Brent Spiner played "Data" on the "Star Trek: The Next Generation" television series and in three motion pictures.

Q: Greetings from Dresden, Germnany, Mr. Spiner. I remember, you have a wonderful baritone voice. Will you release a next CD after 'Ol' Yellow Eyes is Back'? I hope to see you on FedCon 8 in Bonn next Year. Bye
Jana from Germany

BS: Thank you. .... for your kind comments about your CD... oh, wait you didn't make any... Anyway, thanks, but your memory leaves something to be desired... I happen to be a tenor. See you in Germany.

Q: Brent, was it difficult for you when you played Data to speak without contractions? It seems impossible to me!!
Mark

BS: No it was not.

Q: Are you going to be in any up coming films?
MrFrink40@Data's Dominion

BS: Currently I can be seen on HBO, if you have cable... AND HBO... in Introducing Dorothy Dandridge. In May, of the year 2000 you can see me in Geppetto on ABC. It is an original musical by Steven Schwartz, produced by Disney.

Q: Any plans to guest star on Star Trek Voyager, not as an android, but maybe as a scientist or a non-scientific role?
JS

BS: I try not to make plans. Because, even the best laid plans etc. etc.

Q: Is there going to be another Star Trek movie?
James

BS: Honestly, I don't know. We would like to do one more, but I don't make that decision.

Q: Mr. Spiner, we'd like to know who your role model was?
Plamen and Sam

BS: I would say Elle McPherson.

Q: HI BRENT! WHEN YOU WILL COME BACK TO BRAZIL?
MARCELO

BS: In my heart, I've never left Brazil. And since I left, I've poured myself into a shaker of Caipirinha's.

Q: Hi. Thank you for reading my question. I was wondering what it was like working with Rene Auberjonois on the disney movie that will be aired next season. Thanks
ObiWanTrek

BS: It was wonderful working with Rene. I've been a fan of his since I saw the film, "Brewster McCloud". However, I didn't have any scenes with him in this movie. So I enjoyed working with him even more.

Q: I'm looking forward to seeing you in the tv movie with Halle Berry. What is your character like in this film?
Andrew

BS: Like a real human person.

Q: Do you have a fan mail address, and how long is the reply time?
Toby

BS: Yes, the address is 5555 Melrose, Paramount Studios, Clara Bow #119, LA CA 90038 Expect to receive something within the next decade.

Q: Dear Mr. Spiner, having acted in a science fiction show, do you find time to read books of that genre? Than-you.
Talespin

BS: Than-you. Too. I don't read Science Fiction. I don't read fiction at all. I'm an avid biography reader. Having spent so much time in a fictional world, I prefer to read about the real world. The Lindbergh biography is fantastic. I just read it. And I loved it.

Q: Mr. Spiner, do you have a favorite episode of STTNG, and if so, why is it your favorite? Thank-you.
JohnW

BS: I like the episodes that feature the character called 'Data'.

Q: Mr. Spiner, do you feel you have escaped the typecasting that a lot of Star Trek actors fear? Thank-you.
Julie4

BS: I guess so. It was never a big fear until people started asking me about it.

Q: Hello Mr. Spiner, since you've left STTNG you've done a lot of comedy roles. Do you prefer comedy, and if so, did you feel that 'Data' limited you in that respect?
Miranda

BS: I do prefer comedy. But I don't feel that Data was limiting in that respect. If I'm not mistaken, I think Data was the comic relief on the show. Maybe you're thinking I'm Walter Koenig.

Q: You say your role in Dandridge was like "a real person"...but what about that ridiculous red wig? Did it help put you in character?
Jadam

BS: Obviously you read the NY Times. However, their crack critic mistook my own permed locks for a ridiculous red wig.

Q: Hi, from Scotland, Brent Is there, or will there be a Brent Spiner biography then, or better an autobigraphy?
cj

BS: Neverrrrrrr in my lifetime.

Q: I've seen how you tap dance, and it's really quite good! If you were given the chance, do you think you could be another Michael Flatley?
Jeanna

BS: Would I want to be another Michael Flatley would be the question. And if so, would I really go out at night? But thanks for the kind words about my terpsichoria.

Q: Hi Mr. Spiner! What was it like to meet Steven Hawking for the first time on the set? I am a fan of him, and of you as well.
Michael

BS: It was incredible. I'm a fan of his too, and mine, as well. I was overwhelmed meeting him for the first time, and just as overwhelmed in our subsequent think tank sessions.

Q: Mr. Spiner, as Data you played a number of instruments. Are you really accomplished in the guitar and violin?
Harlequin

BS: I wouldn't say accomplished. I wouldn't say anything, frankly.

