The film industry might have some of the best-paying jobs in the world, but it is not exactly a safe place. Despite using the most advanced equipment and employing the best professionals, accidents do happen. And they might leave quite a mark, as in Star Trek: First Contact‘s star Alfre Woodard’s case.
Known for her stellar performances in Annabelle and 12 Years a Slave, and her several Primetime Emmy wins, Woodard joined the Star Trek universe on a friend’s recommendation. However, it didn’t turn out so well for her.
The disastrous set explosion that injured Alfre Woodard
Alfre Woodard was already a famous name before she was invited to star in Star Trek: The Next Generation‘s first movie, Star Trek: First Contact, by none other than franchise legend, Jonathan Frakes, who was also a close friend of hers. She played Zefram Cochrane’s assistant, Lily Sloane, and her performance was loved by many.
But what was more impressive than her acting was her perseverance to keep going despite a major set injury that scarred her for life. In First Contact when the Borg attacked the outpost where Lily and Cochrane were building the first warp vessel, the Phoenix, an explosion occurs that throws them off guard.
Though Woodard executed the scene perfectly, she would soon come to realize the sleeves of her suit were torn to shreds, and both her arms were a bloodied mess.
Alfre Woodard laughed off her injuries while filming Star Trek: First Contact
Despite suffering such a grievous injury that would make anyone feel nauseous, Woodard seemingly laughed through her pain. While talking to Collider in an interview, she recalled,
We practiced it for hours and hours, and then when it happened, the explosion was so intense it just knocked us off our butts. We just fell any way we could. I ran to Jonathan … my arms were bleeding, and all the skin was gone.
Though her wounds were quickly patched up, they left permanent scars on her forearms. Woodard learned her lesson the hard way, and has since relied more on Cheryl Lewis, her stunt double, who she admires a lot.
Such accidents are a cautious reminder that behind all that glitter and fame lies the passion and dedication of the utmost level, and actors/stunt people often risk their lives to entertain the viewers.
Watch Star Trek: First Contact on Paramount+
