Every Actor Who Played Spock in Star Trek (There’s More Than You Think)

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Spock, the logical Vulcan First Officer from the USS Enterprise, is an unparalleled figure within the Star Trek Universe. His unique blend of intelligence, empathy, and even a touch of humor resonates with everyone who feels like an outsider. Whether you met him first in The Original Series, J.J. Abrams’ Kelvin Timeline films, Discovery, or Strange New Worlds, Spock has been a consistent figure in the Trek series. Although Leonard Nimoy’s portrayal is still considered the benchmark, the role has continued to evolve through various actors, each bringing their distinct touch to the character.

For approximately 60 years, starting from its debut on screens, a total of 14 actors have embodied the Vulcan character in various ways (although some are more notable mentions). From reboots to fan-made productions and legends of television to heroes from parallel universes, here’s every actor who has portrayed the renowned Vulcan First Officer throughout the decades.

1) Leonard Nimoy: Our Original Mr. Spock

Leonard Nimoy was undeniably the iconic portrayer of Spock in “Star Trek,” with his performance shaping not just the character but also significantly influencing the overall essence of the series. His unique blend of cool logic and subtle emotions made Spock an immediate hit among fans. From “Star Trek: The Original Series” in 1966, Nimoy’s Spock navigated the science station across three seasons, an animated series, eight movies, and even two episodes of “Star Trek: The Next Generation.

Nimoy’s portrayal of Spock was so significant that later actors have often imitated his speech patterns, behaviors, and unique interpretation of the character. In J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek (2009) and Star Trek Into Darkness (2013), Nimoy reprised his role as Spock Prime, a memorable moment for fans. Although Spock Prime died in Star Trek Beyond (2016), it remains to be seen what new storylines will unfold for this legendary character in the future.

2) Zachary Quinto: The Kelvin Timeline’s Spock

2009 marked my introduction to the Star Trek universe as a movie reviewer, with Zachary Quinto stepping into the iconic boots of Spock in J.J. Abrams’ ‘Kelvin Timeline’ reboot. Rather than the stoic, emotionally detached Vulcan we knew before, Quinto breathed life into a more complex and vulnerable character. The weight of being half-human and the devastating loss of his mother and home planet, Vulcan, left an indelible mark on this Spock, making him a compelling figure for a new generation.

Over three films – “Star Trek”, “Star Trek Into Darkness”, and “Star Trek Beyond” – Quinto’s portrayal of Spock was presented. At first, opinions were divided, particularly among long-time fans. However, over time, Quinto’s interpretation of the character has been appreciated for its unique twist while still paying tribute to the original. An exceptional aspect of this role was that Quinto got to act alongside Leonard Nimoy himself, resulting in a unique on-screen encounter of two different Spock versions. This not only brought together two generations of the franchise’s fans but also bridged the gap between them.

3) Ethan Peck: A familiar face in Strange New Worlds

Ethan Peck has stepped into the well-known role previously played by others. Making his debut as Spock in “Star Trek: Discovery” Season 2’s episode “Light and Shadows”, he now stars as the popular Vulcan character in “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds”. This offers us a look at the younger version of the Prime Timeline character from before “The Original Series”, played by Peck. His Spock is a younger, more emotionally sensitive version of the character who grapples with balancing Vulcan logic and human-like family and relationship issues!

In a unique interpretation, Peck has infused Spock’s character with nuanced instances of emotional development as we trace his path through young adulthood. His intriguing interactions with Captain Pike and turbulent relationship with Nurse Chapel introduce an innovative dynamic, offering fans a fresh perspective on pivotal events in Spock’s life – experiences that occurred before he addressed Kirk as Captain.

4) Jacob Kogan: A Young Spock in Star Trek (2009)

Before Quinto put on the ears, viewers first encountered a young Spock, portrayed by Jacob Kogan, in J.J. Abrams’ 2009 film Star Trek. The early part of the movie showed Spock’s challenging childhood on Vulcan, where he faced ridicule from his peers due to his mixed heritage. Kogan’s acting was impactful, particularly in a poignant scene where Spock, unable to contain his frustration any longer, lashes out at his tormentors.

In my perspective, the initial scenes skillfully delved into Spock’s internal struggle, making him feel more relatable and setting the stage for Quinto’s compelling portrayal of a mature Spock. Kogan intelligently unveiled aspects of Spock’s childhood that molded his devotion to logic, revealing not just a rigid Vulcan, but also a character with hidden emotional turmoil.

