Memory Alpha
Advertisement
Memory Alpha

List of unnamed Klingons who lived during the 23rd century.

Ambassador []

"There shall be no peace as long as Kirk lives!"
Klingon Ambassador, 2286 (Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home)

In the late 23rd century, this ambassador was the official representative of the Klingon Empire in the Federation. He was a hotheaded, but effective, diplomat who spoke with dramatic hyperbole. He made no secret of his dislike for James T. Kirk, which most likely stemmed from Kirk's experiences with the Klingon Empire during the 2260s. He also had a personal dislike for Sarek, believing he and most Vulcans were merely "intellectual puppets" of the Federation.

In early 2286, the ambassador loudly protested the Federation's development of the previously classified Project Genesis, which he claimed was central to a plot aimed at annihilating the Klingon species. His claims were debunked by Sarek, as he pointed out that Genesis was named for the creation of life and accused the Klingons of committing murder in their attempt to learn its secrets. The ambassador defended their actions, proudly stating that they had a right to preserve their race. When Sarek tried to speak on behalf of Kirk, the ambassador accused Sarek of harboring a personal bias, as Kirk had rescued Sarek's son, Spock. When the Federation Council refused to prosecute Admiral Kirk for supposed war crimes against the Klingons in defending the USS Enterprise from a Klingon attack on the Genesis Planet, the ambassador proclaimed that there would be no peace as long as Kirk lived. He then angrily left with his aides, as someone in the Council referred to him as a "pompous ass." (Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home)

In 2293, the ambassador defended his government's reasons for arresting Kirk and Leonard McCoy and charging them with the assassination of Gorkon, the chancellor of the Klingon High Council, under the rules of interstellar law. He was also present at the Khitomer Conference, where the first peace treaty between the Federation and the Empire was signed, begrudgingly applauding Kirk's efforts in preventing the assassination of the Federation President and the new Klingon Chancellor, Azetbur. (Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country)

Background information[]

According to Starlog (#111, p. 40 and #138, p. 30), Eddie Murphy was at one point expected to portray the Klingon ambassador in Star Trek IV, although John Schuck – who wound up portraying the character – had no idea about this situation until after his own involvement in the film's production. Schuck recalled how he first learned of the role, noting, "I was interested in reading for the part in Star Trek IV." (Star Trek: Communicator issue 114, p. 28)

Leonard Nimoy and John Schuck

John Schuck, as the Klingon ambassador, with Leonard Nimoy

Somewhat due to his ex-wife Susan Bay, who later married Leonard Nimoy, John Schuck was called in to read for the role of the Klingon ambassador, after Nimoy agreed to see him and take the interview. "The first thing he said when I walked into the office," recalled Schuck, "was, 'I don't think this is going to work.'" This statement, of course, did not set Schuck at ease for the rest of the interview. (Starlog, issue #138, pp. 28-29) He nevertheless read a scene for Nimoy. "He said, 'Thank you John, that was very good but we can't use you." (Star Trek: Communicator issue 114, p. 28) When Schuck asked Nimoy why not, Nimoy professed that he thought Schuck was too young for the part. (Starlog, issue #138, p. 29)

John Schuck noticed that, on Leonard Nimoy's desk, there was a drawing of the ambassador, clad in his Klingon robes. (Star Trek: Communicator issue 114, p. 28) As Nimoy informed Schuck, the illustration had been drawn by Costume Designer Bob Fletcher. "Bob had shown an awful lot of facial hair; the Ambassador had a beard that was white with grey," remembered Schuck. (Starlog, issue #138, p. 29) His immediate reaction was to exclaim to Nimoy that a six- or ten-year old boy could get dressed in the costume and thereby look the right age. (Starlog, issue #138, p. 29; Star Trek: Communicator issue 114, p. 28)

After reminding Leonard Nimoy that he would very much like to try the role, John Schuck's audition continued. "I ended up reading – and I ended up getting the part," he related. "Now that was very, very nice."

