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Entertainment • Actor

Robert Beltran

Robert Beltran is an American actor best known for playing Commander Chakotay on *Star Trek: Voyager*.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Robert Beltran is an American actor best known for portraying Commander Chakotay on *Star Trek: Voyager*. Born in Bakersfield, California, on November 19, 1953, he studied theater arts at Fresno State College. His career includes film roles in *Eating Raoul* and *Zoot Suit*, as well as extensive stage work in California.

Early life and education

Robert Adame Beltran was born in Bakersfield, California, on November 19, 1953, the seventh of ten children. He attended Fresno State College, where he earned a degree in theater arts.

Acting career

Beltran began his screen acting career with his first film role in *Zoot Suit* (1981). He subsequently appeared in a range of film and stage roles during the 1980s and 1990s, including *Eating Raoul* (1982), *Lone Wolf McQuade*, *Night of the Comet*, and *Latino*.

Star Trek role

Beltran is best known for portraying Commander Chakotay on *Star Trek: Voyager*, a role he played from 1995 to 2001. He later reprised the character in *Star Trek: Prodigy*.

Stage work

In addition to screen roles, Beltran has performed in California theatre productions. He has been noted for Shakespearean roles, including appearances in *A Midsummer Night's Dream* and *King Henry IV*.

Key facts

  • Born in Bakersfield, California, on November 19, 1953.
  • Studied theater arts at Fresno State College.
  • First film role was in *Zoot Suit* (1981).
  • Best known for playing Commander Chakotay on *Star Trek: Voyager* (1995–2001).
  • Has performed in stage productions, including Shakespearean roles.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Robert Beltran?
Robert Beltran is an American actor best known for playing Commander Chakotay on *Star Trek: Voyager*.
When was Robert Beltran born?
He was born on November 19, 1953.
Where was Robert Beltran born?
He was born in Bakersfield, California, United States.
What is Robert Beltran known for?
He is best known for his role as Chakotay in *Star Trek: Voyager* and for earlier film roles such as Raoul Mendoza in *Eating Raoul*.
What did Robert Beltran study?
He studied theater arts at Fresno State College.
Did Robert Beltran return to Star Trek after Voyager?
Yes. He reprised Chakotay in *Star Trek: Prodigy*.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Beltran
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, birthplace, and major acting credits including Chakotay and Eating Raoul.
  2. IMDbhttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000296/
    Supports: Birthplace, education, heritage, early film role, and stage/theatre credits.
  3. TV Insiderhttps://www.tvinsider.com/people/robert-beltran/
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, and filmography highlights including Eating Raoul, Lone Wolf McQuade, Night of the Comet, and Latino.
  4. Memory Alphahttps://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/Robert_Beltran
    Supports: Star Trek role as Chakotay and reprisal in Star Trek: Prodigy.