5) Liam Hughes: An Even Younger Spock in Star Trek: Discovery

Discovery, namely “Brother,” “Light and Shadows,” and “If Memory Serves.

Even though he’s relatively young, Hughes has accumulated credits like The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Supernatural, and The Flash. His portrayal of Spock was remarkable, highlighting the ongoing identity dilemma that has characterized the Vulcan throughout his lifetime. He left a deep impression by illustrating how early in the character’s life this struggle between logic and emotion begins to manifest.

6) Todd Haberkorn: Fan-film Hero in Star Trek Continues

Among the unexpected inclusions on our list is the acclaimed fan-made series, “Star Trek Continues,” available on YouTube. Primarily recognized for his voice acting roles in anime and English language dubbing, actor Todd Haberkorn took on the role of Spock in this unofficial production. This fan project faithfully continued the narrative from “The Original Series,” and Haberkorn delivered one of the most accurate portrayals of Spock, skillfully imitating Nimoy’s tone and mannerisms.

Enthusiasts’ responses towards “Star Trek Continues” were predominantly favorable, commending its meticulousness and frequently highlighting Haberkorn’s portrayal as exceptional. Although it isn’t recognized as part of the official series, the show and its actors successfully embodied the essence of the original production, providing solace for numerous fans by addressing the void created by the abrupt termination of the original series.

7) Jeffery Quinn: Spock in Star Trek: New Voyages

Another well-liked fan project called Star Trek: New Voyages, also known as Phase II, was admired by dedicated Trekkies for its impressive production quality, featuring detailed standing sets designed from original blueprints that were eventually approved by CBS and turned into a ‘Studio Set Tour’ in 2016.

In the sequence of episodes, additional actors portrayed the renowned Vulcan character. Initially, Jeffery Quinn, both an actor and visual effects specialist, assumed this role for the early installments of the production. Not only did he act in these episodes, but he also co-produced them. Later, Quinn landed a supporting part as a Vulcan scientist in the 2009 film “Star Trek”!

8)  Brandon Stacy: Another New Voyages Spock

Following Jeffery Quinn vacating his position, Brandon Stacy-who had previously stood in for Quinto in the 2009 film and served as his body double in “Into Darkness”-stepped forward to assume the role of Spock in “New Voyages.” Given that he had already filled these roles for Quinto, it’s hardly surprising that Stacy was an excellent fit to slip into the iconic ears!

Beneath the nurturing guidance of Stacy and fellow actors, New Voyages thrived as a fan-driven project to such an extent that it even caught the eye of Star Trek’s esteemed figures. Notable alumni from the original series, including Majel Barrett Roddenberry, Walter Konig, and George Takei, graced the production with their presence during its tenure, adding a touch of authenticity to each episode.

9) Billy Simpson: Voice of Child Spock in The Animated Series

As a kid, Billy Simpson was the initial actor to bring the sharp-eared science officer character to life, providing his voice for a standout episode titled “Yesteryear” in the underappreciated Star Trek: The Animated Series.

In an alternate reality, Kirk and Spock encounter a situation where Spock perished at age 7 during his Kahs-wan ritual. To rectify this deviation in history, Spock journeys back through time to protect his younger self. Leonard Nimoy’s soothing voice contrasts beautifully with Simon’s endearing portrayal of a youthful Spock. This interpretation is particularly captivating when we witness a young Spock employing the Vulcan nerve-pinch for the initial time against school bullies.

10) The Many Spock’s in The Search for Spock!

I can’t help but marvel at the unique spectacle offered by the 1984 film Star Trek III: The Search for Spock. Unlike any other Star Trek project, it had the rare privilege of featuring multiple actors playing the iconic character, Spock, all in a single viewing. The storyline revolves around the resurrection of Spock, who was initially believed to be deceased. This revived Spock appears as a child, and through an astonishingly rapid aging process, he matures to regain his original form. The transformation is beautifully portrayed by Carl Steven (famously known for his role as Tommy Pervis in Honey I Shrunk the Kids), Vadia Potenza, Stephen Manley, and finally, Joe W. Davis, each taking on the role at ages 9, 13, 17, and eventually, 25. It’s a remarkable testament to the versatility of the cast!

Frank Welker, who’s known for his numerous voice acting roles in series such as Transformers, Scooby-Doo, Garfield, Curious George, Baby Kermit, and The Simpsons, lent his talents to the unusual screams of Spock in the movie. This means that a total of 5 actors (excluding Nimoy) contributed briefly to this scene and were recognized for their work on our list.

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2025-08-06 20:44