For fans of Star Trek: The Next Generation, Marina Sirtis will forever be known as Counselor Deanna Troi, the compassionate Betazoid advisor aboard the USS Enterprise-D. As one of the iconic sci-fi series’ principal cast members, Sirtis became a staple at Trek conventions and developed a dedicated fanbase from 1987 to 1994.
Nearly 25 years after TNG signed off, we take a look at the projects that have kept this fan favorite performer busy over the past two decades.
Background Information
Born in London, England on March 29, 1955, Marina Sirtis is the daughter of Greek parents John and Despina Sirtis.
While she wanted to become an actress from a young age, her parents preferred she pursue a different line of work. So Marina decided to follow her dream in secret!
As a result, she applied for and was accepted to the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where she graduated in 1976.
Ten years later, she would move to the United States in order to pursue her acting career in Hollywood.
Early Career
Prior to her migration to LA, Sirtis’ early acting days revolved around British theater and television.
Her first credited acting performance was in the TV show “Raffles” in 1977 where she played the character Faustina.
From 1977-1987, Sirtis would test the acting waters with one-off parts in sitcoms and drama series as well as roles in bigger budget features like The Wicked Lady (1983) with Faye Dunaway and Death Wish 3 (1985) starring Charles Bronson.
Star Trek: The Next Generation
Sirtis most notable role is as Deanna Troi in Star Trek: The Next Generation, in which she appeared in 176 episodes.
In the show, Deanna Troi was a hybrid Betazoid and human, and she served as counselor on the USS-Enterprise-D and -E.
She appeared in every season and all of the films associated with the series.
Originally, creator Gene Rodenberry wanted Deanna Troi to be known primarily for her looks and sex-appeal.
Following the success of her character in The Next Generation, Sirtis went on to reprise Deanna Troi in four feature films including Star Trek: Generations, First Contact, Insurrection, and Nemesis.
The counselor showed up again in several episodes of Star Trek: Voyager and Star Trek: Enterprise.
Thanks to the initial lack of creative vision for the character, fans were torn about Counselor Troi’s presence in the crew.
However, all of that changed when Troi was officially welcomed as a member of Starfleet.
As such, she is consistently featured in fan- and media-created rankings in online and print publications, highlighting the character’s likeability.
Her ability to sense the emotions of others, as portrayed through Sirtis’ powerful performances, truly connects with audiences.
After her initial run on Star Trek: The Next Generation, and in between her various appearances in other Star Trek titles, Sirtis continued acting.
Some of her notable television credits include parts in The Outer Limits, Stargate SG-1, Without a Trace, NCIS, Scandal, The Orville, and Grey’s Anatomy.
Horror aficionados should check out Sirtis taking on entertaining roles in movies like Little Dead Rotting Hood and The Last Sharknado: It’s About Time.
Longtime fans of Sirtis will recognize her voice-over work in dozens of cartoons including Family Guy, The Cleveland Show, Adventure Time, and more.
Most prominently, she provided the voice of Demona in twenty-six episodes of the children’s cartoon series Gargoyles.
What is Marina Sirtis doing now?
Recently, Sirtis reprised her iconic Troi character in Star Trek: Picard from 2020-2023, allowing her to revisit the beloved sci-fi franchise.
Some other major credits in the past 5 years include starring in the 2022 TV movie Love’s Greek to Me and landing recurring voice roles on animated shows like OK K.O.! Let’s Be Heroes and Young Justice. Sirtis has also made guest appearances on series such as The Orville and Titans.
Additionally, she has acted in several independent films like 2021’s The Bezonians and 2019’s Crossing. Sirtis has also done video game voice work, voicing Matriarch Benezia in the Mass Effect remaster. Now in her late 60s, she continues acting while engaging with fans on the sci-fi convention circuit. Though past her leading lady days, Sirtis remains a working actor with loyal niche appeal.
Sirtis has been open about her past struggles with eating disorders related to childhood trauma. In the 1990s, she began undergoing therapy to address these challenges and was able to move forward.
Her husband was a huge support system during this time. Sirtis was married to Michael Lamper, a musician and fellow actor, for twenty-seven years.
They even met on the set of Star Trek: The Next Generation, in which Lamper played an Acamarian gatherer.
Unfortunately, Lamper passed away in his sleep in 2019, prompting Sirtis to move back to London. From there, Sirtis resumed her film and television career.
For the die-hard Trekkie and fans of her work in general, requests for personalized video content from the star can be made through her Cameo profile.
Marina Sirtis worked her way into the hearts of millions of fans around the world thanks to her iconic portrayal of Deanna Troi!
Anything she decides to do next is sure to delight and entertain the next generation as well.
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