John Colicos (Kor)

John Colicos (10 December 1928 – 6 March 2000; age 71) was a Canadian actor who played Kor, the first major Klingon seen on Star Trek. As such, Colicos defined the look of the Original Series Klingons – mustachioed menaces in the Genghis Khan mold. Originating the role in the first season episode “Errand of Mercy”, Colicos was to return as Kor in both “The Trouble with Tribbles” and “Day of the Dove”, but scheduling conflicts made this impossible. Regardless, he would be able to reprise the role of Kor several more times on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

Colicos filmed his scenes for “Errand of Mercy” on Tuesday 31 January 1967 at Desilu Stage 9, Wednesday 1 February 1967 and Thursday 2 February 1967 at Stage 10.

In a career that spanned over five decades, Colicos performed in nearly 100 film and television projects. His appearance as Kor in the Deep Space Nine episode “Once More Unto the Breach” in 1998 was among his last acting roles. Less than two years afterward, Colicos died in his hometown of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, following a series of heart attacks. He was 71 years old.