Jerry O’Connell jokes that Star Trek gave him an advantage in marriage

Jerry O’Connell says his role in the Star Trek universe has given him a playful way to tease his wife, Rebecca Romijn.

Speaking at the Star Trek 60th anniversary celebration during San Diego Comic-Con 2026, O’Connell joked that his character, Captain Jack Ransom from Star Trek: Lower Decks, outranks Romijn’s character, Commander Una Chin-Riley from Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

He said he enjoys reminding his wife that he is now a captain while her character is still a commander, calling it "awesome" to outrank her. O’Connell added that couples often look for small ways to gain the upper hand, and this is his.

Both actors are part of the Star Trek franchise, making them one of the few married couples to appear in different Star Trek series at the same time. O’Connell voiced Captain Ransom throughout the five-season run of Lower Decks, while Romijn is set to return for the fifth and final season of Strange New Worlds in 2027.

The couple joins a small group of real-life partners connected to the Star Trek franchise, including Armin Shimerman and Kitty Swink, Alexander Siddig and Nana Visitor, and the late Leonard Nimoy and Susan Bay.