From Star Trek to Startups: The Unfiltered Journey of Dominic Keating
What does it take to survive — and thrive — in Hollywood for over four decades?
According to Star Trek: Enterprise actor Dominic Keating, the answer lies somewhere between relentless grit, embracing rejection, and learning how to pivot into entirely new worlds — like clean tech.
In this episode of the Driven Not Given podcast, host JC sits down with Dominic in his Los Angeles home (affectionately dubbed “The House That Trek Built”) for a raw, real, and remarkably entertaining conversation about life in front of and beyond the camera.
The Role That Changed Everything
Best known for his role as Lieutenant Malcolm Reed in Star Trek: Enterprise, Dominic shares how that iconic series was the turning point in his career — but not before years of “almosts.” He lost major roles to now-household names like David Thewlis and Sam Rockwell and even had a director tell him years later, “I should’ve cast you.”
Despite the setbacks, Dominic never stopped showing up.
“There isn’t an actor dead or alive I’m not jealous of — but you just keep going.”
Rejection, Reinvention, and Real Talk
This episode isn’t a highlight reel — it’s a masterclass in resilience. From getting spoofed by David Spade on SNL to navigating the shift from in-room auditions to Zoom tapes, Keating offers a brutally honest look at how the entertainment industry has changed — and how he’s adapted.
He even touches on the importance of showing up early, being prepared, and having original ideas — timeless advice for any field.
A New Mission: Disrupting the Oil Industry
In perhaps the most surprising turn of the episode, Dominic reveals he’s also a major investor and advisor for QS Energy, a clean tech company he’s been involved with for 20 years. The company’s patented technology promises to increase the flow rate of crude oil through pipelines by up to 30% — a potential game-changer for the global energy industry.
“This is going to be the crowning achievement of my life. Bigger than Star Trek.”
Final Takeaways
Whether you're a creative, an entrepreneur, or just someone trying to push through rejection and stay the course, Dominic’s story is a reminder that timing often trumps talent — and perseverance always pays off.
Keep up with Dominic
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Relevant Mentions
QS Energy (QSEP): Visit site or investor page
Star Trek: Enterprise (CBS/Paramount)
Desmond’s (UK sitcom)
Jungle 2 Jungle, Prison Break, Breakout Kings
