[Updated August 2, 2024, to revise the post’s format.]
On June 23, 2019, Star Trek actress Stephanie Niznik unexpectedly passed away at the age of 52 years old. Her death was caused by chronic liver disease, as she presumably consumed excessive alcohol. Niznik is survived by her mother, stepfather, brother, sister-in-law, niece, nephews, aunt, and uncle.
While she is best known for her television work, Stephanie Niznik may be best recognized for her work in the film Star Trek: Insurrection. In that film, she played Trill Starfleet Ensign Kell Perim. Four years later, Niznik returned to the Star Trek universe for a role on Star Trek: Enterprise. This time, she played The Wraith in the episode “Rogue Planet.”
Going back to reflecting on her television work, Niznik is also well known for her four year run on The WB’s Everwood. For nearly 100 episodes, Niznik played the main character Andy’s (played by Treat Williams) next-door neighbor, Nina Feeny, who Andy has something of a will-they-won’t-they romance with over the course of the show’s four seasons until the series finale.
Other works that Stephanie Niznik has participated in include guest spots on noteworthy TV shows like Lost, NCIS, CSI: Miami, Diagnosis: Murder, JAG, Sliders, and Murder, She Wrote.
Outside of acting, Niznik frequently participated in charity work for the Four Winds Heart-Centered Healing, as well as volunteer work to feed the hungry, as well as children and animal rescue organizations. She is also a Duke University graduate. She pursued a master’s degree at Cal Arts before deciding to make the big jump to Hollywood for acting.
Our thoughts and condolences go out to the Niznik family at this difficult time. R.I.P. Stephanie Niznik.