The Klingon ambassador's costume was fitted at Western Costume. This procedure involved many people, because boots had to be specifically made for John Schuck to play the role. Also designed and fitted especially for the scenes including the ambassador, which were to be shot over two days, were gloves and an extraordinary amount of jewelry. "It was very exciting to be attended to in that way, and be able to give input into the character," stated Schuck. However, he was very concerned – since mistakes had repeatedly happened – that the cape be of a lightweight design, later commenting, "The cape had to be weighted properly, so that it didn't pull me backwards and, at the same time, without knowing what the blocking was, if I had a quick movement I didn't want to find 10 yards of material under my feet to fall over." (Starlog, issue #138, p. 29)

Klingon Ambassador makeup

John Shuck's Klingon makeup is adjusted by Jeff Dawn

The makeup for the Klingon ambassador also had to be created and undergo some subtle fine-tuning. "Putting it on for the first time, seeing what areas were weak, how it worked involved a good half-day," John Schuck remembered. Putting his skin at risk, Schuck insisted on maintaining the color consistency between the prosthetic pieces and his skin. "I said that I was only going to be there for two days, so use the same [base] on my face as the latex. They warned me about it, and indeed by the end of the second day, I had very little of my original skin left, but I felt that it contributed strongly to the look." In contrast, Schuck also remarked with a big grin, "I didn't feel I looked that different in the makeup. I said, 'Four-and-a-half hours and look, no difference.'"

George Takei approved of the look, describing it as "a fantastic, elegant set of costumes for the Ambassador, and one of the most effective things about the costume is this full-flowing cape. [...] [Shuck] wears this cape well. He knows how to move in costumes that have the grandness, the sense of sweep." He further explained, "I saw that cape and I said, "That cape belongs on Sulu." I told Bob Fletcher the cape is something that can only be described as "Suluesque." I wouldn't be a bit surprised if we see Sulu wearing that "Suluesque" Klingon cape in Star Trek V, VI or VII. I've got my eyes on it." (Starlog #109, August 1986, p. 18)

Despite the Klingon ambassador being a relatively small role in Star Trek IV, John Schuck gave a notably strong performance in the part. He related, "I had seen Christopher Lloyd do nothing but talk Klingonese and I realized I didn't have to do that. I needed to make the Ambassador as Human a character as possible. I didn't think of him as a bad person, but someone with a point of view, a person of accomplishment. In my actor's mind, I thought of King Lear, so I made him quite theatrical." (Star Trek: Communicator issue 114, p. 28) Schuck also stated, "My image was of a man of the stature of King Lear or any of the Shakespearean greats, a man of passion and conviction, so that what we did not have in this scene was a man who was just crying out in the world merely because Klingons are mad, angry people. I wanted to have someone of passion, who was convinced that his people were justly wronged. I felt that was a very positive attitude to have [....] I used a very vocal approach to the Ambassador, and felt that I did do him as a very stentorian orator, extremely skilled and shrewd in how he chose his words, and he loved doing it. There was that sense of being on stage about the character. I don't know whether I took the scene – I wasn't trying to – but I certainly felt that I commanded attention as someone of stature, and that was primarily all I wanted to do for that small amount of time. And Leonard went along with all that. As a director, he was very, very supportive." Even though the scene featuring the ambassador required only two days to film, Schuck remained pleased to have the role. (Starlog, issue #138, pp. 29 & 30)

Gene Roddenberry approved of John Schuck's take on the Klingon ambassador in Star Trek IV, the actor subsequently reporting, "[He] loved the humanness I brought to the character." Aside from interviews, Schuck had absolutely no public recognition, by 1989, for portraying the Klingon Ambassador in the 1986 movie, owing to the elaborateness of the character's Klingon makeup. "I've heard people say that they realized it was me only when they recognized the voice," relayed Schuck. Many viewers of the movie expected the ambassador to return at the end of the film, as did Schuck himself. (Starlog, issue #138, p. 30)

Apocrypha[]

According to the Star Trek IV Sourcebook Update, his name was "Kiltarc zantai-Neygebh".

The novelizations of Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home and Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, written in turn by Vonda N. McIntyre and J.M. Dillard, refer to the character as "Kamarag (β)". The Star Trek Customizable Card Game gives his name as "Kamarag", as well.

