Michelle Hurd was last seen in the Star Trek universe in the series finale of Star Trek: Picard. Her character, Raffi Musiker, survived the entire series, so it’s likely that Trekkies will see her at some point in the future. But how soon will that be? Read on to discover if Hurd is set to reprise her Star Trek role anytime soon.
Is Michelle Hurd returning to Star Trek?
There’s no official announcement yet about Michelle Hurd’s return to Star Trek, but the actress is hopeful that she will get to play Raffi again in the potential Star Trek: Picard spinoff series Star Trek: Legacy.
“I love Raffi. She’s my favorite character,” Hurd told TV Insider on the red carpet for Law & Order: SVU‘s 25th season celebration in January 2024. “We have hands, fingers, everything’s crossed for Star Trek: Legacy. I know that right now they’re working on [the movie] Section 31 for Michelle Yeoh. And then they’re going to do Starfleet Academy. That’s going to be a series. And then if the fans still want it, they’ll start working on Star Trek: Legacy.”
Is there going to be a spinoff of Star Trek: Picard?
There’s currently no Star Trek: Picard spinoff series in development but Star Trek: Picard showrunner Terry Matalas has been vocal about his dream of making a new show that would see legacy Star Trek characters interacting with younger players of the beloved sci-fi franchise. In an interview with TrekMovie.com ahead of Star Trek: Picard season 3 premiere, Matalas dubbed this dream spinoff series Star Trek: Legacy.
“There’s no question that this will feel, by the time it’s over like the final voyage of the Next Gen cast. And without going into spoilerrific detail, that doesn’t mean to say that a kind of Next, Next Generation show couldn’t continue with legacy characters,” Matalas told the website in February 2023. “A kind of Star Trek: Legacy if you will, where these characters can continue to interact with a whole new generation. And when I say that, I also mean characters from Deep Space Nine and Voyager as well. But again, I will remind fans, this is just my dream of dreams. And it’s not currently in development in any way. But should it ever be, I would be there in a New York minute.”
Will Star Trek: Legacy happen?
When the series finale of Star Trek: Picard dropped on Paramount+ in April 2023, fans got more ideas about what Star Trek: Legacy could be like, and it appears that a lot of Trekkies are up for it. In fact, there’s a Change.org petition calling Paramount+ to greenlight Star Trek: Legacy with Terry Matalas as showrunner.
Long before the season 3 finale of Star Trek: Picard, the weekly pop culture podcast The Popcast created a Change.org petition calling Paramount+ to pick up Star Trek: Legacy to series with Matalas at the helm.
A week after the finale dropped on Paramount+, the petition passed the 32,000 mark, which, according to TrekMovie.com, was the same level of support received by a previous petition calling for a show with Captain Pike and the USS Enterprise after Star Trek: Discovery season 2 in 2019.
Fast-forward to May 17th, the petition reached 50,000 signatures. On the same day, Jeri Ryan, who plays Seven of Nine in Star Trek: Picard and one of the stars of the potential Star Trek: Legacy, took to Twitter to share the new milestone reached by the petition, all while showing her appreciation for the fans.
Holy crap, over 50,000 signatures and climbing! You guys are unreal…! 👊🏼🖖🏼❤️#StarTrekLegacy https://t.co/5cf965SNqB
— Jeri Ryan (@JeriLRyan) May 17, 2023
As of January 21, 2024, the petition has already earned nearly 64,000 signatures.
When asked how the constant calls for Star Trek: Legacy have made him feel, Matalas told CinemaBlend: “Oh, it’s flattering. I mean, it’s very flattering. I love Star Trek. That’s lovely. That’s very lovely to hear.”
While Matalas is very much willing to helm Star Trek: Legacy, the decision to order the spinoff series is not exactly his to make. He, however, shared that he is in constant talks with Star Trek boss Alex Kurtzman.
“You know, there’s conversations happening all the time. I think Alex has a plan for the Star Trek universe and I think he has to figure out how all these things play out, right? I don’t think he wants to rush into anything,” Matalas explained of why Star Trek: Legacy won’t happen anytime soon. “He’s got two great [live-action] shows happening right now, Strange New Worlds and Starfleet Academy, and the Section 31 movie. So, you know, they’re pretty well stocked.”
But on the other hand, Matalas firmly believes that “there’s a demand” for Star Trek: Legacy. “I would say the fans should be loud and tell the world what they want. And maybe one day we’ll be able to do it,” said Matalas, before pointing out that “the fans are heard, but they should keep doing their thing.”
Matalas shared the same sentiments in a separate interview with SFX Magazine (via GamesRadar), saying: “These shows are expensive to make. They currently have two shows, with Strange New Worlds and Starfleet Academy [beginning production in 2024] and I think Paramount would have to financially justify a third one. I think the way they look at it is that they’re well-stocked. So unless fans can convince them otherwise, that’s certainly the point of view at the moment.”
