You can tell it’s a slow news day when we’re reporting on red shirts for the Star Trek movie. Working actress Marlene Forte has been added to the cast of J.J. Abrams film as the Enterprise’s Chief Transporter Operator, according to Variety. Yes, this is slow news.
While you probably don’t recognize Forte’s name, you probably would recognize her face. Although she hasn’t prominently featured in any pictures, she has had quite a bit of work in television, with appearances ranging from Walker, Texas Ranger to Abrams own Lost. Most recently she’s been involved with ER and had a three episode reoccurring appearance in the short-lived Daybreak.
While I’m kind of poking fun at the concept at reporting a nameless Chief Transporter Operator, the truth is a role like that could turn into something. After all, Miles O’Brien started out as the Chief Transporter Operator on Star Trek: The Next Generation, which led to a lead role in Deep Space Nine for Colm Meaney. Who knows, this could turn out to be Forte’s big break.
