Mr. de Lancie has portrayed "Q" on three "Star Trek" series: Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Star Trek: Voyager. His current interests include the unique multi-media production company "Alien Voices" with his partner, Leonard Nimoy.

Question: Will you be doing more work with "The Hollywood Theater of the Ear"?
Michael

John de Lancie: Yes, I'd be delighted to work for the Hollywood Theater of the Ear.

Q: Of all your experiences meeting fans, is there one that stands out as most interesting?
Jabba

JDL: No, none stand out as the most interesting although I've been in some very out of the way places in the world and been surprised to have someone come up to me and recognize who I was.

Q: As an acting teacher, do you have any advice for a young aspiring actor? Words of encouragement?
M.R.W.

JDL: Spend everyday acting by either reading out loud or getting involved in community theater or creating your own show or watching other people act. Think of acting as a sport that has to be done rather than a mind-set.

Q: I saw you in the film "Trekkies". Do you think this 'documentary' is an accurate representation of the diverse nature of Star Trek fans?
Jeb

JDL: Until about five minutes ago I didn't even know I was in the film Trekkies much less knew there was a film called Trekkies.

Q: "Legend" was a fun show that was never given a proper chance. Did you have any input into the creation of the character of Janos Bartok?
Nicodemus

JDL: Yes, I agree with you, Legend was a very fun show and it was not given a chance. By a network that seems to still be looking for its voice. Yes like any actor who creates a character, you have input.

Q: Writing, producing, performing... what is your favorite part of creating entertainment?
Marie

JDL: It's most fun if you spend some time writing, some time producing and some time performing. Just doing one is not as much fun so I enjoy a gamut of possibilities.

Q: Do you have aspirations to direct motion pictures or television?
Captain Picard

JDL: No, not really.

Q: Having a dry sense of humor, seems to be a part of your natural, and artistic, personnality. Do you ever feel like you have gone too far, and ended up just being sarcastic?
MARGONA

JDL: Most of the people I talk to wouldn't know the difference. Is that sarcastic enough for you?

Q: How did you and Mr.Nimoy first meet,and how did this develope into the Alien Voices Productions? Also I remember an article where it was stated that when a show with you is first aired,that you ask all your friends opinions,is this true?
Matthew

JDL: I directed Leonard in a production of Orson Wells "War of the Worlds' for NPR. I presented him with the idea of creating Alien Voices. Yeah, I don't in fact ask my friends' opinions of any of the shows I'm on. I hardly ever share with them when anything is on so it's quite the opposite.

Q: I love your character (Q) ! Is the relationship between you and Kate Mulgrew as funny as it is on Voyager? How do you like working with her? by the way, I've had a crush on you ever since I first saw you. I think you're really cute.
dyingswan

JDL: I've known Kate for years and my relationship off stage is funnier than my relationship with her on stage.

Q: What was the most rewarding about being Q on startrek?
ALLISON

JDL: What's most rewarding is how much the show is watched and followed and how conscientious the audience is and how many opportunities it's afforded me over the years.

Q: I would like to know, do you have an e-mail address that we fans can send e-mail to you at?
Trekkerjo

JDL: Yes, I do have an e-mail address which I would love for people to send me as many e-mails as they want. I just can't remember what it is right now.

It's ....
It's.....
Gosh, I can't seem to remember....
Seriously now folks, if you do want to contact me particularly about Alien Voices, try alienvoices.com. Make sure that Leonard doesn't pick up the phone.

Q: I love your Alien Voices Project. Would you like to do an Audio-book about a German Sci-Fi writer from the 1920th. I would love to send you a translation- but will you read it???
Frank

JDL: Yes, I'd be interested. The issues have to do with whether it's in the public domain or not. If it's not in the public domain, we probably wouldn't end up doing it. And what is the name of the author? I might have some familiarity with it.

Q: With your Star Trek and Alien Voices work, you must be a science fiction fan. Who are your favorite writers and works?
Isaac

JDL: Oh, I am a sci fi fan. I've read most of the classics. Phillip K. Dick, Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, Jack Ruby, Ted Bundy, and Son of Sam. Oopps! That's another list.

Q: In Leonard Nimoy's chat last week, he mentioned something about alien visitors to the "Alien Voices" Web site. Can you tell us more about that?
James

JDL: I have nothing to say about it. Except that the probe in the back of my head has been making sleep difficult.

