The world of Star Trek might be familiar to fans, but its cast members have a rich history in classic Westerns. From William Shatner to Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, and James Doohan, these actors got their start in some of television's best Westerns.

As mysterious threats, blackmails, and rising tensions terrorize the enclave, the group considers hiring a gunslinger to protect their homes, pulling Tate right in the middle of the conflict. For related coverage, explore our detailed analysis on Technology and Digital Systems.

Star Trek Original Details and Timeline

The episode features an impressive ensemble cast alongside Koenig and Majors, including Susan Strasberg, Kurt Kasznar, and fellow future "Star Trek" actor Brock Peters (who later played Admiral Cartwright in "Star Trek IV" and "VI," as well as Joseph Sisko on "Deep Space Nine").

Before they joined the crew of the USS Enterprise and boldly went where no man had gone before, there were a handful of "Star Trek: The Original Series" cast members who were getting gritty in the Old West — and in some cases, slinging pistols — on one of television's best Westerns.

While many original "Star Trek" cast members appeared in "Gunsmoke," there were just as many who turned up in another seminal Western: "The Virginian" — TV's very first 90-minute color Western. Airing from 1962 to 1971, the series was set in late-1890s-era Wyoming Territory and centered around the titular Virginian: The mysterious foreman of Shiloh Ranch played Because of its movie-length runtime, the series always had a revolving door of guest stars to keep up with the demand of it sprawling storylines.

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So, if you were an actor in Hollywood during the 1960s, odds are you likely passed through Medicine Bow at least once.

Star Trek Original Next Steps and Impact

Before beaming up to the bridge of the USS Enterprise, several key "Trek" actors all appeared in the classic TV Western. Even after "Star Trek" ended in 1969, "The Virginian" was still going strong, and they managed to nab Walter Koenig for a romp in the Wild West, as well as Shatner for a second go-around.

A year before he assumed command as Captain James T. Kirk, William Shatner already made a name for himself on Broadway and appeared in a string of guest-starring roles on TV shows like "The Twilight Zone" and "The Fugitive." Another one of those roles was a memorable guest appearance on "The Virginian," playing a charismatic wanderer named Luke Milford.

In the Season 4 episode "The Claim," ranch hand Trampas (Doug McClure) quits his post at Shiloh Ranch after his old vagabond pal, Luke, rides into town and convinces him to abandon life on the ranch to chase quick riches in Deadwood.