Spencer Garrett: The Man Behind Ensign Tarses – Truth, Trek, and a Lifetime on Screen

This week on The Clonestar Podcast, Mike and Seo sit down with veteran actor Spencer Garrett, whose unforgettable performance as Ensign Simon Tarses in Star Trek: The Next Generation’s “The Drumhead” remains one of the most powerful moments in Trek history.Spencer shares the story behind that iconic episode — how a quiet med tech became the centre of one of Star Trek’s most timeless allegories about truth, fear, and prejudice — and reflects on how its message still resonates decades later.But that’s only part of his incredible journey. From working with Quentin Tarantino in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood to his appearances in Mad Men, Winning Time, and Air Force One, Spencer’s career has spanned film, television, and theatre with versatility and grace.Join us as we explore his Star Trek legacy, his remarkable Hollywood career, and the enduring impact of storytelling that challenges us to look inward.