'Star Trek's LeVar Burton Space Exploration Is Dangerous But Vital ... Applauds Astronauts Stuck in Space

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"Star Trek" star LeVar Burton is shutting down speculation there were not enough safety precautions in place for the mission that left astronauts Sunita "Suni" Williams and Barry "Butch" Wilmore stuck in space ... clarifying these pros knew the risks.

We caught up with the "Reading Rainbow" host in Los Angeles Thursday, and LeVar explained space exploration is inherently risky ... and every potential problem can't be anticipated, and things often don't go according to plan.

The astronauts are now stuck on the International Space Station until 2025 after technical issues shut down their return flight.

2024 San Diego Comic-Con Suit Up for Best Cosplays!!

Comic-Con is in full swing in San Diego, and the cosplay game is on fire! From "Diablo 4"'s Lilith to Orin the Red ... attendees are bringing their A-game with their epic looks.

Check out the pics ... we've got everything from Elphaba from "Wicked" and Professor Garlick from "Harry Potter" to Springtrap from "Five Nights at Freddy’s."

Whoever said playing dress-up can't be glamorous was clearly wrong -- because these mega fans look great! Check out this fem Captain America outfit ... definitely a super-powered dose of style, not to mention the other costumes.

Bill Maher Sits Down With William Shatner ... Interracial Kiss Mystery Solved

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Bill Maher tackled one of the most burning questions in the history of "Star Trek" Friday ... and thanks to William Shatner, we now have our answer!

The 'Real Time' host interviewed Shatner on his HBO show – and, at one point during their convo, Bill asked about the famous interracial kiss between Admiral James T. Kirk (white) and Lt. Nyota Uhura (Black).

Shatner, as Kirk, planted the lip smacker on Nichelle Nichols, as Uhura, in the 1968 Star Trek episode titled, "Plato's Stepchildren." The moment was very controversial because NBC – which aired "Star Trek" – was afraid of turning off their conservative Southern audience.

LEVAR BURTON 'TRIVIAL PURSUIT' GIG OFFICIAL ... Set to Host and EP Show

LeVar Burton is officially in on the game ... 'cause after lengthy contract negotiations he's sealed the deal on his gig with "Trivial Pursuit," TMZ has learned.

Network sources tell us LeVar has officially locked in the deal to host and executive produce the revived version of the game show for The CW -- this after he and his team had been in negotiations with the network since last fall.

We're told LB will be in New York Thursday at the Nexstar/CW upfronts where the news will become official to the world.

Anson Mount ¿Lo recuerdas?

El 2002 fue el año cumbre en la carrera del actor estadounidense Anson Mount, a sus 28 años cosechó un gran éxito en la gran pantalla junto a los grandes de Hollywood, como Britney Spears en "Crossroads" y Robert De Niro en "City By The Sea".

Del cine a la televisión, Anson interpretó a Jim Steele en la serie de la NBC "Conviction" en 2006 y protagonizó a Cullen Bohannon en la serie dramática del oeste "Hell On Wheels" en 2011.

Más recientemente, interpretó al capitán Chris Pike en la serie de Star Trek "Discovery, Short Treks" y a Black Bolt en "Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Madness".

¡Adivina qué aspecto tiene ahora!

Actor Anson Mount 'Memba Him?!

At 28 years old, 2002 was a career high for American actor Anson Mount who found much success on the big screen with the big dogs in Hollywood like Britney Spears in "Crossroads" and Robert De Niro in "City By The Sea".

From movies to TV shows, Anson portrayed Jim Steele on the NBC series "Conviction" back in 2006 and starred as Cullen Bohannon on the western drama series "Hell On Wheels" in 2011.

Most recently, he played Captain Chris Pike on Star Trek's "Discovery, Short Treks" and Black Bolt in "Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Madness".

Guess what he looks like now!

'Star Trek' Star Gary Graham Dead at 73 ... 'Alien Nation,' 'JAG'

Gary Graham -- famous from 'Star Trek: Enterprise' -- has died ... according to his loved ones.

The veteran TV actor passed away Monday -- an announcement that was delivered by his ex-wife, Susan Lavelle, who didn't offer a cause of death or any other details about the circumstances. She did, however, have a touching remembrance for her husband.

She noted his current wife, Becky, was by his side and added -- "Gary was funny, sarcastic sense of humor but kind, fought for what he believed in, a devout Christian and was so proud of his daughter, Haylee. This was sudden so please pray for our daughter as she navigates through this thing called grief. Fly high into the heavens Gar!"

