10 Star Trek Actors Who Became Directors

When it comes to literally anything, Avery Brooks brings 110%. As positive as this sounds, it can also be intimidating, with several of the people who worked under him attesting to it. Terry Farrell, while discussing his acting skills, would comment that she found it a challenge to match him in their scenes, though he graciously matched her energy.

Behind the camera, it would be no different. When making his directorial debut on Tribunal, he got into a discussion with his assistant, B.C. Cameron. Cameron recalled that he invited her to the set of Quark's Bar, which was in darkness at the time, and said with a grin 'I want you to make sure I get what I need.'

There followed an exchange that culminated in Cameron informing Brooks that she wasn't sure he had a sense of humour, and that he needed to be clearer with his instructions, after which their relationship improved dramatically. Brooks would go on to direct several more episodes, including Far Beyond The Stars.

While filming Benny Russell's breakdown, Brooks was so lost in the moment that he forgot to call cut. The actors around him let the scene play out, as they weren't sure whether to interrupt or not. The result is clear in the finished episode, with both the starring turn, and the direction, offering some of Brooks' finest work.