Would Desi Arnaz Have Made a Good Star Trek Actor?

The question of whether Desi Arnaz would have been an apt choice to play Khan Noonien Singh in the iconic Star Trek episode 'Space Seed' invites a nuanced exploration of the roles and actors involved. This piece delves into the historical context, actor suitability, and the potential impacts of such a casting decision.

The Historical Context of Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball

By the time the Space Seed episode was produced, Desi Arnaz had already earned notoriety for his womanizing and the tumultuous nature of his marriage to Lucille Ball. Moreover, Desi’s relationship with Lucille was not only volatile but also officially dissolved, as Lucille had established Desilu Productions, the studio behind Star Trek. The prospect of Arnaz joining forces with the production studio could have been fraught with complications, particularly in terms of the political dynamics and the potential scandal it might have generated.

Physical and Ethical Considerations

Khan Noonien Singh, the character in question, hails from the Indian subcontinent, an aspect that might have been overlooked in the initial casting process. However, looking for an actor of the same ethnicity could have added a layer of authenticity to the role. Ricardo Montalban, the actor who portrayed Khan, brought a strong presence, both physically and acturally. His performance, marked by his charismatic demeanor, was a perfect fit for the character. It would have been challenging for Desi Arnaz to match this level of commitment, considering his focus on comedy and his alcoholic struggles which likely affected both his physical and mental health, impacting his performance.

Actor Range and Career Background

Desi Arnaz was primarily known for his work as a bandleader and comedic actor. His range, while significant, was rooted more in the realm of humor than serious drama. Armand Hammer, Lucille's business partner and highest creditor, played Khan in the Star Trek pilot 'The Cage.' This decision was likely influenced by Arnaz's comedic talents and the need for a recognizable face to the public. However, as time passed and Arnaz's health declined, any attempt to portray a serious, complex character such as Khan years later would likely have led to 'camp' performances, enhancing rather than detracting from the character's iconic nature.

Behavior and Impact on Fan Reception

Even outside humor, Desi Arnaz's character was not suitable for Khan Noonien Singh. "Kirk just got some splaining to do!" This quote encapsulates the stark difference between the character and Arnaz's persona, making it almost impossible for him to convincingly portray Khan. Additionally, given the overwhelming public perception of Arnaz as Ricky Ricardo, any attempt to portray a serious character would have inevitably been met with skepticism and even ridicule. This was a risk that the producers of Star Trek were clearly not willing to take, as evidenced by their choice to cast Ricardo Montalban, one of the top actors of his time.

The Cast of Khan Today

Fast forward to the latest incarnation of Khan, Benedict Cumberbatch, who has established himself as one of the world's top actors. His casting emphasizes the importance of the role and the character's impact on the Star Trek franchise. It also underscores how much the role means to both fans and the broader acting community.

Conclusion

Would Desi Arnaz have made a good choice to play Khan Noonien Singh? No, and it's not because of a lack of talent but rather a combination of his physical attributes, personality, and public perception. While he could have been fine in the right role, he was never an actor with much range and was more prominently known for his comedic work. The choice to have Ricardo Montalban as Khan underscores the importance of casting an actor who can authentically embody the character, both in appearance and demeanor.