Fans baffled as 80s TV star who took over Star Trek and hit horror franchise is unrecognizable on rare outing

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I was a huge fan of this actor back in the 80s – he was always working! So, I was totally shocked when I saw recent pictures of him. Seriously, I almost didn’t recognize him! He looks so different now.

The popular actor, age 71, became well-known for his role as Pete Downey on the sitcom Benson. He was recently seen enjoying the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in New York City despite the cold weather.

The actor, known for performing on Broadway with stars like John Malkovich, Patti LuPone, and Peter Dinklage, looked cheerful while walking down a crowded street. He was dressed warmly for the winter weather with a jacket, scarf, and cap.

He looked very different from his famous role as Neelix on Star Trek: Voyager, a character he played since the show began in 1995. Many Star Trek fans will also remember him playing other parts throughout the franchise.

Many fans will also recognize him from the 1986 horror film Critters and its follow-up, Critters 3. These movies featured small, meat-eating aliens who preyed on people.

So, can you guess the familiar face?

If you said Ethan Phillips, you’d be absolutely right.

In 2023, Robert Phillips discussed his experience playing Neelix in Star Trek, saying that although the job was challenging, he truly enjoyed it.

The makeup process was incredibly time-consuming. I spent five hours each day getting it applied, often for several days straight, and it left me exhausted. It was difficult to sleep with all the makeup on, which added to the fatigue,” he explained to StarTrek.com.

I used to stay up for almost a full day, and performing big shows would really wear me out. But I’ve been able to earn a living even as a supporting player – I’m happy with whatever comes my way, honestly.

He explained that he focuses on performing his role once he’s hired. He didn’t believe advocating for specific storylines for his character, Neelix, would make a difference, and that’s not something he typically does as an actor.

‘This was a TV show and it was my job to come in and do it.’ 

Phillips has always approached his work with dedication and skill, and that commitment has been a hallmark of his extensive career in film, television, and theater.

Growing up on Long Island, where his father ran the popular Frankie & Johnnie’s Steakhouse, he later formally studied acting. He first earned a bachelor’s degree in English literature from Boston University and then a Master of Fine Arts degree from Cornell University.

I’ve been following his career for years, and it’s been amazing to watch him grow! He really paid his dues, starting with some fantastic work in off-Broadway shows. That solid foundation clearly helped him land a consistent string of roles in both theater and film – he’s become a really dependable actor, always delivering great performances.

He performed at several well-known theaters in the city center, such as Direct Theater, where he received the Best Actor award at the Actors’ Festival in 1977. He also appeared at the Wonderhorse Theater and Playwrights Horizons.

By the late 1970s, he was a successful stage actor, notably starring in the first production of ‘Modigliani,’ which was performed over 200 times.

In the following ten years, he frequently performed in New York City theaters, becoming well-known for his roles in plays by celebrated writers like Terrence McNally. He also graced prominent stages such as Lincoln Center Theater and the Delacorte Theater in Central Park.

He continued to build his strong reputation on stage, appearing in plays with well-known actors like Nathan Lane, Laurie Metcalf, and Bryan Cranston.

Besides his stage work, Phillips had a prolific film career, acting in over 50 movies like Ragtime, The Man Without a Face, Bad Santa, and Inside Llewyn Davis.

He first gained widespread recognition on the show Benson, and later appeared in many popular television series as a guest star, including Law & Order, The Good Wife, Better Call Saul, and Veep.

He became famous around the world thanks to his work on Star Trek, starting with guest spots on The Next Generation and continuing with his popular role on Voyager. He also contributed voice work to several Star Wars video games.

Decades on, his resume remains one of the most diverse – and enduring – in the business.

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2026-03-21 18:49