Nana Visitor Reflects On Major Kira’s Impact And Evolution Of Women In Star Trek

As a lifelong Star Trek fan, I’ve always appreciated how the franchise has evolved, and Nana Visitor really highlights that when she talks about Deep Space Nine. She sees her time on the show – playing Major Kira Nerys for all seven seasons, as Captain Sisko’s first officer – as a turning point in how women were depicted within the Star Trek universe. It’s wonderful to hear her reflect on that impact!

In 2024, Nana Visitor published her book, Star Trek: Open a Channel: A Woman’s Trek. The book explores how Star Trek has depicted women over the years. Visitor interviewed numerous actresses, gathering insights from the women of the original series all the way up to the cast of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

People have been pleased with the positive reception of Star Trek: Open a Channel: A Woman’s Trek, which has resonated with both male Star Trek fans, industry professionals, and women. The author believes the book’s core message is captured in a quote from Star Trek: Lower Decks creator Mike McMahan: “If you love a system, you must question it to keep yourself healthy and the system healthy. And I believe that’s true.” Nana adds:

I’ve heard from many people – women, men of all ages, and those involved in the show – that they simply weren’t aware of the issues at the time. And that makes sense, because we didn’t discuss them then. That’s the key difference. We were so immersed in the norms of the era that we didn’t even recognize how limiting they were; we just accepted things as they were.

John Orquiola from ScreenRant recently spoke with Nana Visitor about her iconic role as Major Kira Nerys in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Nana will also be at Creation Entertainment’s ST: CHI – Trek to Chicago convention, where she’ll meet fans at a *DS9themed cocktail event.

Nana Visitor Is Proud That DS9 Is The Foundation For How Women In Star Trek Are Portrayed Today

ScreenRant argues that Deep Space Nine truly revolutionized female characters in Star Trek. The complex storylines and character development seen in later series with captains like Janeway, Seven of Nine, Burnham, and Mariner all built upon the groundwork laid by DS9. Specifically, Kira Nerys experienced uniquely rich and multifaceted stories – encompassing romance, faith, and a broad life experience – that haven’t been fully matched until Michael Burnham in more recent Star Trek installments.

It truly fills me with pride to think about the impact we had, being a foundation for the women who came after us. I just love that idea! I share a story about it in my book, about butterflies. For a long time, people believed a single generation of butterflies made the entire journey from Canada to Mexico. But it turns out it’s actually many generations, each stopping along the way, until the final ones reach their destination. And that’s how I feel about our work – we paved the way, got things a certain distance, so that those who followed could go even further.

Nana Visitor Loved How “Human” Major Kira Was (Despite Being Bajoran)

ScreenRant: What were your favorite stories you got to do on DS9?

There were many moments on the show that I really enjoyed. I especially loved the episodes where Kira faced difficult moral choices. It was fascinating to explore the complexities of her character and how much her ethics mattered to her. Those stories felt very real and human because Kira wasn’t defined by traditional expectations of how a woman should behave; she was simply a person dealing with difficult situations.
Things felt completely different when she was with her mother, Dukat, and those other women. Honestly, whenever I tried to appear glamorous, I just felt awkward and uncomfortable – like a wet cat. But I kept telling myself it was the right choice, that it reflected what Kira would have experienced. Still, something just didn’t feel right. What I really loved about those stories were the complex moral questions, the characters’ flaws, and the opportunity for them to learn from their mistakes and grow.
Some of my favorite episodes were the dramatic ones, like when my character was pregnant and captured by a Cardassian, forcing her to face her past actions. I also really enjoyed the lighter, more comedic episodes, such as the one where I played an over-the-top Russian spy.

Nana Visitor Remembers Interviewing Star Trek: Discovery’s Sonequa Martin-Green

Image by Simone Ashmoore

ScreenRant asked me, since I interviewed so many of the women who have played roles in Star Trek recently for my book, if I had a particular favorite interview. They were quick to add they didn’t want me to pick a favorite, but were curious if I did!

Wow, there were so many people! I was really impressed with Sonequa Martin-Green. I’ll admit, I was a little skeptical at first. Everyone on the set of Star Trek: Discovery was constantly praising her, and it felt a bit over the top. I thought they were just fiercely protective of their lead actress. But after talking to her, I completely understood the hype. She’s just an amazing person.
The interview was remarkably honest and genuine. She was very thoughtful and present, and didn’t offer predictable answers. After conducting so many interviews, it’s common for people to fall into a pattern of giving rehearsed responses, but she didn’t. She simply shared her honest perspective, which was incredibly impressive.
Jess Bush, who stars in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, is fantastic – a truly impressive performer. I have high expectations for both her and Sonequa Martin-Green, and I’m already seeing great work from Sonequa. I anticipate even bigger things from them both in the future.