Q: You've appeared in sci-fi, soap opera, sitcom, movies... what is your favorite genre and medium in which to work? Are there advantages to each of them?
Alex

JDL: The medium makes almost no difference. The issue is whether it's a good project or not.

Q: "Q" appeared on only eleven of the more than 500 episodes, yet he is one of the most popular characters in the Star Trek universe. To what do you attribute the viewers' love for this character?
Xena

JDL: I think I've only been on 9....I don't know. If I knew why it was so popular I would bottle it and sell it. Frankly I like to think it's because it was a well-written character, well presented.

Q: Can I visit the Q Continuum?
Heather1

JDL: Of course you can visit the Q Continuum. The password is 'Swordfish'.

Q: I was wondering if you were told what Q's relationship with Guinan was about? If so what is it?
Jason

JDL: Not good. It's not good and I refuse to speak about it. It upsets me just to think about her.

Q: so did q really invent the platypus?
shi'kar

JDL: Either that or the other way around.

Q: What is your favorite Q dialogue that really enjoy playing the omnipotent being? Do you have any insights of what his life must be like, how he views existance (Q's or the future of humanitiy's), or anything you'd wish for the beloved character?
HGC

JDL: Peter David and I have written a book called, "I, Q" which will be distributed very shortly. In it you will discover all sorts of aspects to Q's personality and opinons about life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Q: Why did the chicken cross the road?
Broiler

JDL: To get to Q.

Q: Thank you for your autograph you gave a friend of mine for me!
Katja

JDL: That'll be twenty bucks. And don't send stamps.

Q: I saw you and your son acting at the ST world tour - both of you were great!
chandra

JDL: Thank you. We had a wonderful time in Dusseldorf and it was a lot of fun for us.

Q: How do you feel being the only person that has been in all the star treks excluding The original series ?
The Sisko

JDL: I'm delighted.

Q: Hello John, I am the President of Ceti Alpha V Productions Inc./PSCI-CON Entertainment and as I find it very hard to contact the Cast to do apperences for my Convention in NY, I am contacting you in this way.
George

JDL: Go to our website at alienvoices.com

Q: hi Q. i read the book "Q squared" and when picard killed trelane Q said "good bye my son" so is trelane Qs son or not? picard sure wants to know.
shi'kar

JDL: Yes. And I forsook him.

Q: Do you go to Conventions and if you do, when and where was your favorite one?
ACTDFowler

JDL: Bonn was my most recent convention and one of the best conventions I've ever gone to.

Q: Mr. de Lancie, have you ever had an "annoying" experiance with certain Trekkies, like excesive picture taking. Not that I've done it myself! I'm just curious :)
Baker

JDL: Yes, often times people will set up their little, or I should say their 900mm lens on a tripod and make you think you're in some kind of photoshoot. The other thing I find annoying is when I'm trying to make a phone call in an airport and people are actually tapping me on the shoulder. I've actually had people follow me into the restroom and take pictures of me. It was embarrassing. Since I was in the women's restroom. And they were security guards. But other than that, it's been fun.

Q: I would just like to say a big WELL DONE for surviving all 3 recent series of Star Trek....and the Star Trek: Borg computer game. Well done on a great acting career. Also, what is Whoopi Goldberg like to work with?
James

JDL: Funny.

Q: Since you're omnipotent, you already know the question. So what's the answer?
Sharkbait

JDL: No.

Q: Since he's omnipotent and all powerful, what, if any, are Q's dreams and desires?
Gul

JDL: He dreams of far away places. And makes them happen.

Q: What is the status on the Q book you are writing ?
michael

JDL: The Q book is done and will be printed within the next 6 weeks.

Q: DO YOU ENJOY PLAYING A 'GALACTIC PEST' AND ARE THERE ANY PLANS FOR US TO SEE 'Q' AND SON IN ANY FUTURE EPISODES ?
MORGAN

JDL: I do enjoy playing him but I'm not aware that there are any plans for me to be in any more episodes.

Q: I was thinking about writing a poem that concerned Q...i was wondering if you would mind if i did so or a poem about you?
RavynDarkrose

JDL: Write away.

