Today in Star Trek history: TNG “Lower Decks” actor Dan Gauthier’s birthday

Dan Gauthier as Ensign Sam Lavelle in Star Trek: The Next Generation “Lower Decks”

It was today, December 2nd, back in 1963 that actor Dan Gauthier was born. Gauthier played Ensign Sam Lavelle, one of the four main “lower deckers” in the Star Trek: The Next Generation season seven episode “Lower Decks”. After the events of the episode, in which four Ensigns vie for promotion aboard the Enterprise, Lavelle is promoted to Lieutenant (junior grade).

Outside of Star Trek, Gauthier has had a long career in television and films, including as regular characters on Tour of Duty, Beverly Hills 90210, Melrose Place and soaps All My Children and One Life to Live. Let’s also not forget that Gauthier played the role of heartthrob Brad Powell in the criminally-underrated 1989 film, Teen Witch.

Please join me in wishing Dan Gauthier a very happy 57th birthday.