Michael Forest, ‘Star Trek’ Actor and Voice Veteran, Dies at 97

Michael Forest, the character actor remembered by generations of Star Trek viewers as the Greek god Apollo, has died at 97. His friend James A. Brown announced that Forest died on October 14 after recently living at an assisted-living community in Sparks, Nevada.

Forest’s screen career stretched across more than six decades and well beyond the single science-fiction role that made him a convention favorite. He moved easily among television westerns, sitcoms, soap operas, low-budget adventure films and an extensive body of voice work.

A memorable visit to the Enterprise

Forest played Apollo in “Who Mourns for Adonais?,” a 1967 episode of the original Star Trek. His towering performance gave the series one of its best-known encounters with mythology, as the Enterprise crew met a being who claimed to be the last of the ancient Greek gods.

The role remained closely associated with Forest for the rest of his life. In 2013, he returned as Apollo in the fan-produced web series Star Trek Continues, nearly half a century after his first appearance.

Yet Forest often emphasized that his career was broader than that famous guest spot. His television credits included The Twilight Zone, The Dick Van Dyke Show, Gunsmoke, Mission: Impossible, Gilligan’s Island and several daytime dramas.

From Roger Corman films to voice acting

Born Gerald Michael Charlebois in North Dakota in 1929, Forest moved to Los Angeles in the 1950s. An acting class helped connect him with filmmaker Roger Corman, leading to appearances in drive-in features including The Saga of the Viking Women, Ski Troop Attack and Atlas.

Later in his career, Forest became a prolific voice and dubbing performer. His work reached anime, the Power Rangers franchise and video games including World of Warcraft and Dynasty Warriors. He also made a small appearance as a pilot in the 2000 film Cast Away.

Forest was preceded in death by his wife, actor Diana Hale, who died in 2022. Brown’s announcement remembered him not only for the long list of roles, but as a friend—a fitting final note for a performer whose familiar voice and face traveled through several eras of popular entertainment.