Q: Mr de Lancie, do you see a chance for Q and Janeway to get together again before Voyager ends?
Juliane

JDL: No. The people who write the show don't want me on their show anymore.

Q: Will you show up at the Star Trek Messe Vienna together with your son?
Veronika

JDL: I have not been invited to show up. I would go if I were invited, but I haven't been invited.

Q: Have you read any of the Q novels? If so, how do you feel about the way Q has been portrayed in them?
Jeff

JDL: I've read "Q-in_Law" and "Q Squared" and I think the way he has been portrayed is good, and I think what Peter and I have done with "I, Q" will push the envelope quite a bit further. I think it's a very very good story.

Q: Considering the fact that you are on this chat, so close to the end of DS9, is Q going to be on the final episode of DS9 as in TNG?
Matt

JDL: Yes, I'm going to be on the final episode of DS9. As a matter of fact, as I was walking from my car to the chat, I ducked into the sound stage and did a scene.

Q: Would you be in Trek movie if asked and if it had a good Q story to it?
Cooter

JDL: I'm coming back as Deanna Troi.

Q: Will you be performing in any other Shakesperean plays to be broadcast on radio, as I particularly enjoyed Julius Caesar and your performance as Cassius.
Martin

JDL: No, I dont' have any plans to do that. But Alien Voices is beginning to move into classic literature and you will hear more of me that way.

Q: What project will we see next from Alien Voices?
Mary

JDL: The next project, which will be available is the Spock and Q live show, taped for Simon and Schuster. A possible Halloween show for TNT....A classic tales of the supernatural for audio...and we are working with New Line to create a movie of the week.

Q: Jonathan Frakes said you were more delightful than your character, 'Q'. Who do you like more, Jonathan Frakes or Commander Riker?
Q =/\= Q

JDL: I like Jonathan. Hands down.

Q: How do I become Omnipotent ?
D.

JDL: Drink Ovaltine.

Q: I have noticed the similarity of Q and novelist Byron. Are you aware of this similarity? Do you believe it?
James

JDL: Yes, I actually played the role of Byron a while back and loved Byron's works and his persona.

Q: what education did you get?
some guy by the lake

JDL: I went to Kent State University during the time of the troubles. I went to Juilliard Drama School.

Q: Your "Q" character only appeared on one episode of DS9 (which I haven't seen). Did he burn some bridges there with Sisko or something?
Captain Worf

JDL: I don't know. I don't think it was a particularly good episode.

Q: Who influenced you the most when you were growing up?
Nina

JDL: My father and mother.

Q: Hi J. I wondered, if I am correct, yo've said once that you met Kate before your first appearance on Voyager. What I like to know is how you to met.
Dax

JDL: We met in Seattle. And then again in Los Angeles.

Q: If you could be god for a day what would you do and why?
Bubbles

JDL: I'd make everybody happy.

Q: What is one of your worst habits?
the great cherry-tree monster

JDL: I tend to work all the time. I have to be reminded that life is short.

Q: Hello John Why the name "Q"? Do you know if there is a story to it or if the choice was "random"? What was your first thought concerning the name, if you remember?
Henrik (a swede)

JDL: The character of Q was named after a friend of Gene Roddenberry's named Janet Quarton.

Q: Hallo Mr. de Lancie. 1.) I would like to know at which age you have decided to become an actor. 2.) Have you got a family? If yes, when have you married? 3.) I hope that it was a profit in Bonn (Germany) with your Alien Voices!
Simon

JDL: I decided to be an actor when I was about 15. I have a family and I'm married and I have two young sons, 12 and 14. Marnie, my wife, was on ST:TNG, "Loud as a Whisper" as well as in all of our Alien Voices work.

Q: John, Q is such an "off-the-cuff" kind of character. How much is he like you? Do you see any positives in Q?
tzreader

JDL: I think one of the reasons the character was successful is that he was a counterpoint to Picard. If Picard had been off the cuff and spontaneous and carefree, I would have probably chosen to be the opposite.

Q: Did you ever buy the star trek tng chess set from the franklin mint with your likeness {Q figure/King}that i showed you years ago when i did security for the conventions?
C.Kaplan

JDL: Yes, I did. And while the figures are terrific, they're just a little too complicated to play chess with.

