Every Voyager Star Who’s Returned to Star Trek in the Last 10 Years

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For a long time, Star Trek: Voyager was seen as a less important part of the Star Trek story. But over the past decade, it’s become very popular again. With new Trek shows appearing in animation, high-quality streaming, and updated versions of older series, the actors from Voyager are now frequently appearing in those projects.

Recent Star Trek shows are clearly drawing inspiration from Voyager, revisiting storylines and characters from that series. Most of the original Voyager cast members have reappeared in the franchise, and their roles have often been more than just quick cameos. These returns have actually expanded on stories from the 1990s, adding new details to the established universe and solidifying Voyager‘s importance within Star Trek lore. Here’s a list of every actor from Voyager who has been back in Star Trek over the past decade.

9) Neelix in Star Trek: Very Short Treks

Neelix was the one everyone on Voyager turned to for a boost in spirits. He filled many roles – morale officer, chef, cultural expert – and sometimes, he could be a bit annoying! Actor Ethan Phillips played Neelix and transformed him from a purely comedic character into someone with surprising depth. After the episode “Homestead,” Neelix chose to stay with the Talaxians, and Voyager continued its journey without him. However, Phillips later brought Neelix back in Star Trek: Very Short Treks, an animated series. This appearance highlighted Neelix’s warm personality and humor, reintroducing the Talaxian cook to Star Trek fans.

8) Dr. Chaotica, Michael Sullivan, and The Clown in Star Trek: Lower Decks

The villains from Voyager‘s holodeck were famously over-the-top, and the writers of Lower Decks cleverly saw an opportunity to poke fun at them. Characters like the ridiculously dramatic Dr. Chaotica (Jeffrey Combs), the stereotypically Irish Michael Sullivan (Fintan McKeown), and the genuinely frightening Clown (Michael McKean) all originated from Voyager‘s holodeck simulations. But Lower Decks didn’t just offer great parody; it used these returning characters to subtly comment on the potential dangers and impact of Voyager‘s artificial intelligence research.

7) Tom Paris in Star Trek: Lower Decks

Tom Paris, played by Robert Duncan McNeill, started as a cocky and unlikeable pilot on Voyager, but he developed into a respected officer, husband, and father. Over the course of the series, Paris gradually became more humble and relatable, making him a popular character with fans. McNeill effortlessly reprised the role in Lower Decks’ “We’ll Always Have Tom Paris,” highlighting a key theme of the show: that people can learn from their mistakes and that the crew of Voyager earned their wisdom through experience.

6) Kathryn Janeway in Star Trek: Prodigy

Kathryn Janeway, portrayed by Kate Mulgrew, is widely considered one of the most important captains in recent Star Trek history. Throughout Voyager, she consistently faced the challenge of reconciling her commitment to scientific principles with the need to make difficult, practical decisions. She often shouldered these burdens alone, and her strong yet compassionate leadership shaped both the ship and the series itself. Janeway returned in Star Trek: Prodigy twice – initially as a holographic instructor, and later as Vice-Admiral Janeway, a return many fans particularly enjoyed.

5) Chakotay in Star Trek: Prodigy

Robert Beltran played Chakotay, the first officer on Voyager, and provided a strong moral center alongside Captain Janeway. As a former rebel leader, Chakotay represented the show’s themes of conflict between freedom and structure. He often acted as Janeway’s voice of reason and was essential to the ship’s character. In Prodigy, Chakotay returns as a dignified figure, and the mystery surrounding his current situation becomes a key part of the storyline. He’s now seen as a leader for those lost from the Voyager era, and Beltran beautifully captures Chakotay’s calm strength and unwavering dedication.

4) Captain Tuvok in Star Trek: Lower Decks & Star Trek: Picard

Tim Russ’s performance as Tuvok on Voyager was a highlight for many fans, as he consistently represented calm, logical thinking. Tuvok’s depth came from his close bond with Captain Janeway, his guidance of Seven of Nine, and his struggle to balance Vulcan restraint with his emotions. Russ later reprised the role in both Lower Decks and Picard, portraying an older, more world-weary Tuvok who remained dedicated to Starfleet. His appearance in Picard was particularly poignant, reflecting the challenges of a troubled galaxy.

3) Icheb in Star Trek: Picard

I always loved Icheb on Voyager – he was one of those characters who really stuck with me, especially as a former Borg drone trying to find his way. Seeing Janeway and Seven of Nine help him heal and wanting him to go to Starfleet Academy really hit on what that show was about: people reclaiming their lives and growing. It was great to see him back in Picard, though Casey King took over the role, and honestly, his story was heartbreaking. While it was a shock to see him go, it really drove home how messed up the galaxy had become, and it was exactly what Seven needed to finally confront her own pain and anger. It wasn’t necessarily what I wanted for him, but it definitely served a purpose.

2) Seven of Nine in Star Trek: Picard

Jeri Ryan’s character, Seven of Nine, became a fan favorite on Voyager as the show went on, transforming from a former Borg drone into a strong, independent person. Seven’s struggle to deal with the lasting impact of her assimilation made her one of the most interesting characters on Voyager, and arguably in the entire Star Trek franchise. When she reappeared in Picard, Seven was portrayed as a tough, world-weary character. Ryan’s performance continued the character’s journey from Voyager, but instead of undoing her growth, Picard allowed her to find new meaning and eventually take command in a way that was true to herself.

1) The Doctor in Star Trek: Prodigy & Starfleet Academy 

Robert Picardo’s character, the Doctor – an artificial lifeform with sentience – became a beloved figure on Star Trek: Voyager as he fought to be recognized as a person. Over seven seasons, he evolved from a simple program into a fully developed individual with passions and feelings. Picardo’s recent return in Prodigy and Starfleet Academy shows the Doctor as a teacher and guide. He’s no longer seen as just an experiment, but as proof of how Voyager changed the Federation’s understanding of life and rights. In Starfleet Academy, he shares his experience and knowledge with the next generation of Starfleet officers in the 32nd century.

Bonus: Voyager Herself

As a lifelong Star Trek fan, I was thrilled to see the USS Voyager pop up again in both Star Trek: Picard and Star Trek: Lower Decks. It’s more than just a ship, you know? Seeing Voyager instantly brings back all the memories of that incredible, desperate journey and that amazing crew. It’s a real symbol of Starfleet’s resilience. I’m so glad the writers of the newer shows are keeping Voyager alive – it feels like a vital part of the Trek universe, not just something from the past.

What’s your favorite guest appearance on Voyager from the past decade? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion in the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-02-02 00:12