J.G. Hertzler, born March 18, 1950, in Savannah, Georgia, is an American actor, author, and activist best known for portraying General (later Chancellor) Martok in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. His career spans over four decades, with roles in Zorro, BioShock, and various Star Trek productions.

     Hertzler grew up in a military family, with his father serving in the U.S. Air Force. His family moved frequently, living in Morocco, Texas, and Missouri before settling in Washington, D.C.. He attended Bucknell University, where he played football and studied political science. He later earned a master’s degree in set design from the University of Maryland and briefly attended law school at American University.

     His acting career began in theater, performing in The Bacchae on Broadway and working with the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco. He transitioned to television and film, appearing in Quantum Leap, Seinfeld, Lois & Clark, and The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr.. In 1990, he starred as Alcalde Ignacio De Soto in Zorro.

     In 1995, Hertzler was cast as Martok, a Klingon general, in Deep Space Nine. His character became a fan favorite, leading to his promotion to Chancellor of the Klingon Empire. He also played Laas, Roy Rittenhouse, and a Vulcan captain in Star Trek: Enterprise, Voyager, and Of Gods and Men. He co-wrote The Left Hand of Destiny, a Star Trek novel continuing Martok’s story.

     Beyond acting, Hertzler has been active in politics, serving on the Ulysses Town Board in New York. He has also taught theater at Cornell University and advocated for environmental policies.