmed him in the costume contest. I met Nichelle when she was having dinner with Mae Jemison in Houston. Both women were wonderful. I met Shatner at a collectables opening. But my love and heart was with Jimmy Doohan. I never sleep at night, just a night owl and Jimmy was wandering the convention hotel halls about 3 a.m. We ended up on a couch in a deserted hallway, talking about medical stuff (he had just had his heart attack) and about our lives and kids. Before we knew it, it was 6 and the sun was beginning to show up. It was such a wonderful talk, we kind of bonded over his problems and mine (I have MS and fibromyalgia, which didn't have a name back in that time). He encouraged me to keep working on my writing, which was my passion and still is, and I told him he needed to take care of himself because a lot of people loved him and wanted him to continue. I can't say that I didn't cry like a toddler, for hours, when he passed away. And, even now, when my husband or I are working to get a computer to cooperate, we've been known to hold up the mouse and say "Hello, computer..." in that brogue. I miss him.
Patrick Stewart works with Amnesty International if I remember correctly.
"Star Trek is that show loved by dorks and geeks"
Somewhere in the world so many know that Star Trek is SO MUCH more.
This is what we as humans are meant to do: inspire others to their own personal greatness.
Read a question somewhere lately that asked why ST in all it's franchises is still so popular. My answer was: Hope. Star Trek, at least all the one's I've watched so far, have this as the underlying thread: we will do better, we will overcome our dopey attitudes and we will work together for everyone ... and that's the message that Star Trek gives us across all derivations.
Couldn't have put it any better@@scloftin8861.
When Star Trek was originally on air black and other non white viewers would've seen the inclusion of Sulu and the rest of the crew as a sign things were changing.
Star Trek is about the wonder of exploring ourselves and beyond.
And a lot of what has been shown in Star Trek has become true in terms of technology.
Star Trek is about reconnecting to our childhood essence where anything is possible and we're only limited by our own limits.
We're all explorers even on Earth in our own lives. All on our own Trek.
So, LIVE LONG AND PROSPER!
David
@@scloftin8861 I love your post! The hope that Star Trek has given me is so beautifully echoed in the musical theme of the last series: “Faith of the Heart.” When I first heard it, it seemed so different (so *wrong!) compared to the other themes! Yet after reflecting on its message and music, I've gotta say that it's grown on me much more than any of the other themes.
❤️🥰🥲
This was an amazing video!
Scotty taught me a life lesson early, always give yourself extra time because when your project comes in early you're a rock star. Great advice Scotty! Keep em flying, my friend.
In the future, starships should be named after these actors.
U.S.S. Nimoy does have a nice ring to it.
A huge thank you to not only those in the video but the others as well. Live long and prosper 🖖🏻
Thank you - Clive
Thank you for this
I commend you for putting together such a list as this. However you did Nichelle Nichols an injustice when you failed to mention more famous people she earlier had recruited into NASA and other scientific fields. SAlly ride was one of her earliest recruits, as were other notable people... you only mentioned 2, when she had recruited thousands more in her cross country trips as an employee of NASA.
I met Jonathan Frakes following the Grenfell disaster in London and he and his family were helping in the Westway Centre. As a local resident at the time and scared half to death that friends were now missing, his kind words and support really helped a lot of people especially myself. He made me a cup of tea and we joked that unfortunately it wasn't Earl Grey and he and I had a long conversation about Star Trek. He reached out to me recently too last year when my Mum had passed away from cancer and actually attended her funeral and surprised my Dad and I when he called Jeri Ryan, my Mum's favourite Star Trek actor, and she was just as kind. Truly Star Trek is a family and I am forever grateful for the kindness he's shown me. I hope to one day meet him again and introduce him to my daughter who is my Number One
Side note: the longest running Kid's show is 'Unser Sandmännchen' from Germany. It's daily running since 1959 until today and of beyond 20.000 episodes. Actually it's the longest running TV show period.
I have a feeling that this is going to lead to a “Part 2”
I think Nichelle Nichols should be at the top, but my own personal bias/love of the N.A.S.A may be an influence 😅 Great list. I love how so many of the Trek Alum are working to make the world a better place, in real life ❤️🖖😁🤘🇨🇦
1000% agree.
By inspiring the diversity that NASA now enjoys, she has inspired generations of people, regardless of skin color, sex, or heritage to pursue careers in science and increasing the sum of human knowledge. Her actions have advanced humanity in a way that is incalculable.
Kings and queens have been made with lesser accomplishments.
Avery Brooks (aka Captain Benjamin Sisko) was a professor at Rutgers University at the Newark and other branches, teaching Theater Arts and Acting. I believed he retired from the position as his work on DS9 took him from the university but for many years he taught many aspiring actors and actresses their skills in the theater arts.
