Penny Johnson Jerald Reflects on Her Time on DS9

Images: Paramount / NASA / Ritesh Biswas

Penny Johnson Jerald, renowned for her role in the iconic sci-fi series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, shares her insights and experiences from the show in an interview in issue 10 of Star Trek Explorer magazine.

An excerpt from the interview at StarTrek.com previews the interview. Known for her character Capt. Kasidy Yates, Jerald's contribution to the Star Trek universe has been both significant and groundbreaking.

Jerald's character, introduced in the show's third season, quickly became a fan favorite. Her portrayal of Kasidy Yates, the love interest of lead character Capt. Benjamin Sisko (played by Avery Brooks), was pivotal in the series. Kasidy Yates, who debuted in the episode "Family Business," evolved from a recurring character to a central figure by the series' conclusion.

Reflecting on her time on the show, Jerald, based in Los Angeles, expressed immense pride in being part of the ensemble. 

"We were really doing something special," she remarked. 

This sentiment was evident in her portrayal of Yates, who, by the end of the series, marries Sisko and is expecting their child. Jerald described their on-screen relationship as "powerful," a testament to the chemistry and professional respect she shared with co-star Avery Brooks.

Jerald and Brooks, both happily married in real life, were conscious of their strong on-screen chemistry. 

"The chemistry between Avery and I was uncanny… It was magnetic," Jerald recalled, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining professionalism. 

This dynamic, she believes, contributed significantly to the strength of their characters' relationship on screen.

A trailblazer in the Star Trek canon, Jerald was the first woman of color to captain a ship in the series, commanding the freighter S.S. Xhosa. Unaware of this milestone during filming, she focused on immersing herself in the Star Trek universe and bringing authenticity to her role. 

"My philosophy when doing a role is playing it from a place of strength and truth," Jerald stated.

Her performance not only resonated with fans but also paved the way for future characters in the Star Trek series, including Sonequa Martin-Green's Capt. Michael Burnham in "Star Trek: Discovery," the first African-American woman to play the lead in a Star Trek series. Jerald's Kasidy Yates set a precedent for strong, capable female characters, particularly women of color, in commanding roles.