John Garman Hertzler Jr., born on March 18, 1950, in Savannah, Georgia, is a multi-talented American actor, author, screenwriter, and activist, widely recognized for his portrayal of Klingon General, and later Chancellor, Martok on the iconic series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, a role he held from 1995 until the show's conclusion in 1999.
Hertzler's journey in the performing arts began in the 1970s, where he initially focused on stage performances and made several film appearances. His breakout role came in the 1990s when he starred as Alcalde Ignacio De Soto in the television series Zorro. His contributions to the Star Trek franchise extend beyond his on-screen roles, as he has penned two Star Trek novels and made guest appearances in other series within the franchise, frequently engaging with fans at science fiction conventions.
Raised in the vicinity of Washington, D.C., Hertzler earned a political science degree from Bucknell University and pursued a master's degree in set design at the University of Maryland, along with a brief stint in law school. His early career encompassed theater performances across major cities like Washington, New York, San Francisco, and Southern California, where he tackled a range of dramatic works, including Shakespearean plays.
Currently residing in the picturesque Finger Lakes region of New York, Hertzler contributes to academia as a lecturer at Cornell University’s theater department and remains active in local political initiatives and screenplay writing. His diverse filmography also includes notable roles in series such as Quantum Leap and Highlander, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
