Born on December 9, 1952 in Luling, Texas, Michael Dorn is an actor best known for his role as the Klingon Worf in the Star Trek franchise. The son of a Allie Lee and Fentress Dorn, Jr. Dorn grew up in Pasadena, California. He attended the Pasadena City College, where he studied radio and television production. He then pursued a career in music as a performing with several different rock music bands.
Dorn made his television debut as a guest on the television show WEB in 1978. The producer was so impressed with his work that he introduced him to an agent who in turn introduced him to acting teacher Charles Conrad, under which he studied acting for a total of six months. This bore fruit pretty fast, as he immediately landed a regular role on the long-running series CHiPs. Meanwhile, he performed a little-known role in Rocky in 1976 as Apollo Creed’s bodyguard.
Dorn’s most notable role, however, was that of Kingon Starfleet officer Worf in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. According to him, he got the role by coming into his interview prepared. Like the stereotypical Klingon warrior, he did not smile or speak. He stood in a corner in a rigid posture and marched into the room while scowling, when he was called. After reading, he grumpily thanked the director and walked out.
As for his character, Dorn has appeared in more Star Trek episodes and movies than anyone else. He only missed three episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation and four on Deep Space Nine, plus five Star Trek movies. Colm Meaney is the only other cast who has made over 200 episodes. Dorn likewise appeared in the film Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country as Colonel Worf.
Dorn’s other credits include The Santa Clause 2 and 3, Superman: The Animated Series, and voice roles in several animated series such as I Am Weasel, Spider-Man: The New Animated Series, Superman: The Animated Series, and Danny Phantom.
-Michael Dorn owns and flies an old F-86 Sabre jet that he acquired from the South African Air Force. He flies out of Van Nuys Airport in Van Nuys, California.
-His voice grew deeper, as a result of inflecting a bass tone for his Star Trek character, Worf.
-Michael Dorn has developed a mild skin condition for his years of wearing his Star Trek: The Next Generation make up, for which the departments use a different type for alien effects.
-Michael Dorn was a fan of Star Trek before he joined the cast.
-My two favorite episodes are The Drumhead, it was a good courtroom drama, and Firstborn, because in it, I was able to do everything I ever wanted to as Worf.
-I love good comedy. I don't like bad comedy.