In most cases, ignoring haters is often the best way to deal with them, as engaging in any sort of dispute ends up feeding the trolls. But Star Trek icon Michael Dorn had a unique approach when it came to dealing with two haters at a convention.
Known for playing Worf in the Star Trek franchise, the actor is notable for making the most number of appearances throughout the IP’s decades-long history than any other actors. But despite being one of the most beloved characters from the franchise, like any other thing in media, Worf isn’t immune to haters, and Dorn once had the incredible opportunity to scare two of them.
Michael Dorn Put the Fear of God in Two Trolls
Despite appearing in four films and 272 television episodes, including all 7 seasons of The Next Generation and the last 4 of Deep Space Nine, Michael Dorn doesn’t often get recognized in public. This isn’t surprising, as despite being the actor with the most appearances in the franchise, Dorn was always in make-up, as a result, many fans are only familiar with his Worf persona. During the Star Trek: The Next Generation reunion, hosted by Whoopi Goldberg, the actor recalled (via EW):
It had to be the whole run of the show, I was in makeup, and nobody saw me out of makeup. Whenever I’d go out with my friends or I’d go to conventions, [fans] would literally shove past me to get to these guys,
But this came in handy when the actor was behind two guys in an elevator at a convention, who weren’t the biggest fans of Star Trek. The CHIPS actor recalled while the two guys were berating the IP and Worf, Dorn was listening the entire time. Eventually, the actor put the fear of god in them after greeting the two guys with his best Worf impression.
He recalled:
I’m behind them, listening [to them going], ‘Oh, I can’t believe it, that doesn’t make any sense, and that guy that plays Worf, God, he stinks. He’s terrible. I don’t understand that, I walked out and said, ‘Good evening, guys,’ in my best Worf [voice.]
It’s reasonable to see why the two guys were terror-struck, as hearing Worf’s voice out of thin air would give anyone chills.
Michael Dorn Stressed a Worf Show Will Success Following His Popularity
Years ago, Michael Dorn entertained the idea of a Worf-centered show and even had a pilot written to be made. Even though it never took off the ground, Dorn hasn’t given up on the idea, as after making his return last year in Star Trek: Picard Season 3, the actor stressed that there’s a Worf show out there.
Moreover, he is assured if the creators do move forward with this idea, it will be a huge success following Worf’s popularity.
But I always felt that Worf has a place. Not just one of the characters, but there is a Worf show out there. And if they have the will to do it, I think they would be totally shocked at how popular the character is. Jesus, I have done almost 300 Worfs. I think the character is pretty popular.
It’ll be interesting to see if the idea is ever greenlit in the future, especially after the actor’s triumphant return to the franchise last year.
Star Trek: Picard is available to stream on Paramount Plus.
