Clint Howard Makes His Fifth Appearance in the 'Star Trek' Franchise

Clint Howard in his first STAR TREK appearance and his latest one. Image: Paramount.

AUGUST 2, 2023 - In the vast universe of Star Trek, a franchise that has spanned decades and captivated generations of fans, there is one actor who stands out as a true icon—Clint Howard. With a remarkable career that began at the tender age of two, appearing alongside his brother, Ron Howard, in an episode of The Andy Griffith Show, Clint Howard has become a familiar face in both film and television. However, it is his contributions to the Star Trek universe that have truly cemented his place in sci-fi history.

Most notably, Clint Howard holds the distinction of being the only actor to have appeared in both the original Star Trek series and either Star Trek: Discovery or Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. His journey in the Star Trek universe began at the young age of seven when he portrayed Balok in the original series episode "The Corbomite Maneuver." In this memorable role, Clint showcased his talent by portraying a frightening alien with a surprising twist—a deceptive appearance that conceals a child-like form. This performance endeared him to fans and set the stage for his future ventures into the Star Trek universe.

Over the years, Clint Howard's Star Trek journey continued as he made guest appearances in various series. Notably, he appeared as Grady, a homeless and mentally ill man in "Past Tense," a two-part episode of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine that tackled important political issues. He also played Muk, a Ferengi pirate, in Star Trek: Enterprise, which showcased his ability to take on diverse roles within the Trek universe.

In a particularly intriguing cameo, Clint Howard appeared as an unnamed "Creepy Orion" in Star Trek: Discovery's season 1 finale, "Will You Take My Hand?" His brief yet impactful appearance added an element of mystery and intrigue to the episode's storyline, demonstrating his versatility as an actor.

Clint Howard's latest appearance in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds as Commander Buck Martinez, the Chief Medical Officer during the Klingon War, highlights his ability to bring authenticity and depth to his characters. Despite his brief appearance, his portrayal of Martinez showcases his talent for adding a touch of levity even in the midst of emotionally heavy storylines.

Beyond his impressive Star Trek resume, Clint Howard also holds the distinction of being one of the few actors who have appeared in both the Star Trek and Star Wars franchises. His role as Ralakili, the man who ran the droid fighting pit in Solo: A Star Wars Story, adds another dimension to his multifaceted career in sci-fi.

Clint Howard's contributions to the Star Trek universe have endeared him to fans and solidified his place as a beloved figure within the franchise. His ability to portray a wide range of characters and his dedication to the craft of acting make him a true treasure in the world of sci-fi and beyond.

As Star Trek continues to explore new frontiers with upcoming series and movies, fans can anticipate the possibility of seeing Clint Howard on the screen once again, adding his unique charm and talent to the ever-expanding universe of Star Trek.