Happy Birthday, Mark Lenard

[Aquarius]

Mark Lenard was born on this day in 1924. He's no longer with us, but I though in observance of his birthday we could remember him by discussing his many contributions to Star Trek history.

[Aquarius]

Okay, I'll start. One of the things I liked most was, when he played Sarek in "Journey to Babel," how he was able to maintain a "Vulcan" persona while managing to pull Amanda's leg. I think that playing a Vulcan has got to take some mad skillz so any actor who does it on a regular basis deserves major kudos. Mark Lenard's greatest accomplishment there, though, was to strike such a chord with fans just from that one appearance. There have been Vulcan "guest characters of the week", but not all of them become instant fan favorites. (Kov is really the only other one I can think of who was an instant hit...and he didn't come along until Enterprise!)

I have seen Mark in other roles and there is no doubt that he was a gifted actor; Sarek, though, won my heart in "Journey to Babel," and he kept it forever in ST III and STIV. His contribution to the Star Trek legacy will never be forgotten.

[crystalswolf]

I was surprised to see he played a Romulan in TOS. I usually catch when they recycle actors.

And I agree that it takes skill as an actor to play a Vulcan. Each character is slightly different in how they hide their emotions. Mark Lenard did an excellent job because I felt how much Sarek loved Amanda..

[Honeybee]

He played the first Romulan to appear onscreen, and it is a credit to his abilities that many people don't realize he's the same actor who played Sarek. That is a true credit to his skills.

His one appearance on TNG was outstanding as well. That episode was a risk, as it could have been melodramatic, but instead it hit just the right note.

[Aquarius]

^ Agreed, Honeybee. That had to be one of the most well-acted performances I'd ever seen on television. Sci-fi shows always get the shaft when it comes to awards, but Mark's performance in TNG was Emmy-worthy, in my honest opinion, and I'm not just saying that because it's his birthday!

[EntAllat]

Mark Lenard was one of my favorites when it comes to the portrayal of a Vulcan. He managed to make me believe that he adored his Human wife, had strong principles and was at odds with his son all while still having that placid 'non-emotional' Vulcan exterior.

[Reanok]

Marlk lenard was an excellent actor I like his portrayal of the Romulan commander and as Sarek in thetOs series and the movies. he appeared twice in TNG. He also guest starred in several Mission impossible one of the shows he was reunited with Leonard Nimoy.