Persis Khambatta

“I was brought to Hollywood by Gene Roddenberry and Michael Eisner, chosen from 600 hopefuls to star in the original 'Star Trek' motion picture. The success of the film, coupled with the allure that I had shaved my head for the role, put a spotlight on me.”

“Besides, a bald cap would have never looked real.”

“I mean, every Star Trek episode you saw was just phenomenal.”

“If there is an exotic woman it's always a terrorist role.”

“I thought I was very pretty without hair. Naked, more honest somehow. No glamor, just bald old me. I seldom wore wigs or hats. But some people must have thought I was an exhibitionist or a religious fanatic.”

“I love what I do, and I'm not doing anything either for money or for the sake of some unfulfilled ambition.”

“I was thrilled, because I like the big screen and I could then move on to the next thing. It was the biggest break for me. In a way, though, I wish it had been a TV series because then you are working for five years.”