Dwayne Johnson Reflects On Star Trek: Voyager Role And ‘Amazing’ Jeri Ryan 25 Years Later

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Even after 25 years, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson fondly remembers his appearance on Star Trek: Voyager and working with Jeri Ryan. He played a guest role in the season 6 episode, “Tsunkatse,” while he was already a rising star as a Hollywood actor and former WWE Champion.

By 2000, Dwayne Johnson, known as The Rock, was a major wrestling star. He appeared as a guest on Star Trek: Voyager as a promotional tie-in with WWE SmackDown!, which also aired on the United Paramount Network (UPN).

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson recently shared fond memories of his first acting job on Star Trek: Voyager during an interview with Johan Albrechtsen from Moovy TV. He was promoting his new film, The Smashing Machine, when Albrechtsen asked about the experience. Johnson also spoke very highly of Jeri Ryan, who played the character Seven of Nine. Here’s what The Rock had to say:

Everyone involved was fantastic. At the time, I was really focused on gaining experience as an actor, so I accepted small roles on various TV shows. I was thrilled when the producers of ‘Star Trek: Voyager’ asked if I’d be interested in appearing, and I immediately said yes. I had a wonderful time on set that day – the cast and crew were all amazing people.

Jeri Ryan was fantastic! She was incredibly welcoming and warm, which meant a lot to me since I was new to acting. I’m used to performing, coming from the world of professional wrestling, but things like hitting cues, finding your marks, and delivering dialogue were all completely new. I was just blown away by how kind and gorgeous she was, and how much she made me feel comfortable.

Looking back, I was at a point in my career where I was mostly doing small guest appearances on various popular TV shows. I’d jump from one to another, doing a bit part here and there, and the shows and actors involved were all quite well-known.

Often, they were aware beforehand that someone with a background in professional wrestling would be joining them.

I often walked onto film sets and could sense a bit of frustration from the crew. It was like they were thinking, ‘Here’s another inexperienced actor, great…’ I understood their perspective and just focused on getting through the day and learning everything I could.

But Jeri was never like that. She was f***ing cool, man!

I really remember moments like that. They’re a good reminder that people never forget how you make them feel, and she was truly wonderful.

I thought I had a good idea of how much people loved “Star Trek” just by seeing the fans, but honestly, experiencing it firsthand was something else! It completely blew me away – the “Star Trek” fandom is just incredible!

Watch Dwayne Johnson talk about Star Trek: Voyager on Moovy TV below:

In an episode of Star Trek: Voyager, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson appeared as the Pendari Champion, an alien gladiator. He fought Seven of Nine, who had been captured and forced to compete in a brutal fighting tournament called the Tsunkatse. Even in character as an alien, Johnson included his signature WWE finishing move, the Rock Bottom, and famously raised his eyebrow, performing as his wrestling persona, ‘The People’s Champion’.

Before Dwayne Johnson became a major Hollywood star, he made a guest appearance on Star Trek: Voyager. This happened a year before he played the Scorpion King in The Mummy Returns, a role that launched his own spin-off film. Since then, Johnson has achieved huge success with franchises like Fast and Furious, films such as Jungle Cruise and Jumanji, the animated movie Moana, and TV shows like Ballers and Young Rock.

It’s funny, but Jeri Ryan had no idea Dwayne Johnson was a famous wrestler when they worked together on Star Trek: Voyager. Johnson gave her a signed photo with his catchphrase, “The Rock smells what you’re cooking.” Ryan was confused until the wrestling fans among the Voyager crew explained who “The Rock” was.

Although Dwayne Johnson is now a huge star, his acting career began with a small role in Star Trek: Voyager. He still looks back fondly on his time on the show and appreciates the Star Trek fanbase. Now that a new Star Trek movie is in the works, fans are hoping ‘The Rock’ might return to the franchise.

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2025-12-07 06:19