Introduction
Star Trek is a science fiction franchise that has been entertaining audiences for over five decades. One of the most memorable characters from the franchise is Klingon General Martok, portrayed by actor JD Hertzler. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the man behind the iconic character, JD Hertzler.
Early Life and Career
JD Hertzler was born in Savannah, Georgia, in 1950. He grew up in the rural town of Wrens, Georgia, where he developed a love for acting. Hertzler attended the University of Georgia, where he earned a degree in English and Drama. After graduation, he moved to New York City to pursue a career in acting.
Early Acting Roles
After moving to New York City, Hertzler began working in theater. He appeared in several off-Broadway productions, including “The Normal Heart” and “The Foreigner.” In the 1980s, Hertzler began to transition to television and film roles. He appeared in several popular TV shows, including “Hill Street Blues,” “L.A. Law,” and “Quantum Leap.”
General Martok and Star Trek
In 1995, JD Hertzler was cast in the role of Klingon General Martok in the TV series “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.” The character quickly became a fan favorite, and Hertzler’s performance was praised for its depth and complexity. Hertzler appeared in 35 episodes of “Deep Space Nine,” and his portrayal of General Martok is considered one of the most memorable performances in the history of the Star Trek franchise.
Other Star Trek Roles
After his stint on “Deep Space Nine,” Hertzler continued to work in the Star Trek franchise. He appeared in the film “Star Trek: First Contact” and in several episodes of “Star Trek: Enterprise.” He also provided the voice for several Klingon characters in the video game “Star Trek Online.”
Personal Life and Other Projects
JD Hertzler is married to actress and writer Cindy Lou Adkins. The couple has two children together. In addition to his acting work, Hertzler is also a writer and producer. He has written several plays and produced several short films. He is also an accomplished voice actor, having provided voices for several video games and animated series.
Political Career
In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, Hertzler has also been involved in politics. He ran for Congress in New York’s 23rd congressional district in 2009, but was not successful. He later ran for the New York State Senate in 2016, but was again unsuccessful.
Conclusion
JD Hertzler is a talented actor and writer who has made a significant impact on the Star Trek franchise. His portrayal of General Martok is one of the most memorable performances in the history of the series. Hertzler’s work in theater, television, and film has earned him a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim. We look forward to seeing what he will do next.
FAQ
Who is Klingon General Martok?
Klingon General Martok is a character from the science-fiction television series Star Trek. He is a high-ranking officer in the Klingon Defense Force and a recurring character in the series.
Who is JD Hertzler?
JD Hertzler is an American actor and playwright. He is best known for his portrayal of Klingon General Martok in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.
How did JD Hertzler get the role of General Martok?
JD Hertzler was originally cast in a minor role in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. However, the producers were impressed with his performance and offered him the role of General Martok.
What was JD Hertzler’s experience like playing a Klingon?
JD Hertzler has said that playing a Klingon was a unique experience. He enjoyed the challenge of learning the Klingon language and culture, and he appreciated the opportunity to explore the character of General Martok.
What other roles has JD Hertzler played?
In addition to his role as General Martok, JD Hertzler has appeared in a number of other television shows and films. Some of his notable roles include Captain Koloth in Star Trek: Enterprise, and the voice of the villainous Chancellor L’Rell in Star Trek: Discovery.
