19 Fun Facts About Star Trek You Might Not Know
Star Trek, the iconic sci-fi series that boldly went where no show had gone before, has captivated fans for over five decades. Its blend of futuristic technology, complex characters, and philosophical ideas continues to influence pop culture. But how well do you really know the Star Trek universe? Here are 19 fun facts about Star Trek that even the most ardent Trekkie might not know!
1. Gene Roddenberry Was a Policeman
Before creating Star Trek, Gene Roddenberry worked as a Los Angeles police officer. His experiences with people from all walks of life helped shape the humanitarian philosophy that underpins much of the series.
2. The Vulcan Salute Came from a Rabbi
Leonard Nimoy, who portrayed Spock, came up with the Vulcan salute. It was inspired by a Jewish blessing he saw as a child. The gesture, which involves raising the hand with the palm forward and the fingers parted into a “V”, symbolizes peace and long life.
3. The First Kiss on TV Was Between a White Man and a Black Woman
In Star Trek: The Original Series (TOS), the kiss between Captain Kirk (William Shatner) and Lieutenant Uhura (Nichelle Nichols) in the 1968 episode “Plato’s Stepchildren” was groundbreaking. It was one of the first interracial kisses on American television, making it a cultural milestone.
4. The ‘Star Trek’ Theme Song Was Almost a Jazz Tune
The Star Trek theme song, composed by Alexander Courage, was almost a jazzy number. It wasn’t until Gene Roddenberry pushed for a more dramatic, orchestral piece that the now-iconic opening theme was born.
5. The Communicator Was Inspired by a Flip Phone
The Star Trek communicator, which allowed crew members to communicate across the galaxy, served as an inspiration for modern flip phones. Martin Cooper, the inventor of the first handheld mobile phone, cited the communicator as a significant influence on his design.
6. James Doohan Lost a Finger
James Doohan, who played Scotty, lost a finger during his time as a soldier in World War II. The injury wasn’t apparent on screen, as Doohan kept his hand hidden or used prosthetics for certain shots.
7. Spock’s Ears Were Made from Latex
Leonard Nimoy’s iconic pointed ears were created from latex, but they were initially not very comfortable! He later described the process of getting his ears applied every day as quite painful.
8. The Enterprise’s Shape Was Based on a Drawing of a Flying Saucer
The original design of the USS Enterprise was created by artist Matt Jefferies. He drew inspiration from various sources, including the iconic flying saucer shape, but he also added significant details to make it unique.
9. The Borg Were Inspired by a Real-Life Experience
The Borg, one of Star Trek‘s most fearsome adversaries, were inspired by the fear of losing personal identity and freedom. Writer Maurice Hurley, who created the Borg, once explained that he thought about the idea of people being “assimilated” and no longer being individuals during a time when society was becoming more corporate-driven.
10. The Famous “To Boldly Go” Line Was Almost Different
The famous opening line of Star Trek‘s theme, “To boldly go where no man has gone before,” was originally written as “To boldly go where no one has gone before.” The change came about because of concerns that “man” could be seen as exclusionary.
11. Kirk’s Middle Name is Tiberius
In the series, Captain Kirk’s full name is James Tiberius Kirk. The middle name, “Tiberius,” was chosen as a nod to the Roman emperor Tiberius, adding a layer of regal gravitas to the character.
12. Dr. McCoy’s “I’m a Doctor, Not a [Something]” Catchphrase
Bones McCoy’s famous catchphrase—“I’m a doctor, not a [something]”—appeared in various forms throughout the series. For example, in the episode “The Devil in the Dark,” McCoy says, “I’m a doctor, not a bricklayer!”
13. Klingon Language Was Developed into a Real Language
What started as a fictional language in Star Trek was fully developed into a constructed language by linguist Marc Okrand. The Klingon language now has its own grammar, vocabulary, and is taught in classes worldwide!
14. Shatner and Nimoy Were Not Instant Friends
William Shatner (Kirk) and Leonard Nimoy (Spock) didn’t hit it off initially. Their relationship was rocky, with Shatner often overshadowing Nimoy’s quieter, more serious Spock. However, over time, the two actors developed a deep mutual respect, and their on-screen chemistry became iconic.
15. Star Trek Was Almost Canceled After Season 2
Despite its eventual success, Star Trek was on the verge of cancellation after its second season due to low ratings. It wasn’t until a letter-writing campaign by fans (organized by Bjo Trimble) flooded NBC that the show was given a third season.
16. Star Trek Inspired Real Technology
From medical tricorders to teleporters, Star Trek has inspired countless innovations. For example, the development of tablet computers can be linked to the PADDs (Personal Access Display Devices) featured in Star Trek: The Next Generation. In fact, many scientists have cited Star Trek as a major influence on their careers.
17. Leonard Nimoy Directed Two Star Trek Films
Leonard Nimoy didn’t just act as Spock; he also directed two of the Star Trek films. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982) and Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984) were both directed by him and became fan favorites for their emotional depth and action-packed stories.
18. William Shatner is a Published Author
Not only is William Shatner known for his portrayal of Captain Kirk, but he is also a prolific writer. He has authored numerous books, including a series of Star Trek novels, autobiographies, and even science fiction works of his own.
19. The “Red Shirt” Phenomenon
In the early seasons of Star Trek: TOS, red-shirted crew members (usually security officers) had a high mortality rate. This led to the popular trope of “redshirt” characters being the first to die on an away mission, which has since become a well-loved reference in pop culture.