In 1986, Marina Sirtis relocated to the United States to further her acting career. A year later, she auditioned for Star Trek: The Next Generation. Initially considered for the role of Tasha Yar (originally named Macha Hernandez in early scripts), the casting team ultimately selected her for the role of Counselor Deanna Troi. The part of Tasha Yar went to Denise Crosby.
Sirtis portrayed Deanna Troi, the half-human, half-Betazoid Starfleet counselor with empathic abilities, for all seven seasons of the series from 1987 to 1994. She reprised the character in multiple Star Trek feature films, as well as guest appearances on Star Trek: Voyager, Star Trek: Enterprise, and the revival series Star Trek: Picard.
An early and controversial idea for the Troi character involved making her a four-breasted alien hermaphrodite. Writer D.C. Fontana advocated strongly against it, urging a more conventional character design. As a result, the concept was dropped, and the character was reimagined as a more relatable and dignified figure, an empathetic advisor aboard the USS Enterprise.
In addition to Star Trek, Sirtis appeared in a variety of television series and films throughout her career. Highlights include roles in NCIS, Grey’s Anatomy, Crash, and Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No!. Her experience in both theater and screen helped her maintain steady work in the industry.
Marina Sirtis married musician Michael Lamper on June 21, 1992, in a traditional Greek ceremony. They were introduced by a mutual friend named Anna. Lamper, a guitarist and former rock band performer, passed away in 2019. The couple remained together until his death.
In an often-repeated anecdote, Sirtis recalls preparing to leave the United States for good due to a lack of acting opportunities. While at the airport, she received the life-changing call that she had secured the role of Deanna Troi. This moment marked a turning point in her life and career. Her current net worth is estimated to be approximately $6 million.
· Marina Sirtis speaks fluent Greek.
· She is a vegetarian and actively supports animal rights organizations.
· Her surname “Sirtis” is pronounced “SIR-tis.”
· She is a passionate football fan and particularly supports the English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur.
Return to the previous page| Birth Date: | 29 Mar, 1955 |
| Age: | 65 yrs |
| Occupations: | Actor Film actor Television actor Voice actor |
| Citizenship: | United Kingdom United States of America |
| Birth Place: | London |
| Education: | Guildhall School of Music and Drama Tottenham High School for Girls |
| Gender: | Female |
| Description: | British-American actress |
| Twitter Id: | Marina_Sirtis |
| Spouse: | Michael Lampert |
| Net Worth 2021: | 6 million |