Q: As a Trekker I've really enjoyed you as Q. As an over the road trucker "Alien Voices" is a wonderful form of entertainment. Thank You. I never saw Q as "evil" but rather mischievous, egotistical, and with a dry sense of humor, is that how you see him?
Doug

JDL: We really appreciate your enjoying Alien Voices and you could help me by e-mailing me at alienvoices.com about how we can advertise to more truckers. As to the second part of your question, I agree with you, I was never just bad but rather mischievous, etc. as you say.

Q: Has it ever happened that fans have visited your home? If yes, how did you react?
Henrik

JDL: My home is always open to fans. I have often walked into my living room to find a half a dozen people there that I didn't know. My wife and children are a little upset, but I always send them off with a full tank of gas and a bag of Doritos.

Q: Have you ever wondered if beings like your character on Star Trek really exist in the universe?
Chris

JDL: I know that beings like my character exist because I was sent from the planet Xenon to play this role.

Q: Will you visit Germany in the near future?
Heike

JDL: I'm scheduled to visit Germany in July.

Q: I remember seeing you in the Death Probe episode of the Six Million Dollar Man. That was one of my favorite episodes... you were in a couple of Six Million Dollar Man episodes, weren't you?
Al_BMSH

JDL: The answer is yes.

Q: I really love the "Alien Voices' audio novels, and the sci-fi channel special "First Men In The Moon", very professional do you plan on a special presentation of "Spock Meets Q" on the sci-fi channel ?, or a tape to be purchased?
Charles

JDL: "Spock Meets Q" will have an audio tape available in October.

Q: First of all, Mr. de Lancie, you are a teriffic actor. I just wanted to know which Q episode in TNG did you enjoy doing the most?
Ezri (aka Heather)

JDL: "All Good Things."

Q: Was Eugene really just Q visiting a 20th Century Soap Opera?
Starhippie

JDL: Yes. Q is really Eugene in space.

Q: How much is Q's humor your own humor?
John

JDL: None. Everything is scripted. They even say to me when to smile. I am a machine.

Q: You said you did a scene before you came in for this chat. Aren't you home on your computer? Why would you be in a studio??
Gayle

JDL: I am, right now, in the Unga Bunga Basin of the Amazon. I have been here for almost a year. I am eluding my pursuers after holding up an ATM. I will never surrender. Viva Star Trek!

Q: What do you think about Star Wars, and the new movie?
Herkemer

JDL: I'm seeing it on Saturday with my 12 year old son and ten of his classmates. It is his birthday present.

Q: Can you tell me who is going to win the World Series, with your omnipitence and all?
Bradley

JDL: The Dolphins. Or the Penguins.

Q: Is there anything that was done with the Q character that you didn't like?
CoW mAn

JDL: I think that attempts to make him funny have gone over the top. I can make things funny. I would prefer that things be written straight and I will make them funny rather than written funny.

Q: How did alien Voices come to be,and what is it that makes the people of Star trek continue to work together on other projects. Keep up the great work :-)
NFLD Canada

JDL: We're bringing together actors that have in many instances not even met in Star Trek, but because they are wonderful actors in their own right and in many instances friends it's fun to be able to hire them.

Q: Do you enjoy doing chats like these? Some of your answers sound like you are either bored or tired of the questions? What form of medium to you prefer to "meet" your fans?
April

JDL: The problem with answering questions in this way is that we have to read over a thousand questions, many of them only slight variations on previous ones, to find a question that one can answer. Problem number one.

Problem number two: because someone is typing, it doesn't really have the fluidity of a conversation and there's no inflection, so humor or a sense of excitement or fun or emotion of almost any kind is lost. Another reason that these chats sometimes come off as bored is because one tries to find the simplest way to answer a question that requires the least amount of typing... the least amount of words.

Q: Did you know gene rodenberry, and if so, What type of person was gene rodenberry?
Dr.Pepper God

JDL: My experience of Gene Roddenberry was very good. Since that first experience I've gone on to learn that he was a complicated and not always particularly liked person, but my own experience of him was positive.

Q: Do you have any pets and are they named for any Star Trek characters?
Starquentin-Q

JDL: I have a pet. It's an Airedale. But not named for a Star Trek actor.

Q: What was it like poisoning that poor old man in "You Lucky Dog"?
Bradley

JDL: He deserved it.