For his part, Kurtzman told Fox LA that “anything is possible” in terms of Star Trek: Legacy becoming a reality. “We’ve heard the fans loud and clear. There’s obviously more story to tell. So, we’ll see,” Kurtzman told the news outlet earlier this April 2023.
What will Star Trek: Legacy be about?
If Star Trek: Legacy gets picked up into a series, the show will follow the adventures of Captain Seven of Nine (Jeri Ryan), Number One Raffi Musiker (Michelle Hurd), Jack Crusher (Ed Speleers), and the rest of the crew of the rechristened USS Titan, now called the USS Enterprise-G. Terry Matalas told Collider that the potential Star Trek series would start with the newly built crew.
“I think I would want it right there with them,” Matalas said of his ideal starting point for the potential series. “I think the idea of Captain Seven, Jack Crusher, Raffi as Number One, the La Forge sisters (Ashlei Sharpe Chestnut’s Ensign Sidney La Forge and Mica Burton’s Alandra La Forge) and Esmar (Jin Moley) and [Mura] (Joseph Lee), I would love to see the crew of that USS Enterprise out there as the next generation, mixed in with a lot of these legacy characters again. I think that they’ve never been better and more interesting.”
Matalas also told Entertainment Weekly that “Jack’s got a lot to do” in Star Trek: Legacy. When asked if he has a specific plan for Picard’s son, who met Q (John de Lancie) in the mid-credits scene of the Star Trek: Picard series finale, Matalas said, “Oh yes, I do”.
What are Michelle Hurd’s other notable acting roles?
In addition to her role in Star Trek, Michelle Hurd has graced our screens with other compelling characters throughout her career. Here’s a closer look at some of her notable roles:
Another World (1991-1997)
Hurd played Dana Kramer in the soap opera Another World. Hurd’s portrayal in the series was praised for its depth and complexity. She brought a nuanced performance to the role, capturing the character’s emotional turmoil, resilience, and strength. Her work on Another World helped establish her as a talented actress and paved the way for her successful career in television and film.
New York Undercover (1994-1995)
In New York Undercover, Hurd initially plays the dedicated A.D.A. Reynolds, passionately prosecuting criminals alongside detectives. However, in a shocking twist, she becomes embroiled in a criminal scheme in Season 3, leaving viewers grappling with the character’s unexpected moral ambiguity and Hurd’s captivatingly nuanced performance.
Malcolm & Eddie (1997-1998)
Hurd played Simone Lewis, a sharp and sassy lawyer who catches the eye of Malcolm in the sitcom Malcolm & Eddie. Their on-and-off romance drives much of the humor, as Simone challenges Malcolm’s laid-back ways and adds a spark of sophistication to the barbershop crew. Though only recurring in the 1997-1998 seasons, Simone remains a memorable character for her witty banter and influence on Malcolm’s growth.
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999-2001)
Here, Hurd took on the role of Detective Monique Jeffries, a dedicated and sharp investigator known for her calm demeanor and insightful approach. Alongside Olivia Benson, Jeffries tackled sensitive cases involving sexual assault and child abuse, earning recognition for her empathetic portrayal and commitment to justice.
Leap Years (2001-2002)
Hurd stars in Leap Years as Athena Barnes, a driven career woman grappling with the choices she’s made and the uncertainty of the future. The show’s non-linear format jumps between the years 2001 and 2008, revealing how past decisions and relationships shaped Athena’s present and hinting at the challenges and transformations she might face in the years to come
Skin (2003)
Hurd portrays Detective Kimberly Banks in the miniseries Skin. As a determined and resourceful investigator, Banks tackles racially motivated crimes, navigating complex dynamics and confronting personal biases while pushing for justice and equality in a challenging social landscape.
According to Jim (2004)
In the sitcom According to Jim, Michelle Hurd takes on the role of Kitson, a real estate agent who crosses paths with the Heffernan family in a two-part episode titled When You Wish to Be a Star. Jim, eager to launch his singing career, enlists Kitson’s help in securing a gig at a music venue. However, Jim’s over-the-top personality and Kitson’s professional demeanor create a clash of styles, leading to comedic misunderstandings and mishaps. Their interactions add a fun twist to the episode, showcasing Hurd’s talent for delivering witty lines and playing off Jim’s eccentric character.
ER (2006-2007)
Hurd played Courtney Brown, a television news producer who developed a close relationship with Dr. Kerry Weaver during her recurring role on ER from 2006 to 2007. Their dynamic added a refreshing layer of personal exploration and professional collaboration to the medical drama, exploring themes of ambition, acceptance, and navigating complicated personal lives while serving in demanding roles.
