No matter where his career might take him in the future, Michael Dorn will always boast one of the most unique accomplishments in Star Trek history. As Worf, the first Klingon to serve in Starfleet, Dorn has appeared on-screen in more Star Trek episodes and movies as the same character than anyone, having been a regular in two Trek casts: Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. The character's impact on both shows is undeniable — over the years, he became a vital, integral part of each series.

Indeed, Worf's own personal saga was often interwoven with the epic drama of the Klingon Empire, making for a multi-layered storyline that was both character-driven and focused on a larger canvas. On TNG, Worf often took center stage, perhaps most memorably in the grand-scale two-parter "Redemption." Here, Worf's ideals as a Klingon warrior were somewhat at odds with his duty as a Starfleet officer — we were able to view the sweeping story of the Klingon civil war through his eyes, making it more personal. On DS9, Worf found himself romantically involved with Jadzia Dax (Terry Farrell), resulting in one of the most popular pairings in Trek history. The duo shared a very memorable wedding episode (it was a traditional Klingon wedding, naturally) and their combined chemistry and charisma made Jadzia's death in Season 6 all the more heart-wrenching. On both series, Dorn's considerable magnetism and talent gave Worf's story even more depth and meaning. He also contributed behind the scenes, directing several episodes of DS9.

Though he has played Worf for years (he even acted as the Klingon's ancestor in "Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country"), Dorn is a man of varied talents. Prior to Trek, he co-starred for three seasons on the popular show CHiPS and guest-starred on many more TV series. He also played and sang in several rock bands. Since the end of DS9, he has continued to act in a variety of projects, and is quite in demand for his voice work — he's provided voices for a plethora of animated series, including Spider-Man, Kim Possible and Gargoyles (with fellow Trek thespian Marina Sirtis). He also wrote, directed and starred in a TV sitcom pilot, "Through the Fire," and directed an episode of Star Trek: Enterprise, "Two Days and Two Nights."

You can see Dorn currently in theaters as "The Sandman" in "The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause," and you might have seen him earlier this year on the Sci-Fi Channel in "A.I. Assault" with Robert Picardo and George Takei — which has now been released on DVD under the title "Shockwave" (related story). Look for him soon in movies called "Fallen Angels" and "The Deep Below," the latter with Marina Sirtis.

In his free time (what there is of it), Dorn enjoys flying in his military training jet, an F-86. He also appears regularly at conventions, often with good pal Sirtis.

At the recent 40th anniversary Star Trek celebration in Las Vegas, Dorn announced that he is celebrating his 30th year in show business this year. "And my mother is still waiting for me to get a job. She still wants me to work at the post office, because 'they have good benefits'!"

Well, the Postal Service's loss is our gain.

STARTREK.COM wishes Michael Dorn a very Happy Birthday and many thanks for his substantial contributions to the Trek universe.

You can wish Michael a Happy Birthday yourself on the Star Trek Message Boards!