At 85 years old, actress Mariette Hartley is reminiscing about her time filming an episode of “Star Trek: The Original Series”. In a December 2025 interview with “That’s Classic,” Hartley discussed her role as Zarabeth in Season 3, Episode 23 (“All Our Yesterdays”). In this 1969 episode, her character finds herself in the Ice Age on her planet, where she encounters Mr. Spock (played by Leonard Nimoy) who becomes stuck near her cave. The two characters develop a romantic interest, culminating in a passionate kiss.
During the interview, Hartley revealed that her character even managed to convince Spock, known for being a vegetarian, to eat meat. She also expressed her dislike for the costume she had to wear for the episode – a leather mini dress with fur boots that she found unflattering. According to Hartley, the designer who created the outfit thought she looked fabulous in it, but she felt otherwise.
Hartley shared insights about working with Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner, who portrayed Captain James T. Kirk. She mentioned that Shatner wore “big lifts” in his shoes to appear taller, a fact that may surprise some fans who are unaware of his true height. Regarding Nimoy, who passed away in 2015 at the age of 83, Hartley praised his talent as an actor during their time on the set of “Star Trek: The Original Series.”
Aside from her appearance on “Star Trek: The Original Series,” Hartley has a diverse acting career that includes roles in popular series like “My Three Sons,” “Bonanza,” “Little House on the Prairie,” “Columbo,” “One Life to Live,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” and “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.”
In a world where trends come and go, Hartley’s portrayal of Zarabeth in “Star Trek: The Original Series” remains a timeless example of the enduring appeal of classic television. Her ability to captivate audiences with her performance alongside Leonard Nimoy is a testament to her talent as an actress. As the industry continues to evolve, Hartley’s contribution to the world of entertainment serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling and the lasting impact of iconic characters.
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.