Iconic Star Trek Actor Michael Forest Dies At 97

‘Star Trek’ fans around the world are in mourning. Michael Forest, famously starring as Apollo in the original series, has passed away at age 97.

His friend, James A. Brown, first announced Michael Forest’s passing on Friday.

Per Deadline, in a Facebook post, he wrote, “It is with great sadness that I report that we have lost Michael Forest. I knew him as an actor and loved him as a friend. I’m sure others will share, but that’s all I’m capable of right now.”

Together with the post, brown also shared a photo of himself and Michael Forest. HE also shared a picture of the actor’s room at the MorningStar Senior Living in Sparks, Nevada, with a plate reading “Jerry Charlebois.” Forest was born Gerald Michael Charlebois.

Iconic ‘Star Trek’ actor Michael Forest dies at 97

Born on April 17, 1929, in Harvey, North Dakota, USA, Forest became a familiar face to television audiences through guest appearances in popular series such as The Twilight Zone and The Dick Van Dyke Show. He also appeared in shows such as Gunsmoke, Gilligan’s Island, Zorro, and The Outer Limits.

However, his memorable portrayal of Apollo in the 1967 Star Trek episode Who Mourns for Adonais? cemented his place in the hearts of many science fiction fans. Over the years, he made several appearances on Star Trek conventions.

Besides television, Forest also appeared in several films directed by Roger Corman and built a successful career as a voice actor.

His work included dubbing foreign films and lending his voice to animated productions and video games, such as the Power Rangers and Dynasty Warriors franchises.

Moreover, Forest also worked on the popular video game World of Warcraft. His cause of death has not yet been confirmed.

Rest in peace, Michael Forest. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones.

Forest's career reached viewers through several different kinds of performance. A guest appearance on a familiar television series could introduce him to one audience, while voice work brought him to people who might never have seen his face. That combination helps explain why memories of him extend beyond a single role, even though Apollo remains especially prominent among Star Trek fans.

The convention appearances described in his career also gave that connection a personal dimension. A performance originally created for a television episode could become the starting point for conversations with viewers years later. For fans, meeting the actor allowed an enduring screen memory to become a shared experience, linking the original series with the people who continued to celebrate it.

Brown's message expressed the loss from the perspective of a friend rather than simply listing professional achievements. His words placed affection beside admiration, reminding readers that a familiar performer also belonged to a private circle of people who knew him personally. The photographs accompanying the announcement brought those two sides of Forest's life together.

As admirers remember his television appearances, films and voice performances, that personal tribute remains central. His work can continue to reach audiences, while the people closest to him face a more immediate absence. Remembering both the performances and the friendships offers a fuller appreciation of a life spent connecting with others through acting.