Star Trek Host: Welcome to STARTREK.COM's live chat with Enterprise's Anthony Montgomery!
Anthony Montgomery: Hello, Everybody! Thank you for joining me in this chat! Let's begin!
Question: Greetings from Indianapolis! Have friends and family members from the area sent you some of the Indianapolis Star articles we've read about you?
JEwald
AM: Yes. My family and friends have made sure that I have gotten several copies of the write-ups from Indianapolis.
Q: First off, the work you are doing on the show is great and the show is absolutely phenomenal! Keep it up! My question is, what type of creative input do you have with the evolution of your character? And how do you want to see him grow in season two?
MStroud
AM: Thank you very much for the compliment! We do the best job we can. As far as input, there is an open door policy with the writers and the producers, so any questions that I have, we talk about. Any questions they have, we talk about. How do I want to see Travis grow? I don't really care. I just want to continue to see him grow. I leave myself open for whatever those growth possibilities are.
Q: We haven't seen Travis get to go on too many away missions. With your martial arts background, wouldn't it be nice to see Travis kick some alien backsides?
Lisa_from_Seattle
AM: See? That's what I keep saying! I don't know if they're ever going to see that out of Travis. Hopefully, the writers will incorporate Travis being enthusiastic about martial arts into the script. That would probably be the only way for Travis to get to kick some alien Heinekens.
Q: How do you like working with the rest of the cast?
Oceanlady
AM: I love it! I have four brothers and two sisters now. We are truly a huge family. Everyone always talks about how hot the Vulcan is, but Jolene [Blalock] is like my sister, so I don't really see her like the rest of the world does. Big difference? My mother has never had to kick these siblings out of my room.
Q: Were you a Star Trek fan before Enterprise?
Multitronic
AM: Yes, I was a Star Trek fan. But I was not a Trekkie. I could not tell you what would happen from week to week. But whenever the show was on, I would never turn it off. I always thought Captain Kirk was cool, because he got to kiss the green girl.
Q: Who would your character like to 'strike up an on board romance' with? Or, would you prefer to be like Captain Kirk ... a little alien girl in every episode?
Bunny
AM: I don't know if I would want Travis to have someone in every episode. Do I want to have a relationship with Hoshi and T'Pol? No. Maybe the Butterfly Twins, or those girls from Draylax we've heard so much about.
Q: Mr. Montgomery, who would say is the "class clown" of the main cast members behind the scenes? The prankster, practical joker, that sort of thing.
threepio1
AM: I'd probably say Dominic [Keating], and then myself. But unlike high school, we don't really have a designated jokester. We all laugh and have a good time together.
Q: If you could help invent one of the many technological advances in the Star Trek world, what would you want to create and why?
torrez
AM: I only know about the technological advances in Star Trek because it's written in the script. I'd like to create something in the real world that would help us get along, make us all be better people.
Q: How was your first experience at a Star Trek convention?? And what was the best part?
Ttrekkiegrrl
AM: The Grand Slam last year was my first experience with full-on Trekkies. It was fantastic. I've never had an overwhelming onrushing of love from a group of people that knew nothing about me in my life! It was fantastic. The best part was when I saw a husband, wife and two dogs dressed up like Starfleet officers — but not just any officer. It was like Kirk, in the admiral outfit! I took a picture of the people! It was classic! I love it!
Q: Do you have a girlfriend?
trekkie_lizard
AM: No. I am as single as they come.
Q: Who do you think would win a fight, you or Malcolm?
i_luv_trip
AM: Travis, of course! Are you kidding me?
Q: Would you say there are similarities between you and Travis?
zero_signal_faithless
AM: Both excited about life, both have a natural, overwhelming exuberance that cannot be contained.
Q: Have you had any trouble adjusting to the hype of being on Trek?
Rhitmcshanm
AM: Nah. Because I knew who I was before I got the job. It's easy to ground yourself when you already know who you are. For me, the hardest part for people to adjust to in a universe like this is when you don't know who you are or where you're going.
