The man who directed the first episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, along with a number of other TNG and DS9 episodes passed away on Jun 27. Corey Allen, actor and Emmy-winning director, died in Hollywood of natural causes.
Corey Allen – From Rebel to Director
Corey Allen began his career in Hollywood in the 50’s as an actor, appearing in TV and films, including the landmark movie Rebel Without a Cause. Allen was the last surviving cast member of Rebel.
By the 70s Allen had moved behind the camera, becoming a prolific director for television on shows like Police Woman, TJ Hooker, and Hill Street Blues (which garnered him an Emmy in 1984). Over the course of 25 years he directed for more than 76 TV series.
Allen directed the two-hour pilot ("Encounter at Farpoint") of Star Trek: The Next Generation in 1987 and was one of the people involved in casting the series regulars. Allen’s fast-paced style required the writing and shooting of some additional character scenes as the episode was coming in under time. Star Trek producer Rick Berman talked to the LA Times about Allen, saying "Corey was a wonderful director and was adored by the actors."
Over the the next seven years Allen directed four Additional TNG episodes plus four episodes of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.
Here are his Trek credits:
- TNG: "Encounter at Farpoint", "Home Soil", "Final Mission", "The Game", "Journey’s End"
- DS9: "Captive Pursuit", "The Circle", "Paradise", "The Maquis, Part II"
Allen directing Wil Wheaton in TNG’s "Final Mission"
Variety reports that Allen died in Hollywood on June 27th of natural causes at age 75. More on Allen at Variety and Memory Alpha.
Those were some decent TNG episodes, among my favorites. Rest in peace Mr. Allen.
Curious, at least three of those are Wesley-centric stories. I don’t recall the “Home Soil” plot at the moment.
A nice legacy, indeed. My best to Mr. Allen’s family.
Got some nice Wesley moments out of “Final Mission.”
Two days before his birthday, it’s such a shame.
I didn’t get to work directly with him, but he was fun to talk to during the TNG episodes he directed.
He did some cool stuff. And I am always envious of all the amazing people Rick has met and worked with.
I must’ve seen “Encounter at Farpoint” a million times. I know a lot of fans dislike the 1st season of TNG, but I have very fond nostalgia where this episode is concerned. I still remember watching it when it premiered waaaaay back in ’87.
Encounter at Farpoint, had me glued to the console tv at home, I remember it was late September 87. I was hooked after that.
never really cared for any of those episodes but still it sucks to loose such a talented man.
There is no doubt Corey Allen was a magnificent artist, as we can see from the TNG and DS9 episodes he directed. More than an artist though, I’m tend to believe he was also a fine man, and I wish him peace wherever he ends up.
Those were some heart string pulling eppisodes. Some very great memories come to my mind. Rest in Peace Corey
Sybok directed Encounter at Farpoint?
I didn’t realize he was Buzz in Rebel. My condolences to his family and friends.
2. ‘Homesoil’ was episode where terra formers didn’t realise there was a lifeform living in the water, under the soil layer when drilling. They’re tiny crystals which flash and call the humans, “Ugly bags of mostly water.”
Walter Gottel, who appeared in several Bond movies as a KGB General, was in it.
Sad to hear the news about Mr. Allen. I directed some fine episodes, including getting TNG out of the starting blocks.
‘Captive Pursuit’ is one of favourite DS9 episodes after all these years.
“Die with honour, Obrien.”
“Die with honour, Tosk.”
EDIT… Correction to the above, which was written on the fly.
He directed some fine episodes…
R.I.P., Mr. Allen! You were a solid TV Director!
Sorry to hear about Corey Allen’s death
RIP
“Captive Pursuit” is one of my favorite Star Trek episodes ever. RIP Mr. Allen.