Ethan Peck, star of the acclaimed series *Star Trek: Strange New Worlds*, reflects on the remarkable journey he has experienced since taking on the iconic role of Spock. In an interview with *PEOPLE*, the actor, who is the grandson of legendary actor Gregory Peck, expresses his surprise and gratitude for the opportunity to portray one of science fiction’s most beloved characters.
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Peck, 40, describes his role as a life-changing experience, noting that it has been the “greatest journey and adventure” of his life so far. As the franchise celebrates its 60th anniversary, he finds himself navigating the dual responsibility of honouring Leonard Nimoy’s original portrayal of Spock while also introducing his individual interpretation of the character.
Off-screen, Peck has been exploring his familial legacy, particularly through his grandfather’s extensive filmography. Recently, he participated in the TCM Classic Film Festival in Hollywood, where his grandfather’s 1966 film *Arabesque*, featuring Sophia Loren, was screened. This marked a poignant moment for Peck, who had never seen the film before.
“It was a really wonderful experience,” Peck reflects. “I grew up in Hollywood and I love classic films, yet I had no idea this festival even existed.” His enthusiasm for the event led him to introduce the film, creating a unique opportunity to experience it for the first time alongside an audience.
Watching *Arabesque* allowed Peck to appreciate the versatility of his grandfather’s performances, which predominantly showcased him in heroic roles such as those in *To Kill a Mockingbird* and *Cape Fear*. “Seeing him take on a comedic character was fascinating,” Peck admits. However, he also acknowledges the emotional distance he feels from Gregory, who was 70 when Peck was born, resulting in a relationship that never fully bridged the gap.
“I feel quite distant from him,” he confides. “We weren’t particularly close when I was young, and it fills me with awe and wonder to be connected to him and his legacy. I view his life and work as quite mysterious.” For Peck, exploring his grandfather’s films is akin to “unwrapping presents,” allowing him to better understand the man behind the legend.
As he continues to develop his portrayal of Spock in *Strange New Worlds*, Peck has found particular pleasure in establishing the dynamic between Spock and Paul Wesley’s young Captain Kirk in season four. “We have a lot of fun working together and I think our chemistry really enhances our performances,” he shares. Unlike many co-stars, they have formed a genuine friendship off-screen, which Peck believes adds a unique dimension to their collaboration.
Though Peck and Wesley consciously avoid trying to replicate the original performances by Nimoy and William Shatner, they bring their authenticity to the roles. “We want to be true to ourselves rather than attempt imitations of these iconic actors who are impossible to replicate,” he explains. With the show’s fifth season already in the pipeline, Peck looks forward to reflecting on their performances and seeing how their interpretations resonate with fans.
Looking to the future, Peck expresses excitement at the idea of portraying Spock again, similar to how Nimoy intermittently returned to the character. “It’s been utterly life-altering,” he says. “I feel as though I have won the lottery being part of this universe. The joy that comes from this opportunity will never fade.”
In conclusion, Ethan Peck clearly cherishes both his current role as Spock and the connection to his grandfather’s legacy. “I will always be linked to this character and I take immense pride in that,” he states, affirming that the experience has enriched his life in countless ways. As fans await new episodes of *Star Trek: Strange New Worlds*, Peck’s enthusiasm continues to resonate, keeping the spirit of exploration alive both on and off the screen. The series is available for streaming on Paramount+.