Q: Mr. Montgomery, what is your favorite episode of Enterprise so far, and/or your favorite moment onscreen?
threepio1
AM: I'm really critical of myself. So I can't really say that I can look at the screen and go, "There's a moment that I love." I always say, "Why did I say it like that? Why did I do that like that?" I'm an actor, and I'm always trying to make myself better, always trying to make my character better. I can say some of my favorite times onscreen are when they have our entire cast together, because it's so rare. Phlox may never have a reason to be on the bridge, but they get him there. I love those times. A fun moment was when Travis got to sit in the Captain's chair — he's in command of the two people, he and Hoshi. So that was fun for me, because people constantly look at the captain's chair as somewhere people want to sit. It's so taboo, and Travis did! And Hoshi encouraged him to, and then he got in trouble!
Q: This is for the ladies in the room ... will we get to see Travis in the decontamination chamber in his "Starfleet blues?"
ensign_red_shirt
AM: I'm sure you will! I just ... the closest that we've gotten to this point was the rock climbing episode. I specifically did not want Travis to run around with no shirt on or in his skivvies just for the sake of doing it. When it lends itself to the script, I'm sure you will more of Travis. But there are no "Full Montys" coming. As an actor, I will guarantee that.
Q: The new Enterprise figures have just come out. What do you think of your new action figure and the other ones in the "Broken Bow" line?
Toban
AM: I just saw them in a magazine today, and if it's like what I approved, it's going to be good! I've got my whole career to work on getting an Oscar, but I have an action figure! What's not to love?
Q: What did you do when you found out you got the part?
who_has_my_hart
AM: Screamed! I screamed and I called my mother and told her that I just got a job. I was at my agent's office, and I called my mother as soon as I got to the car. I said, "Wait 'til you find out what kind of job." And when I told her, she screamed.
Q: Does it feel weird being part of what is regarded by many as the best-looking Star Trek cast?
Ppatters
AM: (laughs) I thank you for that. I thank you on behalf of my castmates. Does it feel weird? No. We have nothing to do with the way we look. I'm just dealing the hand God dealt me.
Q: Do you have any advice for someone in high school that would like to someday have a career in the performing arts? Are there any helpful little tips that you could maybe share?
klingon4eva
AM: Anyone getting into this industry, first and foremost, believe in yourself. I'm not a preacher, but I tell everyone that it's God that got me to the place that I am. So whatever you believe, believe in yourself, believe in a higher being and work harder than you've ever had to work in your entire life, because realistically, all the work you put in may still never pay off. But you have to believe it, regardless.
Q: Hello Anthony! I think you are very cool on the show!!! Just wondering if you LOVE your job or what!
gimoui
AM: (laughs) If I love my job? That's the understatement of the decade. Yes, I love every aspect of my job. I love the early morning calls, the late afternoon calls. I love the part of history that we are. It just goes without saying.
Q: Which one of your grandfather's CDs would you tell someone who has never heard his music to listen to?
arden
AM: That's a good one. "Bumpin' on Sunset." For those of you that don't know, my grandfather was Wes Montgomery, a great jazz guitarist. And "Four on Six" was a great one also.
Q: My son is working hard to become a jazz guitarist, and your grandfather, the legendary Wes Montgomery, is his role model. How did your grandfather influence you as you grew up, and was he the reason you chose a career in performing arts?
Anita
AM: Unfortunately, my grandfather passed away before I was born. So the influence on my life came from my grandmother, his wife, who is still alive. I did not know who my grandfather was, what exactly he represented, growing up. It wasn't until years later that I understood the impact my grandfather had on the world. I started acting when I got to college, so whatever entertaining bug he put inside my family is the only influence, I think. And then when I realized who he was and what he accomplished at a time when blacks were second class citizens, if you will, I realized that now, in 2002 and beyond, I can do whatever I set my mind to.
