Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, February 7, 1995 TAG: 9502080006
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The veteran actor played the Romulan commander in the ``Trek''-classic episode ``Balance of Terror'' (1966) and was a Klingon in the feature film ``Star Trek: The Motion Picture'' (1979).
But he is best known to Trekkers for his memorable portrayal of Sarek, Spock's (Leonard Nimoy) father, in the ``Trek''-classic episode ``Journey to Babel,'' the animated ``Trek'' adventure ``Yesteryear,'' several ``Trek'' films and two ``Next Generation'' episodes.
``I've always been surprised, moved and excited by the `Trek' phenomenon,'' Lenard says by phone from his Manhattan apartment. ``But after all this time and all the `Trek' incarnations, I've gotten pretty used to it being a part of my life and to the idea of it possibly going on forever.
``Many people say my first appearance, as the Romulan Commander, was one of the better `Treks' and maybe my best performance. I love Sarek and got to do some good things, but I'd have to say my best acting opportunity was `Balance of Terror.' ''
Lenard, who has narrated several ``Trek'' audionovels (including A.C. Crispin's ``Sarek''), can't quite put a finger on the appeal of Sarek, the stoic Vulcan ambassador whose relationship with Spock was forever problematic.
``I've never figured it out,'' the 60-something actor says. ``Part of Sarek's popularity probably has to do with the fact that Vulcans are so interesting to people.
``Also, hopefully, part of it had to do with my acting, but I don't want to be either too modest or immodest about that.''
When Sarek was killed off without encountering Spock in the ``Next Gen'' episode ``Unification I,'' many Trekkers felt the show's creative team made a huge dramatic mistake.
Lenard concurs. ``The episode was good, but it was a lost opportunity,'' he says. ``Anyway, Sarek was a wonderful character and I'm pleased I had the chance to do it.''
Born in Chicago and reared in Michigan, Lenard says acting was not his first career choice. After attending the University of Michigan and completing a stint in the Army, he moved to Manhattan to become a writer - only to discover he was better at acting than writing.
Before landing his first starring role - in the Broadway show ``A Far Country'' - Lenard worked as a product demonstrator at Macy's and a post-office night clerk.
Once established, he appeared opposite John Gielgud in a stage production of ``Much Ado About Nothing.'' His TV credits include leads in ``Here Come the Brides,'' ``Planet of the Apes'' and ``Otherworld.''
These days the married father of two teaches acting in Manhattan, attends about 12 cons a year and lends his familiar deep voice to commercials. Listen for him in spots for Saab, Zenith and CNN's ``Crossfire.''
Though he hopes to appear in a play in New York and intends to direct and star in an opera, Lenard's latest enterprises bear ``Trek'' connections.
One is ``The Boys in Autumn,'' a two-man play he is performing with ``Trek's'' Walter Koenig this month in Thousand Oaks, Calif.
The second project is ``Blood and Honor,'' a ``DS9'' comic book due from Malibu Comics in April.
Though the comic book marks a return to his first love - writing - Lenard says he has few complaints about his acting career.
``I've been knocking around, struggling, doing better and worse and OK all these years,'' he says. ``Honestly, after those odd jobs, I've never made my living as anything but an actor.
``That's a feat in and of itself, so I consider myself quite lucky.''
Logically
CON CALENDAR
Feb. 17-19
Vulkon at the Holiday Inn DFW North in Dallas, featuring Rene Auberjonois. (Call 305-434-6060.)
Creation at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal, Canada, featuring William Shatner. (Feb. 18-19 only; 818-409-0960)
LeapCon at the Airport Hotel in Burbank, Calif. (Feb. 18-19 only; 818-763-6269)
Creation at the Sheraton Astrodome in Houston, featuring William Shatner. (Feb. 19 only; 818-409-0960)
TREK/SCI-FI ALERT
If you have Trek or science-fiction news or trivia to share - or if you have questions relating to ``Star Trek'' - write to Ian Spelling, in care of the features department, Roanoke Times & World-News, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke, Va. 24010-2491. Be sure to enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you would like a reply.
by CNB