Stephanie Niznik, best known for starring in “Star Trek: Insurrection” and “Everwood,” has died unexpectedly. She was 52.
She passed away suddenly on June 23, in Encino, Calif., according to Variety.
Stephanie Niznik, Actress in ‘Everwood’ and ‘Star Trek,’ Dies at 52 https://t.co/nrXyltrYpx
— Variety (@Variety) July 12, 2019
Niznik played Nina Feeney in the drama series “Everwood” from 2002-2006, according to IMDb. She also appeared in the 1998 film, “Star Trek: Insurrection” as well as in “Star Trek: Enterprise.”
Our sincere condolences and thoughts go out to the family of Stephanie Niznik who sadly passed away in June aged 52 #StarTrek pic.twitter.com/fcwPzsMvzq
— Deck 13 Podcast (@deck13podcast) July 13, 2019
Born in Bangor, Maine, she originally aimed to become a geneticist before graduating from Duke University majoring in theater and Russian.
She decided to pursue acting and landed roles in “Vanishing Son,” “Murder She Wrote,” and even had an appearance in “Apollo 11,” according to IMDb.
Other roles included shows such as “Nash Bridges,” “NCIS,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” and “Diagnosis Murder.”
Niznik worked with Four Winds Heart-Centered Healing, as well as volunteering for organizations combating hunger and helping with children and animal rescue, according to Page Six.
Founder of Four Winds Heart-Centered Healing, Jamie Cook-Tate, wrote on Twitter: “Rest In Peace my dear friend.”
Rest In Peace my dear friend. https://t.co/MYKTBOxCru
— Jamie Cook-Tate (@jcooktate) July 13, 2019
No cause of death has been given at this time.
Niznik is said to be survived by her mother and stepfather, brother and sister-in-law, her niece and nephews, aunt and uncle, and beloved dogs, Nucleus and Jack.
Other Star Trek Deaths This Year
Earlier this year, Star Trek actor William Morgan Sheppard died at the age of 86.
The British actor known for his many appearances across the Star Trek franchise, passed away on Jan. 6.
His son, “Supernatural” star Mark Sheppard, confirmed the news of his father’s passing on Instagram post.
“We went to spend some time with my father today,” he wrote on Instagram. “Though he couldn’t speak, we held hands, he laughed and was so happy to see us. We left and came home. A good day. He was rushed to hospital and passed at 6:30 p.m., my mother by his side. I am so grateful that he didn’t have to suffer any longer. Thank you for all your kind thoughts, love and prayers.”
William Morgan Sheppard first graced the Star Trek universe in “The Next Generation” episode, “The Schizoid Man,” where he portrayed Dr. Ira Graves.
He then appeared as a Klingon commandant on Rura Penthe in “Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country.” Then as Qatai in “Bliss,” an episode from “Voyager.” And lastly, in 2009 he made an uncredited appearance as a Vulcan science minister in “Star Trek,” according to StarTrek.com.
His son, Mark Sheppard, also made an appearance in Star Trek, playing Leucon in the “Voyager” episode, “Child’s Play.”
The father-son duo starred together as older and younger versions of the same character in the season six episode “Broken Bird” of “NCIS.” They also starred together in the opening episode of series six of “Doctor Who,” in “The Impossible Astronaut” (2011). William Morgan Sheppard played the older version of the character, Canton Everett Delaware III, while his son, Mark Sheppard, played the younger version.
