Star Trek fans are mourning the loss of Michael Forest, the actor best known for playing Apollo in the original series. Forest has died at the age of 97, with news of his passing announced on Friday by his friend James A. Brown. In a heartfelt Facebook post, Brown remembered him as both a talented actor and a dear friend, saying he was too upset to share more at the time.

Born Gerald Michael Charlebois on April 17, 1929, in Harvey, North Dakota, Forest built an extensive television career. He appeared in beloved shows including The Twilight Zone, The Dick Van Dyke Show, Gunsmoke, Gilligan’s Island, Zorro, and The Outer Limits. However, his unforgettable performance as Apollo in the 1967 Star Trek episode Who Mourns for Adonais? secured his place in science fiction history.

Beyond his iconic role, Forest remained connected to the Star Trek community through numerous convention appearances. He also worked in films directed by Roger Corman, expanding his career beyond television and showcasing his versatility as a performer.

Forest was also a prolific voice actor, contributing to foreign-film dubbing, animated productions, and video games. His credits included franchises such as Power Rangers and Dynasty Warriors, as well as the hugely popular World of Warcraft. His cause of death has not yet been publicly confirmed. Rest in peace, Michael Forest. His legacy will live on through generations of fans, and our thoughts are with his loved ones. 🕊️