The USS Enterprise is home to many exciting characters, from Captain Kirk to the brooding Vulcan, Spock. While Spock is typically an evasive character, it's clear he learned the tricks of the trade from his father, Sarek. Think about it, how much do you really know about Sarek?

In addition to being Spock's father, Sarek is a Vulcan astrophysicist, and the Vulcan ambassador to the United Federation of Planets. His character was initially introduced in the original series episode "Balance of Terror" in 1966. Throughout the Star Trek franchise, Sarek has appeared in the original Star Trek series, the animated series, four Star Trek movies, two episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation, and numerous Star Trek novels and comics. During that time, he was portrayed by Mark Lenard (Hang 'Em High), Jonathan Simpson (Jolene) and Ben Cross (Chariots of Fire).

It was revealed in Star Trek: The Original Series that Sarek was born in 2165. He is the son of Skon of Vulcan and the grandson of Vulcan's first ambassador to Earth, Solkar. Sarek was married on two separate occasions and has two sons. His first marriage was to the Earthling, Amanda Grayson, with whom he had Spock. Following Amanda's death, Sarek married yet another human named Perrin. Prior to Salek's first marriage, he had relations with the Vulcan priestess, T'Rek, and produced a son. This character was explored further after the fifth feature film in the late 1980s.

During Star Trek: The Next Generation, Sarek suffered from an incurable and terminal neurological degenerative illness, called Bendii Syndrome, which made him lose control of his emotions. Although he established a mind-meld with Jean-Luc Picard, to continue with his diplomatic missions, his emotions continued to be expressed. Namely his deep love for Amanda, Spock, and Perrin. In "Unification, Part 1," which took place in 2368, Sarek finally succumbed to Bendi Syndrome.

Sarek will return to the Star Trek universe as part of the new series, Star Trek: Discovery, portrayed by James Frain.