Could Star Trek be the ultimate launching pad for Hollywood careers? The evidence is mounting. From 2017 to 2023, Paramount+ unleashed a wave of Star Trek series that not only revitalized the franchise but also introduced audiences to a new generation of talent. While the shows themselves became fan favorites, they also served as a springboard for actors who have since become major stars in film and television. Here are four standout performers who used the final frontier as a stepping stone to even greater heights.
Sonequa Martin-Green: From Captain Burnham to Boston Blue 🌟
Sonequa Martin-Green headlined Star Trek: Discovery for five seasons as Captain Michael Burnham, a role that made her the first Black female lead in a live-action Star Trek series. Her portrayal of Burnham was revolutionary, and she also took on producer duties, earning praise from her castmates for her leadership. But Martin-Green was already on the rise before donning the Starfleet uniform—she had turned heads as Sasha on The Walking Dead. During her Discovery run, she starred in Space Jam: A New Legacy and the critically acclaimed film My Dead Friend Zoe. Post-Star Trek, she became the co-lead of the hit CBS procedural Boston Blue opposite Mark Wahlberg. The show has already been renewed for a second season, and Martin-Green's star continues to ascend. As of 2026, she remains one of the most sought-after actors in television.
Isa Briones: From Synthetic Twin to The Pitt's Scene-Stealer 🎬
Isa Briones made a splash in Star Trek: Picard playing multiple roles—most notably the synthetic twins Soji and Dahj, as well as Kore Soong. Her performance reinvented androids in the Star Trek universe, making them more evolved and human. Before Picard, Briones made history as the youngest performer in the cast of Hamilton. After leaving the series before season 3, she starred on Broadway in Hadestown and in the Hulu series Goosebumps. Now, as of 2026, she is a standout in the Emmy Award-winning drama series The Pitt, where she plays the controversial Dr. Trinity Santos. Just as she did in Star Trek: Picard, Briones is proving to be a memorable presence in any ensemble.
Ella Purnell: From Animated Gwyndala to Post-Apocalyptic Heroine 🚀
Ella Purnell lent her voice to Gwyndala in Star Trek: Prodigy, the animated series that proved Star Trek could thrive in a kid-friendly format. Purnell was already a seasoned actress, having starred in acclaimed series like Yellowjackets (as young Jackie Taylor) and films such as Maleficent and Army of the Dead. As Gwyndala, she was the most prominent young name in the voice cast, often working opposite John Noble. While voicing Gwyn, she continued to build her resume, and now she juggles lead roles as a post-apocalyptic heroine in Prime Video's Fallout and as a killer in Sweetpea on STARZ. She has also continued voiceover work in Netflix's Arcane and Prime Video's Invincible. As of 2026, Purnell is one of the busiest actors in the industry.
Jack Quaid: From Ensign Boimler to The Boys' Hughie 🖖
Jack Quaid voiced Ensign (later Lieutenant) Bradward Boimler on Star Trek: Lower Decks for five seasons, also playing Brad's transporter clone Captain William Boimler. The son of Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan, Jack made his feature film debut in The Hunger Games and starred in Vinyl and Logan Lucky. As Boimler, he was co-lead alongside Tawny Newsome's Beckett Mariner, and the two made Star Trek history by appearing in live-action in a crossover episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Concurrent with Lower Decks, Quaid starred as Hughie Campbell in all five seasons of Prime Video's The Boys and was part of Oppenheimer's ensemble cast. Post-Star Trek, he has starred in feature films Companion and Novocaine, as well as Neighborhood Watch and Heads of State. He also voices the Man of Steel in My Adventures with Superman. As of 2026, Quaid's schedule shows no signs of slowing down.
| Actor | Star Trek Series | Notable Post-Star Trek Projects |
|---|---|---|
| Sonequa Martin-Green | Star Trek: Discovery | Boston Blue (renewed for season 2) |
| Isa Briones | Star Trek: Picard | The Pitt (Emmy-winning drama) |
| Ella Purnell | Star Trek: Prodigy | Fallout, Sweetpea, Arcane |
| Jack Quaid | Star Trek: Lower Decks | The Boys, Companion, Novocaine |
So, what makes these actors stand out? Each brought something unique to their Star Trek roles, and each has leveraged that exposure into diverse and thriving careers. The franchise's ability to spot and nurture talent is undeniable. As Star Trek continues to expand with new series like Starfleet Academy—led by Academy Award-winner Holly Hunter and Emmy winner Paul Giamatti—it's clear that the final frontier will keep launching stars for years to come. 🚀