Q: Do the contacts make your eyes sore?
James

BS: No, a finger in my eye makes me sore.

Q: Have you ever been in Czech Republic?
Petr

BS: No, unfortunately I have never had the privilege, however, I did once eat a bowl of Wheat Chex. Does that count?

Q: Hello Mr. Spiner, have you ever been required to gain or lose your weight to play a role? If so, what role was it?
Yayo140

BS: Yes, I once put on 40 lbs. to play Jake LaMotta in the film, "Raging Bull".

Q: Now that "Geppetto" is done (or nearly finished?), what are you doing next?
Okie

BS: Seeking employment.

Q: Dear Brent, Hi how are you, I was wondering if you know if they're going to start a new Star Trek Series?
Richard

BS: No I don't know, but yes they are.

Q: What ST movie was your favourite to act in?
Nathan

BS: Well, I preferred "First Contact" for obvious reasons.

Q: Do you know about the 6 degrees of separation (where everone on earth is separated from anyone else by six people)? My husband worked with Walter Mathau on a picture in the 1970's, so there's only one degree of separation between you two
Julie in Las Vegas

BS: Yes, I'm familiar with 6 degrees. Your husband, having worked with Walter, is also only 2 degrees from Elvis.

Q: Hello Brent! I understand that you watch the X-Files, so what has been your favorite episode, either of the series or of this past season? Thanks :-)
Jhala

BS: Yeah, I do like X-Files. I like the ones that star David Duchovny.

Q: Is it true that in some small countries you're known as a pagan god?
Michael in Las Vegas

BS: Yes, that's true in Luxemborg, Andorra, and France.

Q: I'm a lonely person,and have no friends,but I would like to know if there is a person on STTNG that you consider a good friend, and I would like to know if you would be my friend? (woods3
Thaiz

BS: I'm sorry, I simply don't have time to make any new friends right now. However, I think Michael Dorn does.

Q: How many hours did you leave the contacts in your eyes? And did they impair your vision?
MrFreeze29

BS: I'm sorry, I can't see the screen to answer your question.

Q: I have two questions. A very silly ones. Is "Data" hairless? (on the rest of his body that is). And is he anatomically correct?
LenaMaria

BS: Yes, Data is hairless but I am not. And we are both anatomically correct.

Q: Dear Mr. Spiner! You have appeared together with the rest of the STTNG crew in the two PC games Generations and A Final Unity, and you are about to show up in Hidden Evil for the PC. What are the greatests and worst things about doing a computer game?
Johan

BS: The best thing is of course being paid for them. The worst, is having to answer questions about them.

Q: Are you planning to do more movies in the near future????
Captain Crow

BS: No, actually I'm trying to stay away from the big screen. Producers in this crazy town simply won't leave me alone, and I'm having to be firm.

Q: When you look back on the years your spent working on Star Trek, what do you keep in mind? Are there experiences which marked you especially?
Birgit, Paris/France

BS: BonJour, Birgit. If you are familiar with either Bob Dylan or the great Satchel Paige, they both made a comment. "Don't look back. Someone might be gaining on you."

Q: Why did you change your last name after you left Houston?
Buddie

BS: I didn't change my name after I left Houston. At least not last week. I was in Houston last week and I have kept the same name. I changed my name when I was six and then again when I was 25, but not since then.

Q: I would like to know the entrance requirements for Star Fleet Academy. What would a person would have to complete to be accepted to the Academy? Any help you can provide would be appreciated.
Bob

BS: Perhaps you should write your recruiting officer for those answers.

Q: Do you and Data have anything in common?
Thaiz

BS: We have very similar faces.

Q: Do you like Cher (her music)? Thanks!
Ashley

BS: Who doesn't? My own personal favorite Cher song is the unforgettable Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves. You can't find anything better than that, unless you go all the way back to Beethoven.

Q: if u could be any other character in Star Trek who would it be? (it can be from Voyager, Deep Space 9, The Original Series and The Next Gen)
Dr Spock McCoy

BS: Spot the Cat.

Q: IT SEEMS YOU HAVE STOLEN THE SHOW FOR THE LAST THREE MOVIES, WAS THIS INTENTIONAL OR JUST THE WAY THE SCRIPTS TURNED OUT?
CAPTKRANF

BS: Oh gee, you're too kind. But you're right.

Q: You have had a wonderfully diverse acting career, but what do YOU like to do when you have time to yourself?
Donna

BS: I like nothing better than answering silly questions on the internet.