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Gary is perhaps most recognizable from his time on 'STE' ... where he played Ambassador Soval from 2001 to 2005 for a total of 12 episodes. However, another major claim to fame of his came from the late '80s show 'Alien Nation' ... on which he was the co-lead.

Other shows he's been on for a significant amount of time ... 'M.A.N.T.I.S.,' 'JAG,' 'Universal Dead' and others. He's also guest starred on 'Renegades,' 'Work Related,' 'Nip/Tuck,' 'Nash Bridges,' 'Walker, Texas Ranger,' 'The Dukes of Hazzard,' 'Ally McBeal' ... and more.

GG had some films on his resume as well -- including roles in 'The Spy Within,' 'The Last Warrior,' 'The Arrogant,' 'All the Right Moves,' 'Robot Jox,' 'Steel' and lots of others.

He's survived by his daughter, Haylee. Gary was 73.

RIP

Gary Graham protagonista de Star Trek, muere a los 73 años

Gary Graham, famoso por "Star Trek: Enterprise", ha muerto. Así lo confirman sus seres queridos.

El veterano actor de televisión falleció el lunes, un anuncio que fue entregado por su ex esposa, Susan Lavelle, quien no ofreció una causa de muerte o cualquier otro detalle sobre las circunstancia, sin embargo, tuvo un emotivo recuerdo para su marido.

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Señaló que su actual esposa, Becky, estaba a su lado y añadió: "Gary era divertido, con un sentido del humor sarcástico pero amable, luchaba por lo que creía, era un cristiano devoto y estaba muy orgulloso de su hija, Haylee. Esto fue repentino, así que por favor recen por nuestra hija mientras navega a través de esta cosa llamada dolor. Vuela alto en los cielos Gar".

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Gary es quizás más reconocible por su participación en "STE", donde interpretó al embajador Soval ente el 2001 y el 2005 en un total de 12 episodios. Sin embargo, otro de sus grandes aciertos a finales de los 80 en la serie "Alien Nation", en la que fue el co-protagonista.

Otros programas en los que ha participado durante un tiempo significativo son "M.A.N.T.I.S.", "JAG", "Universal Dead" y otros. También ha actuado como estrella invitada en "Renegades", "Work Related", "Nip/Tuck", "Nash Bridges", "Walker Texas Ranger", "The Dukes of Hazzard", "Ally McBeal" y más.

Gary también tenía algunas películas en su currículum, como "El espía infiltrado", "El último guerrero", "El arrogante", "Todos los movimientos correctos", "Robot Jox", "Acero" y muchas otras.

Le sobrevive su hija Haylee. Gary tenía 73 años.

RIP

Celebrity Scramble Guess Who!

Underneath this rounded-out photo is an Australian actor and comedian who broke out in Hollywood in the late 90s/early 2000s, and even though he's fully clothed and not "Full Frontal" in this image, he still remains quite the stud ... even when he's all mashed-up 😜!

In 2000, his native accent came in clutch when he starred in the Australian crime film "Chopper," and a decade later, he proved his strength and agility when he chased down Chris Pine in "Star Trek."

Given this secret scripture, do you have what it takes to guess the celeb?

'24' Star Annie Wersching Dead at 45 ... After Cancer Battle

Annie Wersching -- famous for roles in a number of hit TV shows over the years -- has died.

Her publicist confirmed the news to Deadline -- and her husband, Stephen Full, issued a statement. He writes, "There is a cavernous hole in the soul of this family today. But she left us the tools to fill it. She found wonder in the simplest moment. She didn’t require music to dance. She taught us not to wait for adventure to find you. ‘Go find it. It’s everywhere.’ And find it we shall."

Full adds, "As I drove our boys, the true loves of her life, down the winding driveway and street, she would yell BYE! until we were out of earshot and into the world. I can still hear it ringing. Bye my Buddie. ‘I love you little family…’"

Wersching was diagnosed with cancer in 2020, and continued to act thereafter. It's unclear what sort of cancer she was battling ... she kept her diagnosis private for a while.

She'll perhaps be best remembered as Renee Walker on "24," for which she appeared in 35 episodes. Wersching has starred in several other TV series, though -- including "Timeless," "Runaways," "The Vampire Diaries," "Bosch," "General Hospital," "Dallas," "Extant," and more.