Nana Visitor Wishes Kate Mulgrew’s Captain Janeway Could Have Crossed Over To Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

If you could travel back in time and add a female character from any other Star Trek series to Deep Space Nine, which one would fit best with the show’s existing characters and be a good addition with the actress who played her?

I was expecting a question about who I’d most like to interview, and that would definitely be Grace Lee Whitney. But thinking about adding someone to the show, I’d love to work with Kate Mulgrew. She just has this incredible commanding presence as a captain, and it would really shake things up. I wonder how that would play out – there would be a lot of tension, especially with Captain Sisko. They’re both very strong personalities, and I think that dynamic would be fascinating to watch.

Nana Visitor Reacts To Major Kira Possibly Commanding Deep Space Nine Longer Than Captain Sisko

According to ScreenRant, considering the Star Trek timeline, Kira Nerys likely commanded Deep Space Nine for a longer period than Captain Sisko. DS9 ended in 2375, but Kira appeared on Lower Decks in 2381, and the show continued for two more years. If Kira remained in charge of the station, that means she potentially ran DS9 for eight years – surpassing Sisko’s tenure.

Yes, that makes sense to me. I appreciate the idea that my character would still be around, because I think that’s realistic. I envision a significant part of the story focusing on the relationship between Jake Sisko and me, with me continuing to guide him as a mentor.

It speaks volumes about Kira’s importance that she remains in charge of the station. It’s fascinating that Sisko’s initial goal was to guide Bajor into the Federation, but after seven seasons – including the Dominion War – the show concluded without Bajor ever officially joining. We still don’t know if they did eventually become members, and that ambiguity is a really compelling aspect of the story.

I find it fascinating to consider the possibility that the people in question might not have joined the Federation. Perhaps they could have maintained their independence and instead collaborated with the Federation on a more equal footing.

Nana Visitor Stands Firm That Kira And Gul Dukat Could Never Be A Couple

According to ScreenRant, Kira Nerys on Deep Space Nine had several romantic interests. They strongly agree that a relationship between Kira and Dukat would have been completely inappropriate, despite Dukat’s persistent attempts to pursue her throughout the series. Even setting aside the problematic history involving Kira’s mother, the idea of them being together just wouldn’t make sense.

Nana Visitor chuckled, saying she believes the writers likely created the dynamic to add intrigue. She also noted that many viewers found Dukat to be a compelling character, and even somewhat romantically appealing. However, she quickly added that pursuing a romantic storyline with him would have been a step too far.

ScreenRant: You’re right, Dukat has that whole ‘I can fix him’ vibe.

Nana Visitor described the character as someone who seems like a ‘bad boy with a good heart,’ but she strongly disagrees with that assessment. She believes he’s a sociopath, and those kinds of issues can’t be resolved. She explained that narcissists are skilled at presenting an image that appeals to what people want to see, and he’s particularly good at manipulation.

Nana Visitor Pitches A Different Keira & O’Brien DS9 Love Story

During the fifth season of Deep Space Nine, I was pregnant in real life. The writers came up with the storyline where Kira became a surrogate for Keiko and Miles O’Brien’s baby to accommodate my pregnancy on screen. I remember there being a moment where Kira and Miles had a connection and almost acted on it, but they ultimately pulled back. Do you have any thoughts on filming that?

Nana Visitor describes working with Colm Meaney as a fantastic experience, praising his natural talent and ability to make acting look effortless. Reflecting on the show, she believes the most compelling storyline would have been exploring the complex and unresolved relationship between her character and Keiko. She feels this would have added more depth and realism, and she’s confident that’s the direction the writers would take if the show were being made now.

I was really struck by something Ira Steven Behr, the showrunner, said in the What We Leave Behind documentary. He admitted he felt he hadn’t done enough to include LGBTQ+ stories and representation, and he actually didn’t feel he’d earned a ‘check mark’ in that area. It showed a lot of honesty and self-awareness, and it really stuck with me.

It really reflects the times, but what struck me about Deep Space Nine was how relatable the stories were. People instantly connected with the characters, and that was incredibly valuable. It helped bridge the gap for those who might have been hesitant or unfamiliar with certain experiences. Viewers could gradually get to know the characters, form an emotional connection, and then become more accepting of the ideas they represented. It wasn’t an immediate change, but a slow, natural process. I think that’s what made DS9 so impactful.

Nana Visitor Fondly Looks Back At Kira And Odo’s Romance And Working With Rene Auberjonois

I think the romance between Kira and Odo is the best in all of Star Trek. It’s a really relatable story about unrequited love – wanting someone who doesn’t initially feel the same way, feeling insecure, and then growing as a person. It’s satisfying to see them finally come together, and also bittersweet when they ultimately choose to part ways. I’m curious to hear what others think about their relationship, and to remember Rene Auberjonois, who we’ve sadly lost.