Q: You are such a wonderful actor! I'm glad to see that Data hasn't limited your opportunities in the industry. Would you tell me, please, what your all time favorite character has been?
Syroc

BS: My all time favorite character I didn't play. I love the character of Chauncey Gardner in "Being There."

Q: Which Data did you like to play better? The emotionless Data of the series or the Data that was introduced in the movies?
Conrad Tulk

BS: They're actually the same character.

Q: Hi Brent! Has appearing on TNG opened up more opportunities for you as an actor (i.e more roles)?
Hog

BS: Definitely. More people know who I am so I have more 'value' as an actor. People think that being on Star Trek is career suicide, but it's really just the opposite.

Q: Is it true that Data is going to be killed in the next movie and if so will he go out in a blaze of glory?
B.A.

BS: Depending on how much you enjoy spreading unfounded rumors I'll give you a 'yes.'.

Q: What color are your socks?
Eiritae

BS: They began white...

Q: Have you ever been to Hawaii?
Alexa

BS: Yes I have. And I'm a big poi fan.

Q: I don't have Showtime, could you give a quick synopsis of who Dorothy Dandridge was, who you play, and whether or not this will ever go to VHS? Why did so many women want to play her, and how did you get picked for your role?
Julie in Las Vegas

BS: The tape will be out at some point. Perhaps you'd better go to the store now... and wait.

Q: Although you have played the character of Data for the last 10-12 years now, I remember seeing you in other shows pre-Star Trek. One series was 'Night Court,' playing as a man from Yugoslavia. How many times did you play that character?
David

BS: Six times.

Q: When does the new season for Star Trek Voyager start?
Ronnie

BS: September 22nd. It's part two of a cliffhanger called "Equinox". If I'm not mistaken, I think Brannon Braga had something to do with it.

Q: Just love your work -- especially in "1776." Are you planning on performing again on Broadway soon?
Butterfly

BS: That's not something I can plan on. Someone has to hire me. Any ideas?

Q: Will you be coming to the UK anytime soon? If not, can we come to America to see you?
Scottish Maxine

BS: No. But Mr. Dorn would be happy to have you come over.

Q: The UK has just witnessed a total solar elcispe. Some people have said that if you make a wish during totality then the wish will certainly come true. What would your wish be and why?
Kim (from Nottingham, UK)

BS: That this chat would end, for obvious reasons.

Q: Do u think that the STTNG bloopers should be released?
carlbaum74

BS: They don't exist. Except for the first and second season, no bloopers were kept.

Q: what would be your ideal movie role bad guy, hero, comedy sidekick......?
senote

BS: Yes. That would be my ideal.

Q: Have you ever wanted to direct an episode of Star Trek?
Paul from England

BS: I wanted to direct very early on, and then we started having directors who were caterers, drivers, and grips, so I thought better of it.

Q: How was it working with Halle Berry?
Eljaybee

BS: Working with Halle was great. And ironically, two of my favorite people to work with were both named Halle.

Q: Do writers have to get your approval to write books about you?
Kevin

BS: Don't do it, Kevin.

Q: Mr. Spiner, recently the episode "Disaster" was rerun here... in the part when Data's head was on the console, was it uncomfortable for you to do that scene? Thanks.
DaveJ

BS: Radical surgery is never fun.

Q: Gil Godwyn: gay or straight?
Mrs. Carothers

BS: Mrs. Carothers, you outta know.

Q: What type of brain does Data have?
James

BS: Positronic, of course.

Q: What places arond the world have you been to?
mat

BS: I've been everywhere in this world. Now, I'm looking to the stars...

Q: I know ppl always say that they get on well with the cast and they are really great ppl. But now lets hear the truth did you really get on with everyone, werre you close friends with any of the cast, and R U still in contact with some of the cast?
DS10 (chris)

BS: I was very close to everyone on the show with the exception of Michael Dorn. He's a big pain in the you know what...LOL

Q: In the episode "Brothers" how difficult were all of the makeup changes to deal with?
Michaela

BS: Not particularly difficult. Because....ultimately, they allowed me to work with my favorite actor.

Q: What's your favorite Buster Keaton movie?
Regina

BS: I like "Sherlock Jr."

Q: What Is your Favorite Food?
Q246

BS: That's an excellent question. And one that I am rarely asked. I would say an hour and fifteen minutes.

Q: have u ever considered working with george clooney?
anna o

BS: I have considered working with George Clooney, but so far, I'm only considering it.

Q: Did you like star trek when you were a kid?
Josh

BS: I was too young to watch television then but I hear it was a very good show.

Thank you very much, Brent, for taking the time to chat with us today.

BS: Thanks for having me. And putting up with me. If indeed you did.