Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s Challenges on ‘Star Trek’ Led to Pivotal Career Decisions

Jeffrey Dean Morgan once struggled greatly with his role as a Xindi alien on “Star Trek: Enterprise.” Long before he became known for his parts in “Supernatural” and “Grey’s Anatomy,” Morgan had to endure the rigors of acting beneath heavy prosthetics. The role left him wrestling with severe claustrophobia.

“I hated it so much,” Morgan expressed during a chat on Josh Horowitz’s “Happy Sad Confused” podcast. He even considered leaving acting altogether due to the experience.

Morgan described the grueling demands, spending up to 14 hours daily in costume, which made eating a struggle. He vividly recalled, “I was so claustrophobic. It just was an experience that I want to forget, and I still wake up sweating about it.”

“I was like, ‘That’s it. I’ve got to do something else.'”

This challenging period reflected broader struggles in Morgan’s career. By his mid-30s, he juggled various small roles while taking odd jobs to support himself. “I was always, always side hustling,” he shared, noting gigs like building fences.

Contemplating a Hollywood exit, Morgan faced the dilemma of having no alternate career path. He was told he “aged out” of the industry, a comment that further stressed his uncertainty.

Morgan’s career took a positive turn around age 38. He landed significant roles on “Supernatural,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” and “Weeds.” These opportunities provided the breakthrough he desperately needed.

Now thriving, Morgan stars as Negan in AMC’s “The Walking Dead: Dead City,” and also serves as an executive producer on the show.

Christina Dugan Ramirez, with her extensive entertainment journalism background, reports on Morgan’s journey. She joined Fox News Digital after over a decade at PEOPLE, covering high-profile Hollywood stories.