'Star Trek' is 60. Here's what the cast of the original series is up to now.
As 'Star Trek' celebrates its 60th anniversary, the article reflects on the legacy of the original series and provides updates on the surviving cast members. The franchise has grown from a single television show into a massive cultural phenomenon spanning decades.
Why it matters
The enduring popularity of 'Star Trek' illustrates the significant cultural impact of science fiction on global media and technology culture.
Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner in 2009. Mark Davis/Getty Images "Star Trek" debuted 60 years ago on September 8, 1966. After the show, the cast of the original series remained sci-fi icons. Only three stars of "The Original Series" are alive in 2026. When Gene Roddenberry came up with the Vulcan phrase, "Live long and prosper," he had no way of knowing that he was predicting the future of his little sci-fi show that premiered on NBC 60 years ago. In the six decades since, " Star Trek " has become one of our most enduring franchises , with 13 feature films (plus one direct-to-streaming movie), 13 television shows, and millions of fans all over the world — and perhaps the galaxy.
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