21 Star Trek Actors Who Died In 2024

The self-proclaimed 'adopted son of Durango, California', Charlies Dierkop appeared in the second season episode of The Original Series Wolf In The Fold as Morla, the bereaved fianceé of Kara. As infamous as this episode was, it was a small part of Dierkop's vast C.V.

He was a lifelong member of the Actor's Studio, and though he semi-retired in recent years, he continued to appear in short films, as well as participating as a juror on film festivals. 

He dropped out of high school to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps, after which he served in the Korean War, before being discharged at age 19. Then, he used the G.I. Bill (a law that was signed in to help returning soldiers find work and other benefits) to aid in his enrollment to the American Foundation of Dramatic Arts in Philadelphia. 

He had many uncredited roles before his Star Trek appearance, though he would go on to appear in two very well-known films - Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid and The Sting. He is probably best known for playing Detective Pete Royster on Police Woman from 1974 - 1978. 

Dierkop recalled that when he was offered the role of Morla, he had no idea what Star Trek would go on to become. Many years later, he was being recognised at shows, and meeting fans at conventions. He is another wonderful example of - no matter the screentime - when one is in Star Trek, one will always be remembered. 

Dierkop was 87 years old when he died.