Robert O'Reilly

Robert OReilly born March 25 1950 in New York City is an American film stage and television actor and director He is best known for his role as Chancellor Gowron the leader of the Klingon Empire in the Star Trek franchiseparticularly on Star Trek The Next Generation and Star Trek Deep Space Nine OReillys career spans over 100 films and TV episodes often portraying antagonistic or villainous characters He appeared in series like Cheers Knight Rider MacGyver NYPD Blue and films such as The Mask He has also performed on Broadway and at Carnegie Hall Notably he received a DramaLogue Award in 1981 for directing the play Getting Out His first Star Trek appearance was in The Next Generation episode Manhunt but he is most recognized for playing Gowron from the episode Reunion onward across several Next Generation and Deep Space Nine episodes and related media including video games OReilly drew inspiration for Gowron from Shakespearean characters notably Edmund from King Lear He has reprised Gowron in various Star Trekrelated events and conventions In theater he has appeared in Broadway and offBroadway productions including The Tavern The Promise and played roles like Edmund in King Lear He has been active with the Colony Theatre Company in Burbank California both as an actor and director He is married to Judy OReilly with whom he has triplet sons His hobbies include golf and baseball Robert OReilly retired from acting but remains involved in the Star Trek community through conventions and voice roles