In a poignant reflection on the enduring legacy of *Star Trek: The Next Generation*, fans are reminded of the passage of time as we look back at the actors who brought the iconic series to life from 1987 to 1994. With the year 2025 upon us, the somber reality sets in that some beloved cast members have passed away, marking a bittersweet milestone in the franchise’s history.

Majel Barrett, the first lady of Star Trek, who voiced the Enterprise computer and played Nurse Chapel, left us on December 18, 2008, at the age of 76. Her pioneering roles in science fiction continue to resonate with fans. Tragically, Patty Yasutake, who portrayed Nurse Alyssa Ogawa, passed away on August 5, 2024, at 70, leaving a legacy of representation as one of the few Asian-American women in sci-fi during the 1990s.

As we celebrate the surviving cast, including Brent Spiner (Data), Patrick Stewart (Captain Picard), and Jonathan Frakes (Riker), who remain active in the industry, the loss of their colleagues casts a shadow over the nostalgia. In 2025, Spiner, now 76, continues to engage with fans, while Stewart, at 84, remains a stalwart advocate for human rights.

This reflection serves as a reminder of both the joy and sorrow intertwined within the Star Trek community, as we cherish the memories of those who contributed to the series and honor their legacies while celebrating the journeys of those who remain. As the stars align for another generation, fans are left to ponder the impact of those who have departed, ensuring that their contributions to the fabric of science fiction will never be forgotten.