Funny article in yesterday's "New York Times" about how bit players in the "Star Trek" TV series have attained a certain immortality in the eyes of Trekkies. One of them is Bill Blackburn, a "former professional ice skater" who appeared on-camera approximately 60 times, usually on the bridge:

"Though he was identified by name only once, legions of Trekkies know him as Mr. Hadley. . . he did some voice work ('Warp Factor 5, Captain') and was stuffed into a White Rabbit costume in the episode 'Shore Leave' . . . [and later] became a costume archivist at Warner Brothers."

The article goes on to say that, at age 77, he skates four days a week at a rink in Burbank.

Just wondering if anyone here knows him, and marveling at his still being out there at 77 (thinking about the recent "Older Skaters" thread).


Ellen

Hmm. . . Don't know him, but down at the rink in Culver City (not too far away), one of the instructors, Sid Moore, who is in his 80's and still teaches a class and private students every Sunday night! His wife Helen passed away about 2 years ago at 92, and had been teaching a class--on the ice with skates on--until about 6 months before she died (after being diagnosed with cancer). Just goes to show, we can skate our whole lives!

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"You don't have to put an age limit on your dreams." - Dara Torres, 41, after her 2nd medal at the 2008 Olympics

Billy still comes to Pickwick about 4 times per week - sometimes to skate and sometimes to socialize and give pointers to the up and coming. He mentions his "Trek days" occasionally laughing about the costumes or funny things that happened on the sets back then. I'm sure he will appreciate your inquiry.