Star Trek: Strange New Worlds actress Melissa Navia has spoken openly about her experience of grief following the death of her partner, Brian Bannon, from acute leukaemia in 2021.
Navia, who plays Erica Ortegas in the Star Trek prequel series, told PEOPLE that discussing her loss publicly was never something she originally planned. Instead, she found that talking about Bannon allowed her to honour his influence on her life and connect with fans who had experienced similar losses.
Her reflections arrive as Star Trek marks its 60th anniversary, giving Navia another opportunity to consider both Bannon’s lasting influence and the franchise’s broader cultural legacy.
Melissa Navia Says Sharing Her Grief Helped Keep Brian Bannon’s Memory Close
Navia has explained that she did not set out to become someone who regularly discussed grief.
Her focus was Bannon himself and the important role he played in her life. According to her interview with PEOPLE, speaking about her loss also gave her a way to talk about the person who had supported her career and influenced her connection with the character of Erica Ortegas.
Bannon was particularly involved during Navia’s journey toward joining Strange New Worlds. He helped her become familiar with Star Trek lore and supported her audition process.
That connection has remained part of Navia’s relationship with the series.
Brian Bannon’s Influence Can Still Be Seen in Strange New Worlds
Bannon’s connection to Navia’s Star Trek journey did not end with her casting.
Navia has previously described how he helped her prepare for the role of Ortegas. His presence has also been remembered within the show itself.
According to Navia, artwork from Bannon’s album appears in Ortegas’ quarters. She has described the tribute as a continuing reminder of him on the set, where cast and crew are aware of his importance to her story.
This detail gives her character’s surroundings a personal meaning that exists beyond the fictional world of the U.S.S. Enterprise.
Star Trek Fans Have Connected With Navia’s Story
One of the most meaningful parts of Navia’s openness has been her connection with Star Trek fans.
At conventions and other fan events, she has encountered people who have experienced the death of a partner, relative or close friend. Some have also shared that they came to an event after hearing about Navia’s experience with grief.
For Navia, those conversations have reinforced why she continues to speak about Bannon.
The connection also reflects a larger tradition within Star Trek. The franchise has often explored difficult experiences while maintaining an emphasis on hope and perseverance.
Navia Connects Her Experience to Star Trek’s Message
Navia sees a connection between her own experience and one of the themes that has long been associated with Star Trek: moving forward despite adversity.
Rather than suggesting that hardship simply disappears, she has described the franchise’s optimism as something that exists alongside difficult experiences.
That perspective has become especially meaningful to her as she continues portraying Ortegas.
Navia joined the Strange New Worlds cast as Erica Ortegas, the Enterprise helm officer. StarTrek.com confirmed her role when the show’s main cast was announced in 2021.
Melissa Navia Reflects on Star Trek’s 60th Anniversary
The timing of Navia’s comments is significant because 2026 marks 60 years since Star Trek first premiered.
For Navia, the anniversary is a reminder of how far the franchise has reached beyond television.
She has spoken about encountering Star Trek references in unexpected places and about meeting scientists, astronauts and people involved in space-related work who say the franchise helped inspire their interest in the field.
That relationship between science fiction and real-world space exploration has become part of the franchise’s enduring cultural footprint.
Strange New Worlds Continues Into Its Fourth Season
Navia’s story also comes as Star Trek: Strange New Worlds continues its fourth season.
Season 4 premiered on Paramount+ on July 23, 2026, with new episodes released weekly. Melissa Navia remains part of the returning ensemble as Erica Ortegas.
The official Paramount+ episode guide lists the fourth season as having 10 episodes, with the finale scheduled for September 24, 2026.
The series has also already been renewed for a fifth and final season consisting of six episodes. Paramount announced that decision in 2025.
For Navia, however, the franchise represents more than another acting credit. Her experience with Star Trek has become closely connected to Bannon’s memory, her own grieving process and the relationships she has developed with fans.