Original Star Trek & Twilight Zone Director Dies At 102

Ralph Senensky, the director of classic shows like Star Trek and The Twilight Zone, died on November 1, 2025, at a hospital in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. He was 102 years old. His niece, Lisa Lupa-Silvas, a costume designer, told The Hollywood Reporter that he remained mentally alert until the very end, saying, “He was 100 percent sharp… he had a mind like he was 30.”

Director Joseph Senensky was highly regarded by Star Trek fans, especially for episodes like “This Side of Paradise,” considered a standout featuring Spock. He was also responsible for the show’s famous silver uniforms from “The Tholian Web,” though they ultimately contributed to his departure. Senensky personally favored the season two episode “Metamorphosis.” Later, he directed a memorable episode of The Twilight Zone, “Printer’s Devil,” which marked Burgess Meredith’s last appearance on the series.

A Director With An Incredible Legacy

Director Robert Senensky began his long career in the early 1960s with the television show Dr. Kildare. Over the years, he directed many popular series, including The Fugitive, Hart to Hart, and the initial pilot for Dynasty. He also worked on episodes of shows like Naked City, 12 O’Clock High, The F.B.I., Ironside, The Courtship of Eddie’s Father, Dan August, Nanny and the Professor, The Partridge Family, Barnaby Jones, Insight, and The Paper Chase. Notably, he directed an early and sensitive storyline featuring LGBT characters on the show Breaking Point, which he later described as a historic moment for television.

Ralph Waite, known for his roles in both The Waltons and his recent film The Right Regrets, recently passed away. Unlike many people his age who feel time has passed quickly, Waite felt he had lived a long and full life. Judy Norton, who co-starred with Waite on The Waltons, shared on Facebook that he had an incredibly influential career and his passing marks the end of a unique period in television history.

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2025-11-02 19:40