This week in Star Trek history: Jennifer Hetrick, TNG’s Vash, was born

Jennifer Hetrick as Vash on Star Trek: The Next Generation “Captain’s Holiday”

MAY 11, 2021 - 63 years ago tomorrow on May 12, 1958, Star Trek guest star Jennifer Hetrick was born.  Hetrick played Vash, a less-than-scrupulous archeologist who befriended Captain Picard, and then developed a romantic interest in him in “Captain’s Holiday”.  She returned in The Next Generation’s season four episode “Qpid”, in which she participated in Q’s Robin Hood simulation as Maid Marian. By the end of the episode, she agreed to go with Q to explore the universe. Her third and final Trek appearance as Vash was on Deep Space 9’s season one episode “Q-Less”, in which an item she brought back from her travels caused problems aboard the station.

Outside of Star Trek, Hetrick has guest starred on genre shows such as The X-Files, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Sliders and Alias as well as appearing on 24, Beverly Hills 90210, NCIS and Criminal Minds. She also had a recurring role on L.A. Law opposite fellow Star Trek guest actors, Corbin Bernsen, who played her ex-husband on the show, and Diana Muldaur.

Please join Daily Star Trek News in wishing Jennifer Hetrick a very happy 63rd birthday and tune in next Wednesday for more Star Trek history.