Kerrice Brooks, star of “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy,” once revealed during an interview on The Kelly Clarkson Show that she wasn’t initially drawn to the Star Trek franchise while growing up. In fact, she admitted to actively avoiding it, trying to embody the persona of a rebellious punk rock kid rather than engaging with her family’s interests. It took her a significant amount of time to finally give Star Trek a chance.
During the same interview, Brooks shared her initial skepticism about whether she would see herself represented on screen while watching a Star Trek show or film. However, her perspective shifted when she saw Sonequa Martin-Green’s character, Michael Burnham, in Star Trek: Discovery. This moment seemed to have a profound impact on Brooks, highlighting the importance of diverse representation in the media.
In her role as SAM (Series Acclimation Mil), a hologram in Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, Brooks explained that her character is the first of her kind, created to serve as a spy for her home world. She humorously described SAM’s role as warning her people about potential dangers based on individuals’ allergies. Brooks drew inspiration from past Star Trek characters like the Emergency Medical Hologram, The Doctor, portrayed by Robert Picardo in Star Trek: Voyager, and the beloved Seven of Nine, played by Jeri Ryan.
In a separate interview with Comic Book Resources, Brooks elaborated on the characters that influenced her portrayal of SAM, including Seven of Nine, the younger Jake Sisko from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and the wise Vulcan, Surak. Through her thoughtful approach to the character, Brooks adds depth and nuance to her performance, connecting SAM to a legacy of iconic Star Trek figures.
In conclusion, Kerrice Brooks brings a fresh perspective to the Star Trek universe through her portrayal of SAM in Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. By drawing inspiration from past characters and infusing her own unique interpretation, Brooks adds a layer of complexity to the hologram role. Her journey from a non-fan to a key player in the Star Trek franchise is a testament to the power of representation and the impact of diverse storytelling in media.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.