Other famous shows she's had guest spots on include "Charmed," "Frasier," "Angel," "Boston Legal," "Supernatural," "CSI," "NCIS," "Hawaii Five-0," "Revolution," "Blue Bloods" and others. She also voiced Tess in "The Last of Us" video game ... which just got made into a series.

More recently, she had acted in "The Rookie" and "Star Trek: Picard" -- that last show is bitter sweet, as "Star Trek: Enterprise" is noted as her first acting gig on IMDb.

She had 48 credits to her name dating back to 2002. She survived by her husband, her 3 children and extended family. A GoFundMe has been started for her loved ones.

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Wersching was just 45.

RIP

Comic Book Legend Peter David Hospitalized After Series of Strokes

Iconic comic book writer Peter David is in a hospital, recovering from a series of extremely debilitating strokes ... TMZ has learned.

Kathleen David tells us ... Peter tried getting out of bed last week, but instead he slid off because he was unable to use his legs. Kathleen was able to get him standing and take him downstairs, but after he was unable to get off the couch for 5 hours, she called 911.

We're told paramedics took him to a hospital, noting he was gray when they arrived. Kathleen says she later learned Peter had suffered a mild cardiac event and a major stroke ... followed by a few smaller ones.

Kathleen says her husband -- who's written for Marvel and DC's biggest superheroes -- is still hospitalized and undergoing tests to determine the next steps.

A couple of positive signs ... she says he's able to speak, and is already complaining about still being laid up in a hospital.

She tells us the medical bills are stackin' up pretty high for Peter ... and says a friend has started a GoFundMe for anyone looking to help them out.

FYI -- Peter is a legend in the comic book world ... writing for big titles like "The Incredible Hulk," "Spider-Man 2099," "Supergirl" and "Aquaman." He also co-created and wrote the "Star Trek: New Frontier" novels, and has picked up 9 awards over the years for his work.

William Shatner Space Isn't All It's Chalked Up to Be ... BO Flight was a Drag!!!

William Shatner called Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin space flight a profound experience upon landing back on Earth -- but now, he's saying ... it was actually a huge bummer.

The 'Star Trek' OG has a new book coming out -- titled "Boldly Go: Reflections on a Life of Awe and Wonder" -- and Variety obtained an excerpt this week ... which sheds light on how WS actually felt as he was shooting up into the great beyond above our stratosphere.

Here's the quote everyone's mentioning -- it starts off with Will saying he thought rocketing into space would be a huge catharsis and illuminating ... thanks to Hollywood's portrayals.

Instead, however, Captain Kirk had the exact opposite feeling -- saying, "I discovered that the beauty isn't out there, it's down here, with all of us. Leaving that behind made my connection to our tiny planet even more profound."

There's more ... William says his space flight made him incredibly distraught with sorrow. He says, "It was among the strongest feelings of grief I have ever encountered. The contrast between the vicious coldness of space and the warm nurturing of Earth below filled me with overwhelming sadness." He says the idea of us humans destroying that filled him with dread.

Will adds, "My trip to space was supposed to be a celebration; instead, it felt like a funeral."

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Remember, Will was visibly emotional when they touched down ... but as he was trying to relay something to JB, the dude sorta interrupted his thought by popping some champagne.

Later, Will certainly made it seem like it was a positive moment -- calling the Blue Origin flight "profound" and "extraordinary."

Now, though, it appears that was just him putting on a happy face for the cameras ... 'cause, as it turns out, he was actually pretty damn depressed!

'Star Trek' Star DeForest Kelley Joining Nichelle Nichols in Space ... Bones' DNA Launching Off!!!

The late DeForest Kelley, who played Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy on "Star Trek," will be joining his costar Nichelle Nichols' ashes in a unique way ... as they both go to deep space.

A sample of DeForest's DNA will be onboard United Launch Alliance's aptly-named "Vulcan" rocket with Nichelle's remains as it launches into space later this year ... creating a once-in-a-lifetime reunion mission.

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The announcement comes on the 56th anniversary of the OG TV series' first episode ... also known as "Star Trek Day." Charles M. Chafer, co-founder of Celestis, says, “No mission to deep space would be complete without a ship’s doctor.”

DeForest, who's best known for his role as the wisecracking Dr. Bones, died of stomach cancer back in 1999, but a close family friend and caregiver named Kris Smith tells TMZ she had kept a lock of his hair all this time. She donated it to Celestis so her friend could take one final "journey into interstellar space."

She adds, "I think De would have loved to 'go hopping galaxies' again with cast and crew mates."

