21 Star Trek Actors Who Died In 2024
Please join us as we remember these incredible Star Trek artists we lost in 2024
Though the format of TrekCulture, and WhatCulture, articles take the form of lists, there is no order when discussing those who have passed away. This is not a countdown list, nor is it a ranking. Over the course of 2024, we have lost many incredible artists whose work helped crafted this franchise we love so much.
As in previous years, the list of entries will mostly focus on those who appeared on camera, but we would like also to ensure those who worked behind the camera receive their dues as well.
We would first like to highlight the following artists who passed away in 2023.
Michael Michaelian, Randall Bosley, Douglas Rowe, Paul Schiffer, Tom Ormeny, Bobbie Benton Hull, Martine Wood Brandner, Dan Kern, Emily Banks, Tom Klunis, Peter C. Antoniou, Glenn Ota, Jack Axelrod, and Jeffrey S. Jensen.
In 2024, we lost yet more incredibly talented artists who all helped craft Star Trek as we know it.
Tracy Tormé, Ron Sarchian, August Amarino, Paul Neary, James M. Ward, Phil Lodwick, M.D. Bright, Kevin Michael Brophy, Dan Wallin, Terrence Beaser, Maggie Schpak, T. Alan Chafin, David Loughery, Lora Johnson, Antony Acker, Greg Hildebrandt, John Hugh McKnight, Richard James, Scott L. Schwartz, and David A. McIntee.
As this list is published and produced before 2024 has ended, we will ensure that anyone who passes away between now and December 31st is included on our memorial list for 2025.
Thank you.
21. Mickey Cottrell - 1st January 2024
Mickey Cottrell, whose full name was Richard Edward Cottrell, first appeared in Star Trek in The Next Generation episode The Perfect Mate. He played Chancellor Alrik of the Valtese, who would, by the episode's end, marry Famke Janssen's Kamala in a political wedding. He returned in the Voyager episode The Raven as Dumah, one of the Bomar.
He had a prolific career as an actor, though his years as both a producer and a publicist resulted in an enormous body of work. He is credited with such projects as My Own Private Idaho, Shortbus, and Ed Wood.
His early career would see him working in the Gutherie Theatre, Minnesota, as well as the Loyola Theatre. In 2002 he formed his own publicity company - the Mickey Cottrell Publicity Agency, then followed this in 2004 with Inclusive PR. In 2016, he suffered a stroke that required him to undergo surgery and physical therapy.
He passed away from complications due to Parkinson's Disease at 79 years of age in the Film and Television Country House and Hospital, in Los Angeles.