Star Trek fans will remember Diana Muldaur for her role as Dr. Katherine Pulaski on Star Trek: The Next Generation during the show’s second season in 1988-1989.
However, Muldaur had a long acting career before and after her brief time on the Enterprise. Though she never became a household name, she worked consistently in television and film from the 1960s up until the early 2000s.
She played varied roles across multiple genres, from soap operas to sci-fi. Beyond Star Trek, audiences may also know Muldaur from her Emmy-nominated role as cutthroat lawyer Rosalind Shays on L.A. Law.
But what has she been up to in recent years? Let’s delve into the life and career of this talented actress.
Background Information
Born on August 19, 1938, in Brooklyn, New York, Diana Muldaur embarked on her acting journey during her high school years.
She further honed her skills at Sweet Briar College in Virginia, graduating in 1960. Under the guidance of the legendary Stella Adler, Muldaur made a name for herself on the New York stage.
Earl Career
Diana Muldaur began acting in television in the early 1960s, appearing in soap operas like The Secret Storm and The Doctors.
Her early TV roles were mostly guest spots on various dramas and westerns, including Gunsmoke, I Spy, Judd for the Defense, and Star Trek.
She also had a recurring role as Ann Wicker on the soap opera The Secret Storm from 1963-1965.
Muldaur transitioned to film acting in the late 1960s, appearing in movies like The Swimmer (1968) and Number One (1969).
However, she continued working regularly in television throughout the 1960s and 1970s, guest starring on shows like Hawaii Five-O, Marcus Welby M.D., and Charlie’s Angels.
Star Trek: The Next Generation
Muldaur’s association with “Star Trek” began in the late 1960s when she appeared in two episodes of “Star Trek: The Original Series,” portraying two distinct characters, Dr. Miranda Jones and Ann Mulhall.
Her bond with the show’s creator, Gene Roddenberry, led to her casting as Dr. Katherine Pulaski in the second season of “Star Trek: The Next Generation.”
Her character arc, while rich and varied, was short-lived, leading to numerous speculations and discussions about her departure and the mixed reactions she elicited from the fanbase.
Storyline
Dr. Pulaski was introduced in the second season of “Star Trek: The Next Generation” as the chief medical officer aboard the USS Enterprise-D, replacing Dr. Beverly Crusher.
Her character was seasoned, having had a long and distinguished career in Starfleet before joining the Enterprise.
Throughout the season, she was involved in various missions, from being abducted by a hologram of Professor James Moriarty during a Sherlock Holmes holodeck experience to playing a pivotal role in investigating a mysterious aging disease on the USS Lantree.
Reason for Departure
The exact reasons for Dr. Pulaski’s departure from the show after just one season remain a topic of speculation.
Behind the scenes, it’s believed that the character was introduced as a temporary replacement for Dr. Beverly Crusher, with Gates McFadden (who portrayed Crusher) returning in the third season.
The show’s creators might have intended for Pulaski to bring a different dynamic to the ship’s crew, reminiscent of Dr. Leonard McCoy’s more traditional, skeptical demeanor from the original series.
However, with McFadden’s return, Pulaski’s character was written out without a detailed on-screen explanation.
Divisiveness Among Fans
Dr. Pulaski’s character was divisive for several reasons:
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Contrast with Crusher: Fans had grown accustomed to Dr. Beverly Crusher’s gentle and compassionate demeanor in the first season. In contrast, Pulaski’s more gruff and direct approach was a stark departure, leading to initial resistance from some fans.
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Relationship with Data: One of the most notable aspects of Pulaski’s character was her skepticism towards Lieutenant Commander Data, the ship’s android officer. Unlike most of the crew, she often questioned Data’s ability to understand human emotions or nuances, even mispronouncing his name as a subtle sign of her disbelief in his sentience. This dynamic, while intended to create tension and drama, was off-putting to many fans who had grown fond of Data.
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Comparison to Dr. McCoy: While the creators might have aimed for Pulaski to channel the spirit of the original series’ Dr. McCoy, some fans felt that this was forced and that the character lacked the organic charm and wit of “Bones” McCoy.
LA Law
After her time on “Star Trek,” Muldaur earned two Emmy nominations for her role as lawyer Rosalind Shays on “L.A. Law.”
Rosalind Shays was a complex character, known for being ruthless, greedy, and manipulative. She was introduced as a partner in the law firm and quickly became the series’ main antagonist during her tenure.
Diana Muldaur’s exit from “L.A. Law” was as dramatic as her character’s tenure on the show. In a candid discussion, Muldaur revealed that she had no prior knowledge of her character’s fate until she read the script.
The shocking moment where her character, Rosalind Shays, meets her end by falling down an elevator shaft was a surprise not just to the audience but to Muldaur herself.
Initially, the producers wanted Muldaur to perform the elevator fall, which was a significant drop. Concerned for her safety, Muldaur declined, leading to the use of a stunt double.
This stunt double had to perform the challenging fall multiple times, around ten, before the director was satisfied with the shot. Muldaur expressed her admiration for the stunt double’s resilience and dedication.
She described the cast of “L.A. Law” as “the closest family” and expressed her joy at playing a character as dynamic as Shays. She would act in the series alongside notable actresses Michele Greene and Susan Dey.
Later Career
After her Emmy-nominated role as Rosalind Shays on L.A. Law from 1986-1991, Diana Muldaur continued working steadily in television throughout the 1990s and into the early 2000s.
She made guest appearances on shows like Empty Nest, Batman: The Animated Series, Perry Mason movies, and had a recurring role on The Legend of Prince Valiant.
Some of her last on-screen roles were on series like The Practice and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit in the early 2000s.
Though her acting output slowed in her later years, Muldaur had an extensive and varied television career for over four decades, transitioning from ingenue roles in the 1960s to mature, authoritative women in the 1980s and beyond.
She leveraged her recognizability from L.A. Law to land recurring and guest spots through the twilight of her acting career.
What is Diana Muldaur Doing Now?
In an interview, Diana Muldaur shed light on her current life and interests. Residing in Martha’s Vineyard, a place she has connections to since her childhood, Diana enjoys the tranquility and beauty of the island, especially during the quieter off-peak seasons. She has a deep passion for sailing and has even participated in races, notably winning an entire season two years ago in the Herreshoff fleet with her H 12 boat. Tennis is another sport she indulges in, keeping her active and engaged.
Beyond physical activities, Diana has taken a keen interest in playing duplicate bridge. She finds the game infinitely fascinating, emphasizing the continuous learning it offers. She appreciates the game’s focus on play rather than socializing, which aligns with her preference for privacy.
Diana also touched upon her past involvement with breeding Airedale Terriers, a commitment she held for 35 years. While she no longer breeds them, she still has two dogs and remains influential in the breeding community. She mentioned that breeders from England have sought her expertise and the use of frozen sperm from her past champion dogs to rejuvenate the breed.
Travel remains a significant part of her life. Diana expressed her love for exploring remote places around the world, from Patagonia to Siberia. These travels are not just for leisure; she emphasizes the importance of giving back and tries to contribute positively wherever she goes.
In essence, Diana Muldaur’s current life is a blend of relaxation, hobbies, and a continued commitment to making a positive impact, reflecting her multifaceted personality and diverse interests.
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