My old friend and mentor, Dr. Hank Levinson (Prof. of Mathematics, Rutgers U.; RIP '09) Introduced me to him when he was on campus.
Another thing I love about Avery Brook is that he was very determined to present Sisko as a loving, good father to Jake to combat the narrative of absent black fathers. Plus he apparently became an extended family member to to the actor who played Jake (and I think Aron Eisenburg as well). Just being a good example through action is huge.
Thank you for showing the good and humane side of these actors, it was very refreshing. Can't help but notice nothing was said about William Shatner?
This is a wonderful list. It's great to see people with the means to make a difference actually doing it.
Mr Doohan also co-wrote (with SM Stirling) a pretty damned good book sers: The Flight Engineer. Published by Baen.
You forgot to mention how Nichelle Nichols inspired Dr. Mae Jemison, the first Black woman in space. Dr. Jemison also did a couple of cameos on ST: TNG.
They all do amazing things, but James Doohan's story especially moved me.🥲
To be fair, this video might never end if the full lists were given for some of these folks.
This is an awesome list. Thank you for it!
Great info. I knew most of it but the last with Armin Shimmerman.(sp). I new he was a great actor but his work as a Professor is impressive.
You should watch/listen to the episode of the Shuttlepod with him. He talks about all of these things
I'm just going to disagree with Nichelle Nichol's place on the list.
Her work with Women in Motion & NASA have broken down barriers of race, sex, & orientation in the sciences and pushed humanity forward.
It also wasn't just a promotional film. She spent the next year touring the states giving presentations, speeches, and directly recruiting NASA candidates.
The success of her efforts in turn made other scientific organizations revise their recruitment policies, diversifying other fields as well.
Because of her, children from every background can now see this pinnacle of scientific advancement as a very real goal
Dr. King had a dream and Nichelle Nichols made it happen.
Very nice!
Susan Oliver: Afraid of Flying so became a pilot and flew solo across the Atlantic ... This is Star Trek ...
You forgot Mae Jemison ... who was inspired to become an Astronaut by Nichelle Nichols, and ...and when she appeared on Star Trek : TNG Nichelle made a point of using her perpetual invite to the set to meet her ...
James Doohan helped one person ... but it was more important than all the others ... simply because it was the in his own words the best thing he did ... and this was coming from Scotty and a soldier who was at D-Day ...
That is like seriously cool. I didn't know about most of it.
A great top 10 that could easily a top 10.
???
Another reason why the fam is amazing 🖖
These people are amazing. They give us wonderful characters on TV and films.
And are people to look up to and hope for the future.
I'm 57 years ago now and grew up with these actors. And I have cried when they passed over. And became legends.
LIVE LONG AND PROSPER. PEACE AND LONG LIFE.
Hail Canuckistan! We take cheeky credit for James Doohan, what a legend! Now he's out there in space, dust in the solar wind!
I knew about some of those and some I didn’t know about. Thanks for educating us.
Oh, as Star Trek TOS fan, this has so much here!
Millions of Black women all over the world like me and Whoopie remember the moment that we first saw Lt. Uhura and realized that we belonged in the stars too.
Star Trek will always be a reminder that we can and should strive to be a better and smarter species. There is a better world waiting for us if we put in the work. And Levar Burton is my damn hero.
Mr. Nimoy also championed for the inclusion of George Takei for Filmation’s animated Star Trek series, telling producers Norm Prescott and Lou Schiemer that they best represented diversity in Star Trek, adding, “If you don’t want them then you don’t want me.”
Thanks for that clip from Allegiance showing Mr. Takei with Philippine actress Lea Salonga.
Sir Patrick Stewart is also an advocate for both Amnesty International (whose files helped him prepare for the two parter TNG episode “Chains of Command”. He is also an advocate for literacy.
The #1 slot is quite surprising- and Ironic. 🖖
Me Watching this, getting to No 2 and having no idea who number 1 is and I joke : "I have no idea who 1 is. If its Quark that would be hilarious"
Number 1 : "HOLY CRAP XD" and then I get some good education. Thanks for the Laugh and the Learn
I agree with everyone on this list but Sit Patrick Stewart also does a lot of work highlighting domestic abuse, PTSD and moral injury (hidden war wounds) among veterans.
Further I think George Takei should be higher on the list, he was instrumental in getting the Internment of Japanese Americans recognized by the US government and getting reoperations paid, thats a HUGE deal. Before he and his compatriots led the push in the late 80s and early 90s the US government officially denied it happened.
Great stories! Thanks!
You forgot one of Leonard Nimoy's best character: William Bell in Fringe!!
I remember James Doohan's last convention. He walked right down the middle of the floor to the thunderous applause of the people there.
surprised to not see John Billingsley (Dr.Phlox) and his work helping the homeless of LA