George R. R. Martin almost worked on Star Trek.
The writer of Games of Thrones, George R. R. Martin, had an interview to be part of the series writing team. He commented that he had worked for The Twilight Zone and wrote novels and short stories, mostly science fiction. To which they replied that Star Trek was not a science fiction show but a show for people. Martin replied sarcastically and did not pass the job interview.
Of course, this hand gesture means "read between the lines"...
He came up with it for the character. He's the reason it's in the show. That's all that anyone needs to know. Pointy ears weren't a new thing, either.