Five Horrible Klingon Performances

Klingons have always been the big bag in Trek since the early days. Oh sure others pop up from Romulans to The Borg to The Dominion but not matter what, Klingons are always there to steal the show. And there are some actors who’ve done such an amazing job playing these characters I still can’t believe it’s them under that makeup! Some have made careers playing these characters from Michael Dorn to Robert O’Reilly. Others were so charming everyone has heard of them like William Campbells Koloth or Barbara March & Gwynyth Walsh as Lursa and Beator.

But like any role sometimes an actor just doesn’t fit and the Klingon is boring or just played badly. I mean no disrespect to them I’m sure they tried there best, it just didn’t work for me. That being said, five examples of Klingons that were not memorably awesome but forgettably silly. I should mention I am judging performance not character and not counting characters dressing up as Klingons in disguise.

Krell (Ned Romero, A Private Little War)

I was going to be harder on this guy, until I looked him up. He was Native American but clearly playing a white person in black face. Ah 1960’s. He was boring as hell but since he was probably way outside his comfort zone I understand why. At least he had a chance for redemption appearing in TNG and Voyager. 

Todd Bryant (Star Trek V)

This guy has had an amazing career in stunt work and acting that’s still going! Too bad this pip squeak is on his resume. The guy was a pitiful waste who was just a plot device and nothing more. Nice to know Klingons have rebellious teens too I guess. The only part I like is the when he apologizes after being berated by the general. There is no honor in provoking a fight because you’re bored.

James Worthy (Gambit) 

This is really just one big inside joke. I think we all know that James Worthy was a Basketball star with the Los Angeles Lakers. So how did he end up on TNG? He was friends of a friend basically, and creators knew they had this almost nothing role in this episode so why not? While it is funny to see how tall he is the role leaves no impact at all besides a cute wink to the audience. 

Alexander (Jon Paul Steuer, Reunion)

The sadly late Jon Paul was the first actor to play Worf’s son in Nect Generation. And did a lousy job. Yes I know he was just a kid but the fact is he left no impression and according to Jonathan Frakes was hard to direct. No wonder he was replaced with Brian Bonsall. He did fine after this role but this was clearly not for him. 

T’Karr (Tim Russ, Invasive Procedure)

Tim Russ is Star Trek legend, appearing in TNG, Generations, and obviously Voyager where he played my favorite character Tuvok. Not to mention stuff he’s done since including Picard. But before that came his turn as a Klingon in this DS9 episode and I gotta be honest, I laughed when I saw it. He’s trying but I can see right through that makeup and don’t buy it for a second. It’s a good episode, he doesn’t ruin it, but the performance is just silly. 

Of course Klingons keep appearing and evolving for better or for worst (wtf Discovery???) and that’s because these villains are always fun to watch. Even at there worst. Did I miss anyone you think I should have mentioned?