In the vast cosmos of the Star Trek universe, many characters have come and gone, leaving indelible marks on the hearts of Trekkies worldwide.
Among these iconic figures stands Vash, portrayed by the talented Jennifer Hetrick. With her fiery spirit and adventurous nature, Vash quickly became a fan favorite, especially for her intriguing relationship with Captain Jean-Luc Picard.
But as the years have passed, one question lingers in the minds of many: Whatever happened to Jennifer Hetrick after her Star Trek days?
Join us as we embark on a journey through time and space, unraveling the mysteries surrounding the life and career of this beloved actress.
Acting Career
Squeeze Play!
Hetrick’s first film role marked the beginning of her acting career with 1979’s Squeeze Play!, a comedy directed by Lloyd Kaufman. The story revolves around a group of women who, after becoming frustrated with their boyfriends who prioritize sports over romance, decide to create a softball team of their own and challenge them to a game.
The film received universally negative reviews.
Unsub
In 1989, Hetrick landed a main cast role on NBC’s crime drama Unsub, a portmanteau of “unknown” and “subject.” She played Ann Madison, member of an elite FBI forensic team, for all 8 episodes of the show’s run. It was unfortunately canceled after only one season.
L.A. Law
Following her stint on Unsub, Hetrick continued on to feature as a recurring character on NBC’s legal drama L.A. Law between 1989 and 1991. Her character, Corinne Hammond Becker, appeared in 14 episodes during a storyline that involved a divorce proceeding, and she disappeared after the plot concluded.
Star Trek: The Next Generation
In 1990, Hetrick would play Vash, a human archeologist known for shady business dealings and selling of priceless artifacts for profit, on Star Trek: The Next Generation. Picard is initially unaware of her duplicitous nature during Vash’s premiere episode, “Captain’s Holiday”, and so the two enjoy a romance while Vash simultaneously uses Picard to push her own hidden agenda.
Although the two part ways, they meet again in 1991 episode “Qpid” when the seemingly omnipotent alien entity Q places them in a Robinhood fantasy together. Q then tasks a Robinhood-donned Picard to rescue Vash’s Maid Marien before she faces certain doom.
When Picard succeeds in his rescue, the two rekindle their romance once more before Vash chooses to join Q in his travels through the universe. This is the last we see of Vash on The Next Generation.
Fans generally did not care for Vash’s character and felt Picard, a self-identified morally upright man, should have comported himself with more dignity than to fall for the wiles of a charmer and thief. However, Hetrick was kindling a real-life romance with Picard actor Patrick Stewart, and the two were engaged at the time “Qpid” was filmed.
Just as with Picard and Vash, Hetrick and Stewart parted ways before long. The engagement did not conclude in a marriage.
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
In 1993, Hetrick made an appearance in season one of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, reprising her role as Vash. The episode brings Vash aboard the titular space station to reveal that her partnership with Q has dissolved. However, Q appears before long in an attempt to woo her back.
What ensues is a competition for Vash’s attention between Q, Dr. Bashir, and Quark. Whereas Q and Bashir wish for the pleasure of her company, Quark recognizes her undeniable charm and proficiency for selling priceless goods.
At the end of the episode, Quark convinces Vash to continue with her business using Quark as a partner and financial backer for her operation. Vash agrees to the terms, but is never seen on-screen again.
Bodies of Evidence
Between 1992 and 1993, Hetrick portrayed Bonnie Caroll, wife of main character Lieutenant Ben Carroll, on the CBS police drama series Bodies of Evidence alongside Lee Horsely, George Clooney, and Kate McNeil.
Hetrick appeared on 4 of the series’ 16 total episodes. It was canceled after two seasons.
The X-Files
In 1996, Hetrick appeared on an episode of The X-Files as Sharon Skinner, wife of assistant FBI director Walter Skinner, in an episode entitled “Avatar”. During the episode, she serves Walter with divorce papers leading to him having a one night stand with a stranger. When the stranger winds up dead in the morning, Scully and Mulder investigate the unusual circumstances.
Hetrick appears in various scenes in the episode. While her character survives the episode, including a car crash that lands her in a coma, she is never seen on the show again.
Sliders
In 1995, Hetrick played Caroline Fontaine on an episode of Sliders called “Last Days”. Hetrick would appear on the show once more in 2000, but as a separate character entirely. Her second appearance was as Claire LeBeau in an episode entitled “The Seer”.
Other TV Appearances
Hetrick went on to appear on numerous TV shows including Alias, Criminal Minds, NCIS, Cold Case, Prison Break, 24, and Raising the Bar.
What is Jennifer Hetrick doing now?
Jennifer Hetrick remains an actress, although her last appearance was in 2018 on an episode of CBS medical drama Code Black. Hetrick has returned to filming TV commercials as well, including a 2018 ad for Prolia alongside Blythe Danner.
In recent years, Hetrick has taken a step back from mainstream Hollywood, focusing on smaller projects and personal pursuits. She’s been involved in community theater and has also explored other artistic avenues, including writing.
Relationships and Family Life
While Jennifer Hetrick’s romance with actor Patrick Stewart fizzled before tying the knot, Hetrick went on and married someone else. However, she has not shared details of her husband, including his name or occupation.
The two have one child– a daughter named Lilly.
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