The fictional reference book Star Trek: Federation - The First 150 Years (pp. 150 & 151) also named this character "Kamarag". The same book (p. 151) states that, in 2289, he was approached by the same Federation president who appears in Star Trek IV, as the president was interested in seeking one final chance at negotiations between the two powers, and that Kamarag consequently consulted his government, which agreed to welcome a Federation delegation on Korvat colony, beginning peace talks (as mentioned in DS9: "Blood Oath") which proceeded the Khitomer Conference.

Bounty hunter []

Sometime during the 2250s, an android duplicate of Harcourt Fenton Mudd ran afoul of this male bounty hunter, who apprehended him rather forcefully. When "Mudd" attempted to talk his way out of being apprehended, the Klingon kicked him in the face. (ST: "The Escape Artist")

This bounty hunter was played by an unknown actor.

Children []

These six children played on the ship owned by T'Kuvma's father. T'Kuvma attempted to get them to leave, but they attacked him. (DIS: "Battle at the Binary Stars")

D'Chok's Great House representative []

D'Chok's Great House member, 2257

High Council member

This male member of a Klingon Great House represented it on the Klingon High Council in 2256 and 2257. (DIS: "Battle at the Binary Stars", "Point of Light")

This male was played by a unknown actor.

House of Kor[]

Kor's firstborn son []

The firstborn son of Kor, along with the firstborn son of Koloth and Dax, the firstborn son of Kang, were all murdered by The Albino, prompting the trio of warriors, along with Curzon Dax to enter a blood oath to avenge their deaths. (DS9: "Blood Oath")

This character was only mentioned in dialogue.

The novel Forged in Fire gives Kor's son the name Rynar (β) as well. The novel The Tears of the Singers states that Kor was married to Kali thus making it likely that Kali was the mother.

Representative []

This female member of the House of Kor represented it. (DIS: "Into the Forest I Go")

This female was played by Taylor Martin.

House of Mogh representative []

House of Mogh 2257

Member of the High Council with the emblem of the House of Mogh in 2257

This female member of the House of Mogh represented it on the Klingon High Council. She had two emblems of her house on her shoulder in 2257. (DIS: "Point of Light")

This female was played by a unknown actress.

House of Mo'Kai guards []

These guards were members of the House of Mo'Kai in 2257. They accompanied Ujilli when he visited Ash Tyler at Chancellor L'Rell's residence. (DIS: "Point of Light")

Kirk and McCoy's trial[]

Audience []

These thousands of spectators stood present at the show trial of James T. Kirk and Leonard McCoy, many held spears with lighted tips. Throughout the trial chanted "KIRK! KIRK! KIRK!", a couple even chuckled at McCoy's arthritis joke. (Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country)

This audience was portrayed by Dragon Dronet, Eric A. Stillwell, and several dozen other unknown performers; voices were presumably provided, in part, by Terrence Beasor. Multiple masks of Klingons from this appearance were sold off at the It's A Wrap! sale and auction [1](X) [2](X) [3](X) [4](X) [5](X) [6](X) [7](X) [8](X) [9](X) [10](X) [11](X) [12](X) [13](X) [14](X) [15](X) [16](X) [17](X) [18](X) as well as one of the ceremonial staffs. [19](X)

For this shoot, the films production designer, Herman Zimmerman, found that "Even though I still had the next largest stage on the lot at my disposal, it wasn't quite big enough to do the courtroom I'd originally intended, so we had to scale it down somewhat." Ironically, that ended up working to the film's advantage, for the production was limited to 65 Klingon extras, but had to make it look like there were 3,000. Zimmerman explained, "The smaller set actually helped me convey the sense of a much larger audience; though we only had three rows of Klingons, we implied that there were many tiers above that, each containing another 50 Klingons. We were also helped by a matte painting, a downshot of the entire courtroom that augmented our real set and which will convince the audience that all of those Klingons were really there." (Charting the Undiscovered Country: The Making of Trek VI, p. 86)

"The Klingons seen in the most distant reaches of the gallery, as glimpsed in the first establishing shot of the scene, were a miniature set filled with two hundred Worf dolls. These 1/72 scale Worfs moved back and forth through the used of cams attached to motors run by the motion control system. Small Christmas lights suggested the lighted spears. They filmed the miniature set on its side in a smoke-filled room to get a murky Klingon atmosphere. They crew added live action elements of Kirk and McCoy imprisoned in a pillar of light and actors in Klingon attire in the uppermost tiers with the matte painting of Klingons in the gallery." (Trek: The Unauthorized Story of the Movies, p. 173)

Judges []

Klingon judges

The three Klingon judges

In 2293, these three judges presided over the trial of Captain James T. Kirk and Doctor Leonard McCoy after they were accused of involvement in the assassination of Chancellor Gorkon.

