James Komack (director)

James "Jim(my)" Komack was the director of the classic Star Trek: The Original Series episode. Komack started out as an actor and comedian, then turned to directing and producing for television. He is best known as the producer of two television series from the 1970s: The Courtship of Eddie's Father and Welcome Back, Kotter. Komack also directed episodes of both, and appeared reguarly in the first, which also featured direction by Ralph Senensky. Apart from this, Komack directed episodes of series such as Dr. Kildare, My Favorite Martian (starring Ray Walston), The Green Hornet, Tarzan and Get Smart. His only feature film credit is the 1985 movie Porky's 3: Revenge. The character of Admiral James Komack was named in his honor.

Komack was interviewed shortly before his death for the 1998 documentary Inside Star Trek - The Real Story, in which he told that his experience in comedy made him the potential choice for directing "A Piece of the Action". He also said, that wherever he went, and told his name, the response was "I know you! You did Star Trek! You did 'A Piece of the Action!'"