William Boyett brought a rigid, authoritative presence to the role of Lt. Steinmetz in Star Trek: The Next Generation, notably appearing in the classic episodes “The Big Goodbye” and the two-part “Time’s Arrow.” Set during Captain Jean-Luc Picard’s command of the Enterprise-D, these episodes blend 20th-century noir with 24th-century space exploration. Boyett's portrayal of Steinmetz, a stern Starfleet officer, added texture to the Enterprise crew’s interactions as they navigated complex time travel and mystery. While not a series regular, his work contributed an authentic military discipline to the scenes that grounded the futuristic setting in relatable character dynamics. Outside of Star Trek, Boyett was known for his numerous television roles, often playing authoritative figures, which made his presence familiar to fans who appreciate classic television character actors. His contribution to “The Big Goodbye” is especially memorable as it highlighted a unique genre fusion within Star Trek’s storytelling, showcasing how the series could explore different tones while keeping Starfleet's professionalism front and center.