The trio of judges consisted of an albino Klingon speaker and two other judges who, like the albino, wore hoods embroidered with Klingon lettering but, unlike most Klingons (including the speaker), were not bearded.

The determination of this court found Kirk and McCoy were guilty as charged, but in light of the circumstantial evidence against them and to foster amity in the peace talks, the albino judge commuted their sentence of death, and they were instead given life imprisonment on Rura Penthe, without possibility of reprieve or parole. (Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country)

The judge, listed in the end credits of Star Trek VI simply as "Klingon Judge", was played by actor Robert Easton. His makeup and facial hair was applied by Margaret Prentice. [20]

Klingon Judge

Albino judge

In filming the scene, cinematographer Hiro Narita described that the lighting of the scene was done just so because "[..]the judge was an albino, so he had a very pale face and white hair that was almost hidden under a large black hooded cape. Nick wanted this white face only to become visible occasionally, so I aimed a little spotlight at him from above so you only see the judge's nose and forehead when he leans forward into the light. That was the kind of thing I really enjoyed on this film." (Charting the Undiscovered Country: The Making of Trek VI, p. 70)

The judge to Easton's left was played by Trent Christopher Ganino, the one to his right was played by an unknown actor.

Translator []

Klingon translator

Klingon translator

This translator translated General Chang's spoken Klingonese into English for the benefit of Captain Kirk and Doctor McCoy during their trial for the death of Chancellor Gorkon in 2293. (Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country)

The Klingon translator was played by Todd Bryant, who previously played Klaa in Star Trek V: The Final Frontier. The Star Trek Encyclopedia, 4th ed., vol. 1, p. 425 stated that this was in fact Klaa.

Kohlar's great-grandfather[]

Koloth's firstborn son []

The firstborn son of Koloth, along with the firstborn son of Kor and Dax, firstborn son of Kang, were all murdered by The Albino, prompting the trio of warriors, along with Curzon Dax to enter a blood oath to avenge their deaths. (DS9: "Blood Oath")

This character was only mentioned in dialogue.

L'Rell's family[]

L'Rell's father []

L'Rell's father was a blood kinsman of T'Kuvma and a member of the House of T'Kuvma. (DIS: "The Butcher's Knife Cares Not for the Lamb's Cry")

This character was only mentioned in dialogue.

L'Rell's mother []

L'Rell's mother, along with her mother's brother, Ujilli, were members of the House of Mo'Kai. (DIS: "Point of Light") When her daughter came of age, she presented L'Rell with a knife and demanded she cut her own heart in half if she would not choose to belong to either the House of Mo'Kai or the House of T'Kuvma, due to the heavy feuds between the Klingon Houses during this time period. Instead, L'Rell chose to build a bridge between the houses. (DIS: "The Butcher's Knife Cares Not for the Lamb's Cry")

This character was only mentioned in dialogue.

Military personnel[]

Players []

In 2257, these individuals played a game with Ash Tyler at the Orion embassy outpost on Qo'noS. (DIS: "Will You Take My Hand?")

Rura Penthe inhabitants[]

Tattoo artist []

Klingon tattoo artist

A tattoo artist

In 2257, this tattoo artist was giving a tattoo to a female Trill at the Orion embassy outpost on Qo'noS. (DIS: "Will You Take My Hand?")

This tattoo artist was played by an unknown actress.

Previous list:
Unnamed Klingons (22nd century)
Klingons
Unnamed Klingons
Unnamed Klingons (alternate reality)
Next list:
Unnamed Klingons (24th century)
Advertisement