The That '70s Show Character You Likely Forgot Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' Ethan Peck Played

The character of Spock has been one of the most important figures in "Star Trek" ever since his appearance in 1966 in "Star Trek: The Original Series." Originally played by Leonard Nimoy, many others have taken on the role in the ensuing years.

The latest performer to take on the role is Ethan Peck. Originally playing the character on the Paramount+ series "Star Trek: Discovery," Peck has now reprised the role on "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds," where he's the science officer on the USS Enterprise under the command of Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount).

Spock, however, is not Peck's first role, as he had previously been seen in numerous movies, such as "The Sorcerer's Apprentice," "In Time," and "Tell Me How I Die," as well as TV series such as "Gossip Girl." Peck also appeared in the famous sitcom "That '70s Show," in a key role that not many remember him playing. Who did he play, and how many episodes did he appear in as this rather surprising character?

Ethan Peck plays the 13-year-old version of Michael Kelso, the character played by Ashton Kutcher, on "That '70s Show." Peck's first appearance in the show was in the Season 3 premiere, titled "Reefer Madness," when Eric Forman (Topher Grace) flashes back to the first time he, Kelso, and Steven Hyde (Danny Masterson) tried marijuana. He returned in Season 4, Episode 20, titled "Class Picture." In the episode, the characters reminisce about the first time they met each other, as well as other formative childhood memories they have with each other.

In an interview with CBS, Peck highlighted how the role was a formative one for him, leading to his current work ethic. Peck spoke about how he arrived on set late one day, leading to the director scolding him for his tardiness. "It was an important lesson to learn," Peck concluded. "This is a team sport, it's a team effort, and everyone needs to show up on time and do their best."

Spock and Kelso are not the only characters Peck has shared with other performers, as he also appeared in the ABC Family TV show "10 Things I Hate About You," an adaptation of the 1999 film of the same name. In the series, Peck plays Patrick Verona, a role originated by Heath Ledger in the film. Peck also played the younger version of the character of Augustine, whose present-day self was played by George Clooney, in the 2020 film "The Midnight Sky."

Peck can currently be seen playing Spock in the 1st season of "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds" on Paramount+.