Gossip Girl (2007-2008)
Michelle Hurd played Laurel in Gossip Girl, a recurring character across several episodes in 2007-2008. Laurel served as a trusted but conflicted confidante to Eleanor Waldorf, navigating the intricacies of Upper East Side society while hiding a secret past and facing moral dilemmas that occasionally brought her into the orbit of Blair and Serena’s glamorous yet chaotic lives.
The Glades (2010-2013)
Stepping into the shoes of Sheriff Colleen Manus, Hurd commanded the screen as the first African-American sheriff of Palm County, Florida. Manus juggled the demands of leading a team, navigating political complexities, and solving cases in the eccentric Florida Everglades. Hurd’s charisma and strong presence kept viewers engaged with the show’s blend of crime drama and humor.
90210 (2011-2013)
In the 2011-2013 revival of Beverly Hills 90210, Michelle Hurd portrayed Rachel Gray, a savvy entertainment lawyer navigating the cutthroat world of Hollywood fame and fortune. She served as a mentor and confidante to Naomi Clark, guiding her through legal battles and the complexities of the music industry, all while facing her own professional and personal challenges with poise and resilience.
Devious Maids (2015)
Hurd appears in Devious Maids as Jacklyn Dussault, a ruthless and manipulative head of talent at Ducerna Records. As the show’s season 3 villain, she wreaks havoc by blackmailing, scheming, and even attempting murder, all while maintaining a glamorous facade that hides her dark secrets.
Hurd embodied Ellen “Shepherd” Briggs, the ruthless mastermind behind the FBI’s cryptic tattoo case. Initially introduced as a mysterious ally, Shepherd’s cunning and manipulative nature revealed her as the true antagonist, pushing Jane Doe and the team to their limits. Her calculated performances and nuanced portrayal of a complex villain made Shepherd a standout element of the series.
Daredevil (2016)
Michelle Hurd portrays Samantha Reyes, a cunning and ambitious District Attorney in season 2 of Daredevil. Initially overseeing the prosecution of Frank Castle, Reyes proves herself adept at manipulating the legal system and playing both sides of the fence. As the season progresses, her motives become increasingly clouded, leaving viewers unsure whether she’s truly seeking justice or pursuing her own hidden agenda.
Ash vs Evil Dead (2016)
Michelle Hurd portrays Linda B. Emery in Ash vs Evil Dead, a fiercely independent police detective thrust into the world of Deadite mayhem alongside chainsaw-wielding Ash Williams. Initially skeptical of Ash’s outlandish claims, Linda eventually becomes a trusted ally, using her sharp wit, detective skills, and surprisingly handy boomstick to battle the forces of darkness.
Lethal Weapon (2017-2018)
Michelle Hurd played Gina Santos, a captivating and complex Chief brought in to shake up the precinct in Lethal Weapon‘s second season. She ruffled feathers, reignited old tensions with Murtaugh (her past), and commanded attention with her no-nonsense leadership and underlying vulnerability, becoming a compelling addition to the show’s dynamic.
Hurd also guest starred in various TV shows, including The Practice, Charmed, Bones, CSI: Miami, The Good Wife, Blue Bloods, Raising Hope, Pretty Little Liars, Hawaii Five-0, The Mysteries of Laura, Bosch, Pose, and The Walking Dead: Dead City. She also appeared as the comic book superhero B.B. DaCosta / Fire in the failed television pilot Justice League of America in 1997.
On the movie front, Hurd was part of the cast of the following films: The Dark Knight, Random Hearts, Girl Most Likely, I Spit on Your Grave III: Vengeance Is Mine, We Don’t Belong Here, Bad Hair, and Anyone But You.
Michelle Hurd’s theater career
Before gracing the small and big screen, Michele Hurd has starred in various theater productions. One of her early Off-Broadway performances was in the 1990 play The Constant Couple. She then made her Broadway debut in the 1996 Stephen Sondheim–George Furth play Getting Away with Murder. She then went on to appear in the theatre productions of Othello, A.M.L., Hamlet, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
Hurd also acted in Looking for the Pony for Manhattan Theater Source with her sister Adrienne and in 900 Oneonta for Circle Repertory Company with Garret Dillahunt. She won the Robbie Award and the California Theatre Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama for the premiere of Richard Greenberg’s The Violet Hour.
Michelle Hurd’s personal life
Family
Born on December 21, 1966, in New York City, Michelle Hurd is the daughter of actor Hugh Hurd and Merlyn Hurd (née Purdy), an actress and clinical psychologist. Her parents met when they appeared in the same Broadway show. Hurd has two sisters, Adrienne Hurd and Denise Hurd.
Education
Hurd graduated from Saint Ann’s School in 1984 and Boston University in 1988, and studied with the Alvin Ailey School. Following her graduation from college, she studied at London’s National Theatre.
Spouse
Michelle Hurd has been married to fellow actor Garret Dillahunt since July 6, 2007. They have collaborated on several projects together throughout their careers and appear to maintain a private and supportive relationship.