Q: Do you answer all your fanmail?
Henrik

JDL: The answer is: I don't answer my fan mail not because I don't think it's important or because I'm disrespectful of the people who write me, but because I spend so much time writing or acting or trying to conceptualize. The job of answering fan mail would take so much time away from the things that people enjoy seeing me do.

Q: Hi John! Is there any chance, that you and your family might join the Mediterranian Cruise Trek next year in May, too? :)
Claudia

JDL: Possibly. Our problem is of course that May is still school, so...

Q: I am doing a class project, and I've chosen to do a bio on you. Where can I find an some info on you on your life before Q?
M. Power

JDL: There should be a bio up on the Alien Voices website.

Q: Is it fun to watch yourself snapping your fingers and disappearing on the final version of the episode?
quanta

JDL: For a long time, that is, a number of years, I think one is a little close to the project to be able to have fun watching it. After a period of time though, when you begin to forget what was taking place around the filming, you can start looking at the show as a piece of entertainment.

Q: Is there a question that you wish someone would ask you but they never have? If so, what would that question and your response be?
Beth

JDL: I'll know when I hear it and I'll have the right answer.

Q: Do you surf the net often? If yes, what are your interests (on the net)?
Henrik

JDL: I use the net almost entirely for research.

Q: I have a Leonard Nimoy record for sale are you interested? make an offer.
notoursg

JDL: I will listen to it for ten dollars.

Q: How often do you attend conventions?
Jessica

JDL: I used to attend quite a few conventions, but conventions in the US have dropped off sharply.

Q: Would you consider doing any Ray Bradbury plays or stories for "Alien Voices"?
Lynsee

JDL: Yes. We have considered Ray Bradbury. There are rights issues that complicate the matter which is the reason we still continue in the public domain area. There are so many wonderful stories in the public domain that we haven't run out yet. The problem is that Simon and Schuster or SciFi Channel or any of the large production houses really want the title to be a marquee title. For those of us who know science fiction know that there are only a handful of marquee titles. So even taking a title such as "Nightfall," which is probably the most published science fiction story of all time, because it has no marquee value, it's of little value to the people paying for the productions.

Q: Are there any plans to tour with "Alien Voices"? I think "watching" a radio show in person would be a wonderful experience.
Ebbie

JDL: We have produced three television shows which are available on video either through Rhino Home Video or alienvoices.com of our shows. We are also going to be performing at the Tulsa convention. On June 26th. Visit the website of Starbase 21 for details. That's at www.starbase21ok.com

Q: Some years ago, at a convention, I believe you said you read history. If I remembered this correctly, what type of history? Thank you.
amaecook

JDL: I enjoy reading history more than any other subject. I just finished a book on Shackleton. Some of my favorite books are "The Discoverers" by Boorstein. Alien Voices is moving into dramatic depictions of great events in history to be used as an educational tool in schools. An example being "The Night Before the Declaration of Independence was Signed" or "The Race to the South Pole." As well as adaptations of great works of literature. I do the youth concerts for the LA Philharmonic and am very involved and concerned about bringing elevated material into the lives of young children. We live in the century of the film... a visual medium.... and we are, whether we know it or not, visually very sophisticated. At a loss, I think, of reading and music and just connecting between each other. It's gotten to the point where movies are making history from a boxoffice point of view, not because they have good stories. Quite the contrary...but because they are visually entertaining, as in the case of "The Matrix," a movie which was, from a plot point of view, moronic, but visually, interesting to a ten year old.

Q: In your bio, it says you like to daydream about far-off islands. How much traveling have you done and what is your favorite island?
Mike

JDL: I'm actually going... my favorite island right now is in the South Seas... but I'm taking my son and two of his friends on a five day channel-hopping excursion of the Channel Islands. After which time I will die of pneumonia.

Q: Stories like "The Invisible Man" are all classics. Are there any plans to bring out more recent stories on Alien Voices?
Rudy

JDL: Yes there are plans to bring out more recent stories. We just have to deal with the rights issues.

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

JDL: Thank you so much for listening to me dribble on tonight. And I'm delighted that you enjoyed my stuff on Star Trek and I hope that you will continue to support Leonard and my endeavors in Alien Voices since we have you very much in mind.