Missi Pyle

When it comes to cult status, stardust, and affectionate sci-fi satire, there’s no way around Galaxy Quest – and therefore no way around Missi Pyle. As Laliari, the shy yet enthusiastic Thermian girl with big eyes and even bigger hero worship, she became part of a film in 1999 that still works as a winkingly loving tribute to Star Trek. With turquoise skin, impeccable timing, and touching naivety, Missi Pyle turned her character into a fan favorite – warm-hearted, hilarious, and absolutely unforgettable.

Twenty-two years later, she built an official bridge into the real star-faring universe: in the animated series Star Trek: Lower Decks, Missi Pyle lent her voice to the character Interrogator, officially becoming part of the canon herself. For visitors of FedCon 34, that’s a double highlight – a face from the most charming Trek parody and, at the same time, a distinctive voice within the Trek universe. Her versatile, striking voice fits perfectly with the show’s self-ironic tone, beautifully connecting homage and original.

Born in 1972 in Houston, Texas, Missi Pyle brought stage energy and an unmistakable presence with her to Hollywood early on. With her height, her fearless embrace of exaggeration, and her instinct for eccentric characters, she seems tailor-made for fantastical material. In Tim Burton’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, she showcased her flair for offbeat roles; in the horror comedy Jennifer’s Body, she balanced satire and scares; in the remake of Carrie, she grounded the supernatural with human authenticity; and in the adventure Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, she displayed her exuberance in a modern fantasy blockbuster.

Whether as a big-hearted alien, a razor-sharp supporting character, or an animated Starfleet voice, Missi Pyle never simply “appears.” Even in brief roles, she brings personality and charm. That is precisely what makes her so special to genre fans: she is part of the films and series that carry us to distant galaxies – and always makes sure we feel surprisingly at home.