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LENARD, MARK (Leonard Rosenson 1924–1996). American actor.
After
a competent performance as a Romulan commander in an early episode of Star
Trek, Roddenberry recalled him to portray Sarek, distant father to Leonard
NIMOY's Mr. Spock, in one of D. C.
FONTANA's worst scripts for the series, even if
some delusionally thought of it as a classic. Lenard went on to land a
recurring role in Here Come the Brides (1968-1970) and probably forgot
all about Star Trek; then, after the cancelled series became a huge hit
in syndication, he suddenly discovered that, as the man who played Spock's
father, he was now part of the Star Trek family, provided him with new
opportunities. Thus, not only did he return to voice the role of Sarek in an
episode of the animated Star Trek, but his connection to that lauded
series undoubtedly helped him to get a role in another science fiction series, Planet
of the Apes, where he was unrecognizable and unmemorable beneath heavy ape
makeup. "Unrecognizable and unmemorable" would also characterize his cameo in
the first Star Trek movie, as some enthusiast, recalling that Lenard was
the only actor who had played both a Vulcan and a Romulan, thought that he
should be called upon to portray a Klingon as well. But all he had to do was to
look concerned while his starship was attacked, and all one can say is that,
for once, he did not act in an overly dignified manner.
Later,
as the death and resurrection of Spock became the focus of the Star Trek
films, Lenard was again asked to play Sarek in two films, and he eventually
appear in a third film and in two episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation,
but he was always competent, never outstanding. Surely, many of the television
actors who labored alongside Lenard in the 1960s and 1970s must have watched
those performances and exclaimed, "Hey, I could do that"—and indeed, almost
anyone could. But some individuals are luckier than others, and sometimes, that
is the difference between fame and obscurity.
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