Q: Mr. Montgomery, I love your work on Enterprise, and love watching you on TV. May I ask what type of music you listen to?
tripgirlak
AM: Thank you, baby. I'm eclectic. I listen to everything. I really do! I listen to hip-hop, I listen to Mozart, everything. Classical ... I can't even say I don't like country, because I listen to country now. I've got about 600 CDs or so, so I listen to everything.
Q: Do you like the music to Enterprise's theme song?
Mikejmoe
AM: Yes! I love our theme song! I understand why everyone doesn't, and that's because there are words in our theme song. If you listen to what the words are saying, and look at the montage and put those together, it makes sense. If you put those with the concept of our show, it just makes sense.
Q: What have you done during the summer hiatus?
Missfitz
AM: I took trips on summer hiatus. I went to Orlando, I went to Indiana to see my family for a few weeks, and I finished it off at Turks and Caicos in the Carribbean, halfway between Bahamas and Haiti. I just took a break from what my life is now.
Q: What kind of hobbies do you enjoy doing off camera?
torrez
AM: My Hapkido class, I take guitar lessons now. I'm not any good, so before anyone tries to get me to play something, I'm a novice! I take Spanish lessons, I try to go to movies, and I love dancing!
Q: You are a great actor. Will we see you in anything other than Enterprise?
Securitron
AM: I thank you for that, and I hope to continue to get better. Yes, Travis Mayweather is the next evolution in Anthony Montgomery. I'm not speaking about myself in the third person, because I'm not that kind of person. I say that to say that I am continuing to grow. So you will see me in other things, I guarantee it.
Q: Anthony, playing a Space Boomer, has it made you interested in astronomy in any way?
Capt.
AM: Actually, yes. Being on a show like this, I've become much more of a sci-fi buff. My TV is always on the Sci-Fi Channel.
Q: Will we get to see some of Mayweather's musical talent? If so, what instrument or music style?
ensign_red_shirt
AM: I sang in an R&B group in Chicago after I graduated from college, but I don't expect to see Travis singing anytime soon. If it lends itself to the script, you'll see Travis doing many things.
Q: What kind of movies do you like?
andrewjackosn
AM: Good ones! I like good movies. I find myself even watching the bad ones, because you learn just as much from the bad ones as from the good ones. I love animation. I love "Lilo and Stitch." I'm working on an animated series and an animated trilogy to go to the theaters.
Q: Can you give us any hints about next season?
ensign_red_shirt
AM: It's going to be incredible! It's going to be intense, stay tuned! Of course, I can't give you any hints. They don't give me any hints. Are you kidding me? (laughs) I'll just tell you that you'll see an already solid unit of people growing closer together.
Q: What is your favorite food?
Mikejmoe
AM: French toast. And that's bad, because I cut bread out of my diet. I stopped eating as much.
Q: Are you a Bulls fan?
trekcam2
AM: I wish you could see what I have on right now! Yes, I'm a Bulls fan. I'm a Bulls fan from the mid-west. I cannot be a Lakers fan just because I live out here now.
Q: Have you met other actors/actresses from the other Star Trek series?
Talkingtricorder
AM: Yes. I've been very blessed to meet a few people. The only person I met from the original series is James Doohan. I can tell you that it's wild meeting someone like that that is just as excited to meet me as I am to meet him. I'm just Anthony. He asked me to write some stuff for his daughter ...
Q: When you put on the uniform for the first time, and walked onto one of the Enterprise sets for the first time, what was the feeling?
benjamin_sisko
AM: It's indescribable to know what I am a part of and to see myself there in that instant, and everyone else that is now a part of something that is much larger than we are.
Q: What do you want Travis Mayweather to do more of on the show?
iowaguy33
AM: I'd like to see his family. Because we've heard about them, but I'd like to just meet his parents. I want to see Travis grow.
Q: How do you get along with the two Porthos "actors?"
soleta2
AM: (laughs) Those dogs are adorable. Porthos is great. We never touch them, though. Because when they're working, they're working! When they come in, their handlers are on-set. They're great.
Q: Are you nervous about going into the second season of Enterprise?
