The facts on Iowa-born Dax

Terry Farrell as Lt. Dax in "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine"

Riverside, the future birthplace of Capt. James T. Kirk, gets a nod in the new  “Star Trek” movie. But the city is not the only Iowa claim to fame in the “Star Trek” universe.

Cedar Rapids native Terry Farrell  had the highest-profile role in her career when she played Lt. Jadzia Dax on “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” the TV spinoff that debuted in 1993.

Theresa Lee Farrell, who was born on Nov. 19, 1963, dropped out of high school at 17 to pursue modeling in New York.  As a model with the Elite agency, she had an exclusive contract with Mademoiselle magazine.

She continued to model on the side as she studied acting. Her first major role wasn’t much of a stretch:  She played a model in the short-lived TV series “Paper Dolls.”  She also snagged a supporting role in the movie “Back to School,” starring Rodney Dangerfield.

In 1993, she landed the role of Dax, a Trill and Starfleet science officer, on “Deep Space Nine.”  The following year, she was the star attraction at a Star Trek convention in her hometown.

Check out a video and musical tribute to Dax here.

When her “Deep Space Nine” contract came up for renewal at the end of six years, she opted instead for a new role, playing a diner owner in “Becker,” a sitcom starring Ted Danson.  After four years on the show, she was replaced by Nancy Travis.

Check out her comedy chops in this clip from “Becker.”

Farrell married actor Brian Baker, a Pennsylvania native, in 2002. They have moved to the Hershey, Pa., to raise their son.

Fun facts

• You may not recognize Farrell’s husband by name, but you’ve seen him countless times. He was the deadpan, trench coat-clad Sprint spokesman on TV commercials a few years back.
• Asteroid 26734 Terryfarrell, discovered in 2001, is named in her honor by the International Astronomical Union.
• And what about 26733? Discovered in 2000, it is named 26733 Nanavisitor in honor of actress Nana Visitor, who also starred in “Deep Space Nine.”

Another Iowa connection

Another  Iowa  actress commanded the small screen in a “Star Trek” role. Can you identify her? More on that actress in the next Claim to fame.