Star Trek: The Next Generation Casting Memo

Letters Of Note have uncovered an old memo from the archives at Paramount, written on April 13th 1987 to the studio's Head of Network Television – detailing the actors being considered for the various roles in Star Trek: The Next Generation. It is interesting to see some of the names that were inconsideration for the cast, but didn't end up getting the part (for whatever reason). Hit the jump to see the full memo.

Transcript:

TO: JOHN PIKE

DATE: APRIL 13, 1987

FROM: JOHN FERRARO

SUBJECT: STAR TREK/Casting

Per your request, following is a list of actors who are being considered for their respective roles in STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION.

Picard

Patrick Stewart

Mitch Ryan

Roy Thinnes

Yaphet Kotto

Patrick Bauchau

Tasha

Lianne Langland

Julia Nickson

Rosalind Chao

Leah Ayers

Bunty Bailey

Data

Mark Lindsay Chapman

Eric Menyuk

Kevin Peter Hall (also for Geordi)

Kelvin Han Yee

Ryker

Michael O'Gorman

Gregg Marx

Jonathan Frakes

Ben Murphy

Geordi

LeVar Burton

Reggie Jackson

Tim Russ

Wesley Snipes

Victor Love

Chip McCallister

Clarence Gilyard Jr.

Kevin Peter Hall

Beverly

Anne Twomey

Jenny Augutter

Cheryl McFadden

Troi

Denise Crosby

Wesley

J.D. Roth

The above actors will be brought in to read for Gene Roddenberry starting next week. However, Patrick Bauchau did come in to read for Gene today for the role of "Picard." His reading was well received; he and Patrick Stewart seem to be the favorites for the role of "Picard."

For the role of "Ryker," Michael O'Gorman seems to be a favorite. He's sort of an atypical choice for the role, however, a good one.

Denise Crosby seems to be the only possibility for the role of "Troi" at this point; the same for J.D. Roth for the role of "Wesley."

There are several contenders for "Tasha," "Geordi," and "Data." However, Rosalind Chao seems to be a favorite for "Tasha"; Reggie Jackson for "Geordi"; and Mark Lindsay Chapman for "Data."

For the role of "Beverly," Cheryl McFadden is the favorite. However, her schedule may pose a problem. She's currently performing in a play in San Diego.

General reading sessions are continuing; our next one is on April 14.

cc: Jeff Hayes

via: digg