You are correct.

He is a big fan of the original Star Trek series and while he was under contract to Paramount Pictures in the mid-80s he wanted to be in a Star Trek movie.

In an alternate universe he would have been in charge of the whales in The Voyage Home!

In our world he did The Golden Child instead.

Interesting, I didn't know this! Well considering the Trek films featured Rebecca from Cheers, Reverend Jim from Taxi and Samantha from Sex & the City (all in great roles), it shouldn't be too surprising. Would've been a real treat to see.