DeForest and Nichelle won't be alone ... as we reported, the remains of 'ST' creator Gene Roddenberry, along with actors James Doohan ("Scotty") and Majel Barrett Roddenberry ("Nurse Chapel") will all be aboard when they're launched into an orbit around the sun.

The Celestis Enterprise Flight is set to boldly go well beyond the Earth-Moon system, traveling between 150 million and 300 million kilometers into deep space.

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Over 150 different capsules will launch from the rocket during the mission ... along with DNA and cremated remains and tribute messages written by fans will be sent off, too.

Data In 'Star Trek' 'Memba Him?!

American actor Brent Spiner was 38 years old when he was first cast as "Data" -- the mindful and lively male android who served as an officer as he embarked on a Federation starship -- in the 1987-1994 series "Star Trek: The Next Generation."

Spiner shared the space with Patrick Stewart as the professional and committed command officer, Jean-Luc Picard, Michael Dorn as the low-key and somewhat bland, Lieutenant Worf, Jonathan Frakes as the first officer under Captain Jean-Luc Picard, William Riker and Diana Muldaur as the chief medical officer, Katherine Pulaski.

Guess what Brent Spiner looks like now!

'Star Trek's Nichelle Nichols Ashes Boldly Going to Deep Space On Vulcan Rocket Launch

'Star Trek' legend Nichelle Nichols is heading back to space with several of her Enterprise crewmates ... part of an incredibly fitting mission to put their remains into orbit.

Nichelle, who starred as Lieutenant Uhura and passed away back in July, will have her ashes added to the payload of a Vulcan rocket launching later this year for the moon and beyond.

United Launch Alliance's Vulcan Centaur mission will first deliver a robotic lunar lander -- to scout for NASA's future Artemis flights to the moon -- but then it will continue deeper into the solar system for the 'Star Trek' tribute.

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The rocket will deliver Nichelle's remains -- as well as 'Star Trek' creator Gene Roddenberry, James Doohan ("Scotty") and Majel Barrett Roddenberry ("Nurse Chapel") -- into a so-called "graveyard orbit" around the sun.

As for the fact, the 'Trek' greats' final flight will be on a "Vulcan" rocket ship -- Nichelle's son, Kyle Johnson, says "I'm sure she would have much preferred to go on the shuttle, but this was a pretty close second."

Hey, Mr. Spock's smiling somewhere.

'Star Trek' Star Nichelle Nichols Dead at 89

Nichelle Nichols, who famously played Lt. Uhura on 'Star Trek,' has died ... this according to her family.

Nichols' son, Kyle Johnson, confirmed the news on Sunday with an update posted to a website dedicated to the life and career of his mother ... writing, "I regret to inform you that a great light in the firmament no longer shines for us as it has for so many years."

He adds, "Last night, my mother, Nichelle Nichols, succumbed to natural causes and passed away. Her light, however, like the ancient galaxies now being seen for the first time, will remain for us and future generations to enjoy, learn from, and draw inspiration. Hers was a life well lived and as such a model for us all."

Kyle ends by saying this ... "I, and the rest of our family, would appreciate your patience and forbearance as we grieve her loss until we can recover sufficiently to speak further. Her services will be for family members and the closest of her friends and we request that her and our privacy be respected." He also sent a "Live long and prosper" shout out.

Nichols made history as the first African-American woman to play a lead role on television. And with "Star Trek: The Original Series" costar William Shatner ... she also shared the first on-screen kiss between a Black woman and white man on American television.

She played the role for a handful of years and starred in dozens of 'Star Trek' episodes between '66 and '69. However, her acting career went far beyond just the Galactic Barrier.

With 69 acting credits to her name, NN has appeared on several hit shows and movies over the years, including notable voice-over roles, such as ... 'The Lieutenant,' 'Peyton Place,' 'Tarzan,' 'Truck Turner,' 'The Supernaturals,' 'Batman: The Animated Series,' 'Gargoyles,' 'Spider-Man: The Animated Series,' 'Futurama,' 'Buzz Lightyear of Star Command,' 'The Simpsons,' 'Snow Dogs,' 'Are We There Yet?' 'Heroes,' 'The Young and the Restless,' and so many others.

Toward the end of her life, Nichols was in an often bitter conservatorship battle with her son -- this after he was granted control of the apparatus once she'd been diagnosed with dementia ... a legal fight that went on for some years, and, at times, got pretty ugly.

Nichelle Nichols was 89.

RIP