Taylor Sheridan, widely known for creating and writing the hit series Yellowstone, also appeared in an unexpected role on Star Trek: Enterprise. This surprising connection between two of Paramount+’s flagship franchises occurred during the show’s third season, when Sheridan guest-starred in the episode titled Chosen Realm. His small but memorable role links Sheridan’s early acting days to the Star Trek universe, adding an intriguing layer for fans of both series.
How Taylor Sheridan Joined the Star Trek Universe
In 2003’s episode Chosen Realm, Captain Jonathan Archer (Scott Bakula) and the crew of the NX-01 Enterprise face a group of religious fanatics who worship the deadly spheres created by the Xindi. These spheres pose a planet-threatening danger to Earth, driving Archer’s mission to destroy them. Taylor Sheridan plays Jareb, one of the extremists who seizes control of the Enterprise and operates the science station, normally run by the Vulcan science officer T’Pol (Jolene Blalock). Though Sheridan’s role is brief, it offers a glimpse of his acting before he became the prominent creator behind Yellowstone, 1883, and 1923.
This guest appearance came long before Sheridan’s notable role as Sheriff Hale on Sons of Anarchy and several years prior to his directorial debut with the film Sicario, a project he later distanced himself from. Sheridan’s cameo stands as a testament to his multifaceted career in television and film, revealing how his journey began on a beloved sci-fi series.
Other Yellowstone Actors Also Featured on Enterprise
Star Trek has a history of featuring guest stars who later rose to prominence, and Enterprise was no exception. Beyond Sheridan, the cast counted several familiar faces connected to Yellowstone. Among them was Michael Nouri, who portrayed Bob Schwartz, a banker in seasons one through four of Yellowstone, known for antagonizing Kelly Reilly’s character, Beth Dutton.
Before appearing on Yellowstone, Nouri took on the role of Arev, a leader of the Vulcan religious sect called the Syrannites, in the three-part Enterprise story that started with The Forge. This important arc delves into Vulcan history, where Arev houses the Katra — the soul of the ancient logic master Surak. When Arev dies, he transfers Surak’s Katra to Captain Archer, who must protect the rebel Syrannites from the Vulcan High Command’s threat to wipe them out. Nouri delivers a powerful performance as Arev, which highlights the tension between logic and faith that shapes Vulcan culture.
Linking Two Iconic Paramount+ Franchises
The presence of both Taylor Sheridan and Michael Nouri in Star Trek: Enterprise creates an unexpected bridge between Yellowstone and Star Trek, Paramount+’s leading franchises in the TV drama and sci-fi genres. The connections reflect how actors weave through diverse story worlds, enriching fan experiences across genres. Sheridan’s brief but notable appearance allows audiences to see a different side of the creator, while Nouri’s dual roles emphasize the breadth of talent involved in these shows.
For viewers exploring Paramount+’s expanding lineup, this crossover offers an added incentive to revisit the classic series and appreciate the broader context around the actors’ careers. As both franchises continue to grow with new installments, discovering this link adds depth and a unique viewing lens that fans may have previously overlooked.
“It was awesome to work on Star Trek very early in my career.”
– Taylor Sheridan, creator of Yellowstone