I have a strange difficulty with faces – I struggle to picture or recognize people when they’re not right in front of me. But I can clearly see Rene, who’s here now, and I feel very connected to him. It makes me wish I could feel as close to my mother, who passed away in 2000, as I feel to Rene. I don’t know why Rene feels so present and vivid to me, but he does, and I miss him dearly every day.
He had a remarkable way of teaching me through small moments. I once told him I never wanted to perform on Broadway again, and instead of dismissing it, he simply asked me to examine why I felt that way – whether it was based on my feelings or my fears. That was all he said, but I spent years considering his question. He consistently prompted me to think deeply, and he had a huge impact on my life. Working with him was amazing; he truly understood acting. I was so excited and energized that we collaborated – it felt surreal. It wasn’t always easy, but it was always a thrilling experience.
I didn’t understand Kira’s attraction to Odo at first. She didn’t seem interested in strong, powerful, or adventurous men. Those qualities weren’t important to her. She wasn’t focused on status or dominance when it came to a partner. That’s why Odo, as a shapeshifter, was such a perfect match. His physical form didn’t matter – he could be male, female, even an animal or just pure energy. Kira loved him for who he was on the inside, his soul. It finally clicked for me – he was the ideal partner for her.

Nana Visitor Is Excited For Trek To Chicago’s DS9 Cocktail Hour

ScreenRant asked about a special event I’m doing at the Star Trek convention in Chicago. I’m hosting a cocktail hour themed around Deep Space Nine, and they wanted to know what it’s all about.

It’s incredibly fun when we can all just relax and chat about anything. I really enjoy those interactions – I learn the most fascinating things about the people who share our passion for Star Trek. They’re truly remarkable. You meet people dressed as characters like Grace Lee Whitney who also happen to be leading doctors, or hear these incredible life stories – it’s not just about what they do, but who they are. That’s what I love most.
I really miss bartending – I’m passionate about making cocktails! I’d love to have people over to my place, where we actually have a home bar. We don’t drink a lot, but when we do, we appreciate quality. I also enjoy creating non-alcoholic drinks. While I’d love to be behind the bar mixing drinks, I’d rather spend my time socializing with guests – it’s much more enjoyable that way.

Nana Visitor’s Pitch For A Live-Action Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Reunion

I’d really love to see a continuation of Deep Space Nine as a live-action series. While it’s sad that we’ve lost some cast members, I hope the remaining actors could reunite. With new leadership at Star Trek through Paramount Skydance, I’m hoping they might be open to revisiting old ideas. I’ve had some concepts in mind for years, and I’m putting it out there – maybe they’ll see this and consider them!

As a longtime fan, I’ve always pictured a future where the station itself remains a central hub. I keep imagining scenes with Nana Visitor’s character still there, alongside Cirroc Lofton, and even a fantastical twist – Avery Brooks’ voice emanating from some sort of energy orb, allowing them to connect. To me, that’s a compelling idea. After all, it is a space station, and that inherently creates a fantastic setting for bringing diverse characters and species together. It’s a wonderfully versatile concept.

Nana Visitor Remembers Working With James Cameron And Jessica Alba On Dark Angel

ScreenRant asked the actor about their experience on Dark Angel, a show they enjoyed after Deep Space Nine concluded. The interviewer noted the actor joined the cast as the villain, Dr. Elizabeth Renfro, towards the end of the first season and asked if they had any memories from filming.

It was a really hectic period for me. I was performing in ‘Chicago’ on Broadway, and they’d fly me to Vancouver to film all my ‘Deep Space Nine’ scenes in a couple of days. ‘Chicago’ would give me an extra day off, and then I’d fly back and continue the show. I kept that up for quite a while, all while raising my two young kids – one was eight and the other four. I was completely exhausted and running on fumes. I remember once arriving in Vancouver and trying to relax with a massage, but the moment the therapist touched me, I had a panic attack. I just blurted out, ‘Don’t touch me!’ I’m sure she was confused, but I was so sleep-deprived and overwhelmed trying to balance both jobs and still be there for my children that I was completely out of it. It’s a strong memory for me.
Jessica Alba was a joy to work with. Meeting James Cameron was incredible – he explained my character’s backstory, revealing she was likely over a century old and using DNA technology to stay young. That explained why she was pursuing the children – it was all part of her plan to maintain her youth, and it was a really interesting concept.
I can’t quite recall who was in charge at the time, but they decided to focus the show entirely on young characters. They let go of everyone over 40, including Cameron, and the show changed dramatically. That meant I, and many others, lost our jobs. I really think if James Cameron had been able to continue with his original vision, the show could have been something special.

2025-11-21 17:19