Marc Alaimo
Actor
Biography
Marc Alaimo (born Michael Joseph Alaimo; May 5, 1942) is an American actor best known for his villainous roles, particularly as Gul Dukat on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. He grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Alaimo began his career in theater and transitioned to television and film, often cast as antagonists. He appeared in the 1970s and 1980s in many TV shows and films before making his mark in the Star Trek franchise.
In Star Trek, Alaimo is notable for multiple roles: he was the first actor to portray a Romulan (Commander Tebok in Star Trek: The Next Generation) and the first Cardassian (Gul Macet) in the franchise. His most famous role is Gul Dukat, the complex and recurring Cardassian villain in Deep Space Nine, appearing in 35 episodes from 1993 to 1999. His portrayal brought depth and nuance to the character, making Gul Dukat one of Star Trek's most compelling villains.
Alaimo's distinctive physical features influenced the design of the Cardassians, with makeup artist Michael Westmore emphasizing his neck muscles to create the species' characteristic neck ridges. Beyond Star Trek, Alaimo appeared in films like Total Recall (1990) and Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult.
He has a son, Michael Antony Alaimo, who is a writer and producer in television.
Filmography
Naked Gun 33â…“: The Final Insult
as Trucker 1994
Tango & Cash
as Lopez 1989
The Dead Pool
as Embarcadero Bodyguard #2 1988
The Last Starfighter
as Hitchhiker 1984
Hardcore
as Ratan 1979
Seems Like Old Times
as Bee Gee 1980
Avenging Force
as Charlie Lavall 1986
Arena
as Rogor 1989
Helter Skelter
as Phil Cohen 1976
What We Left Behind: Looking Back at Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
as Self 2018
Grizzly II: Revenge
as Luke 2020
Which Way Is Up?
as Frankie 1977
Donato and Daughter
as Det. Petsky 1993
Dr. Black, Mr. Hyde
as Preston, the pusher 1979
The Execution of Private Slovik
as Soldier (uncredited) 1974
The Archer: Fugitive from the Empire
as Sandros 1981