MAY 16, 2022 - Captain Robert April was the first commander of the USS Enterprise, and his character was introduced on screen in the Star Trek: The Animated Series season two episode, “The Counter-Clock Incident.” Depending on what non-canonical sources you read, Christopher Pike was his first officer, but, in any case, Captain Pike succeeds Captain April in command of the Enterprise.

With the premiere of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Robert April is now an admiral, and his character is appearing for the first time since The Animated Series and is being portrayed by Adrian Holmes. Holmes reflected recently on the “honor” and “dream” it is to work on Strange New Worlds, in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.

Prior to Strange New Worlds, Holmes was known for his roles on Bel Air, and the Canadian police procedural, 19-2. His television work goes back to the early ‘90s, and his genre work includes appearances in Smallville, Arrow, Supernatural, and Battlestar Galactica: Blood and Chrome.

Holmes grew up a big sci-fi fan and enjoyed digging into April’s backstory when he got the job. He said he understands “the gravity of this man, the importance and significance of his involvement in Starfleet.” And he loves the diversity and inclusivity of Star Trek.

Holmes also got a special welcome when he joined the cast. “A friend of mine is friends with LeVar Burton, and LeVar was so kind. He sent me a video welcoming me to the franchise, and I was just so moved by his generosity.”

Head over to The Hollywood Reporter for the entire interview, and check out Adrian Holmes as Admiral Robert April in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, streaming now on Paramount+. And until tomorrow, May 18, you can see the premiere episode for free on YouTube.