Capbrune
AM: Why should I be? No, I'm not nervous. I'm going to continue to make myself better as an actor, as a person. I'm not nervous about anything. Coming back from vacation, I feel whole. I'm ready for the second season and beyond.
Q: Are you coming to England? COME TO ENGLAND!! WE LOVE YOU!!
seven_of_five
AM: I would love to come to England. I would love to come there eventually, I just don't know when. So stay tuned!
Q: How is the show affecting your private life?
Dakasjoe
AM: A lot of people don't even know what my job is, so it hasn't really had an effect on it at all. People either watch the show, or they know nothing about it at all. When they find out, they ask, "Oh, do you have a VISOR? Do you have something on your head?" They have no idea. You either recognize me or you don't.
Q: Have you ever wanted to go to space?
ensign_pip
AM: Yes. But I think I'd rather do it the way I do it now. I'd rather make-believe going into space. What I would like to do, though, is go down and meet the guys from NASA. We have things that go wrong, and it's just take two. If you have something go wrong and you're in space, you're dead!
Q: Are you going to see "Star Trek: Nemesis?"
cap97
AM: Of course! I can't wait to see "Star Trek: Nemesis." I just wonder who the "nemesis" is going to be! (demonic laugh)
Q: Did you ever consider another career other than acting?
timeforcered
AM: Since I started acting, no. I have too much energy to be an office person. I would get fired. The only thing I can think of other than acting is owning a restaurant chain or something.
Q: What has been the hardest moment in your career?
iamsunburn
AM: Every time I've had to audition for a job.
Q: Do you believe that Roddenberry's vision of the future will come true?
talkingtricorder
AM: I believe if we, as people, continue to be better people, yes, it can. I think that's why the show has lasted for 35 years and will last for another 1035. Because people are hopeful that the future can be like that, and that it can be a world where we don't see any color lines and we truly believe that we are all the same.
Q: Is there anyone in particular you would like to see as a guest star on Enterprise?
cassiopia
AM: There's nobody I can say in particular, because I am a fan of many people. Just anybody. Everyone. All the positive people of my past I would like to make a part of my present and future. I don't know if we can work it so that the time chamber can be worked and Travis can meet Nichelle Nichols as a character.
Q: If you were to have a movie made about you, who would you want to play the part of you?
airpowrbee
AM: Me! I don't know. We'll have to leave that open. I'm willing to discuss it, but I'm real picky. I can't see anyone capturing me like I would.
Q: Which alien species on Enterprise is your favorite?
visser59
AM: (laughs) I almost want to say the Suliban, because they are my first villains as far as my character coming in contact with. So I would say the Suliban. And I guess if I were to speak on the part of Travis, as only I could, I would have to say the women from Draylax.
Q: What is your favorite book and why?
cpt_cress
AM: "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho. It's a fable about a shepherd that was on a journey to discover his personal legend. And the book tells how the universe conspires to help you when you are truly on a journey to discover your own personal legend. And we all have our own personal legends.
Q: Who would you say is the "brains" of the cast?
eternal_trekkie86
AM: John Billingsley is an absolute genius.
Q: Was it a great step from playing a teenager in Popular to being an important man as a helmsman?
soleta2
AM: Yeah. One giant step for George Austin! It was fantastic to make a move. As far as I could tell, the high school kid that I played just went to the space academy and got this job. I think in my head, that's how I came from one to the other.
StarTrekHost: Thanks so much to Anthony for joining us today! It is time for us to wrap! Thanks to everyone for joining us! Please let Anthony know how much you appreciate him chatting with us today!
We love you, Anthony! soleta2
Thanks for taking the time! rhitmcshanm
AM: Thank you guys, from me to you. It was really wonderful. I was glad I was able to come and chat with you guys for this time.
Thanks a lot, Anthony, it was fun! cassiopia
Thanx, it's been great!!! securitron
Anthony, it was great that you were able to make it here! ppatters
LAUNCH A COUPLE OF TORPEDOES FOR US!! talkingtricorder
WE LOVE YOU SOOOOOOOO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!! i_luv_trip
AM: And I love you back!
