Stephen Manley

Young Spock in Star Trek III: The Search For Spock

Stephen Manley was handpicked by Leonard nimoy to play the pivotal role of a 17-year-old Spock recovered from the Genesis planet in the director’s soulful Star Trek III: The

Search For Spock (1984). his enactment of the Vulcan “blood burning” reproductive cycle of pon farr with model Robin Curtis (who played Saavik) was a highlight. we spoke to the actor at his LA home.

Would you like to play the role again?

Of course – I could pon farr with Robin for the rest of eternity!

What’s the strangest request you’ve had from a fan?

I haven’t had outrageous requests. When fans take a picture with me and we pon farr together they usually go blood red and jump up and down!

Did you get any set souvenirs?

Yes: one set of ear tips.

Would any of your character’s skills have been useful in real life?

Considering I was pon farring with Robin I’m sure that would have come in useful for a much more colourful youth!

Is there anything from the movie you wish was real?

It’d be wonderful if we were already in the time period that Star Trek takes place. A lot of the problems we have now would be completely solved.

What would it say on his gravestone?

I overdosed on pon farr!