Director Joseph Pevney Passes

Star Trek Helmer Was 96

Joseph Pevney, who directed memorable episodes of the original Star Trek, died May 18 at his home in Palm Desert, California. He was 96.

Pevney directed 14 episodes of the 1960s series, including “The City on the Edge of Forever,” in which Capt. Kirk and Mr. Spock travel back in time to the Depression, and “The Trouble With Tribbles,” in which the starship Enterprise is overrun with cute, furry creatures.

Born September 15, 1911, in New York City, Pevney began his entertainment career as a vaudeville singer. He went on to become an actor and director, and during the 1930s and 1940s, he appeared in, or directed, various Broadway productions.

Pevney moved to Los Angeles following Army service during World War II. As an actor, he appeared in several films during the 1940s, but by the 1950s had become a director.

He directed more than 35 films, including Meet Danny Wilson, starring Frank Sinatra, and Tammy and the Bachelor, starring Debbie Reynolds. In the 1960s he began directing for television, and in addition to Star Trek, he helmed dozens of episodes of such series such as The Munsters, Bonanza, Adam-12, Fantasy Island, The Incredible Hulk and Trapper John, M.D.

He retired in 1985.

He is survived by his wife, two sons, a daughter, two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.