Star Trek Host: Welcome to today's STARTREK.COM chat with Armin Shimerman.
Armin Shimerman: Live long and be prosperous!
Question Do you feel you share any common character qualities with Quark?
stamods
AS: Yes. We're both 5'6" tall. And we both have large ears.
Q: Mr. Shimerman, would you ever appear on Star Trek again as someone other then Quark, or you through with being in Star Trek?
Startreknemesis
AS: I would be honored to be in Star Trek again. Of course I would love to play Quark again, but I would be intrigued by playing another character.
Q: How did it feel for you to act without the makeup for the first time with your cast mates in "Far Beyond The Stars"?
designationlocutus
AS: Just like all the other TV show's I'd done before Star Trek.
Q: Mr. Shimerman, what was your best moment on DS9?
Mikejmoe
AS: My favorite moment in Deep Space Nine was "The Siege of AR-558." I had a monologue about the frailties of humanity.
Q: Hi, Mr. Shimerman. Out of the TV characters you played in Buffy, Stargate and of course Deep Space Nine, which did you prefer playing and why?
stamods
AS: I preferred Principal Snyder for several reasons: 1) No make-up. 2) The writing. 3) The people I worked with, and 4) The lack of responsibility.
Q: Did you have to audition for your role as the gift-box face from TNG?
cassiopia
AS: Yes. And I was very nervous about auditioning, because I was a very staunch Star Trek fan and being on the new show, TNG, would be a great honor I thought. And it was.
Q: Are you going to write a new Quark book?
ltjtkirk
AS: No, but I will write some more John Dee books.
Q: I'm curious, do you read any of the DS9 books that take place after the series finale? You know, see what Quark's up to now?
thewriter
AS: No, I'm too busy writing.
Q: Mr. Shimerman, do you get along well with Max, Aron and Chase?
porthose
AS: I spoke to Aron today, he sends his regards to everyone. I will talk to Max tomorrow, I will give your regards, too. And Chase I don't see enough of.
Q: Did the writers or directors ever establish any ruling systems for the games "Dabo" and "Tongo," or were you free to invent your own rules?
designationlocutus
AS: There were never any rules established for any of the games. To this day, I have no idea whether Dabo! means "I won" or "I lost." And we always had continuity problems with Tongo, because we didn't know what cards were important, or how many you deal. It varies by episode, you see different cards. I get the most cards, I know.
Q: How did you enjoy your first Buffy appearance in the episode "The Puppet Show"? What was your favorite episode featuring Snyder?
noodle7
AS: My favorite episode was "Band Candy" because they allowed me to play something other than Snyder, which was a treat. I went to Buffy with the wrong reference points. I thought I was going to be performing with a bunch of shallow teenagers and a girl from a soap opera. And I played Snyder very superior to them because of that attitude. In the years that followed, I was 100% wrong, I found them to be talented, kind, giving and wise for their age.
Q: Were you a Star Trek fan before you joined the show?
ltkilika
AS: Since day one.
Q: How did you get the role of Quark?
cassiopia
AS: From playing the Gift Box on Next Generation and because I was the right height.
Q: How did you like working on The Practice?
nokio94
AS: I loved working on The Practice and eventually no longer appeared there because of scheduling problems. My first commitment was to Star Trek, my second commitment of time was to Buffy. The Practice had problems with me not being available, and therefore I stopped working as a Judge, I have worked for Mr. Kelley since, as a recurring character on Girl's Club and as a Judge on Boston Public where I met, for the first time, Jeri Ryan.
Q: You, like many Star Trek actors, played Shakespeare. Which was your favorite play and why?
startreknemesis
AS: My favorite play is "As You Like It" because it is the wittiest.
Q: Hello from the UK. Just been watching you on Buffy... what a great character you played. If the chance arose, would you like to go back to the Buffyverse?
oddboy
AS: I keep hoping that I can go back and haunt the new principal.
Q: Did you get to shape Quark as the character evolved, or was what the directors wanted set in stone?
cheddartrek
AS: In TV, the power comes from the Writer/Producers, not the Director. The primary creator of Quark were the Writers, and I was a secondary influence. The Directors were tertiary.
Q: Would you commit to such a demanding series as DS9 again?
rocklobster
AS: It would give me pause. It was demanding and a major responsibility. But give me the chance to decide.
Q: Armin, you are an incredible actor. What is your next project?
trekercat
AS: Writing a novel. I will also be doing a film, the lead, it's called "Zali's Crush." The part was written for me.
Q: Who in Star Trek history would you like to work with on-camera that you haven't worked with before?
maniaconwheels
AS: Jimmy Doohan.
Q: Do you have any bloopers you'd like to share with us?
cassiopia
AS: Not while I'm sitting at Paramount.
Star Trek Host Too: (Yes, folks, he's really here with us.)
Q: Do you feel Quark should have been Grand Nagus? If so what changes do you think he would have made to the Ferengi Alliance?
designationlocutus
AS: I do not think that Quark should have been Grand Nagus, he wasn't smart enough. And during the brief times that he was Nagus, he screwed things up. Perhaps, if it wasn't Rom, it should have been Brunt.
Star Trek Host: Amy asks, "Armin, I heard that you were recently in a play called "Stand Up Shakespeare." Unfortunately I was away at school and I wasn't able to make it home in time to see you perform in it. My question to you: Are you thinking of being in another play soon and if so what is it? By the way thanks for signing my program from it you helped me get an 'A' in my theatre class."
AS: Amy, I'm glad you got an "A" but I don't think you should tell the world that I helped you. And the next play I'm doing is a 2-hour version of "Hamlet," where I'll play Claudius. Amy, write me later!
Q: Who inspired you to become an actor, and why? Also, I would like to know what odd jobs you did to support yourself while you aspired to become the fine actor that you are. iceplanetzeo
AS: Jimmy Cagney, Richard Burton, Phil Bosco. I was a caddy, I was a cook and I cleaned the insides of machinery.
Q: How do you like the version of Quark's Bar in Las Vegas?
lwaxana
AS: I love it, the food is great, the atmosphere is terrific and the people who work there are terrific, I would never hire them. But it is the only thing that survives of our set that one can visit. I felt very sad walking by Soundstage 17 this afternoon, knowing that the soundstage was empty.
Q: How involved are you with SAG [Screen Actors Guild] nowadays? I know you were deeply involved in negotiations during the strike a few years ago ... heimao
AS: I was not involved in the strike, I was involved in the TV-theatrical negotiation. That is different than the commercial negotiation, which struck. I am currently involved in preparations for the next TV-theatrical negotiation and I am at ground zero at the discussions of the merger between SAG and AFTRA [American Federation of Television and Radio Artists]. But I am no longer a national officer.
Star Trek Host: Scifi Scully asks, "I recently saw you as a wizard on Charmed. Do you enjoy being on science-fiction shows, or do you take whatever comes?
AS: I enjoy being on science fiction shows, because usually the writing is better. But I am a whore and will take whatever comes, within reason. I have been very fortunate to work as much as I do.
Q: What did you think of "Star Trek Nemesis"?
mikejmoe
AS: I didn't see it.
Q: What was the make-up like? How uncomfortable was it, and how long did it take to apply and remove?
iceplanetzeo
AS: Take your hands, put them over your ears and squash your head. Now hold it there for 16 hours. Also, have someone say something to you while you're doing that, and see how well you hear. I LOVED THE MAKEUP!
Q: I read that you had a role in "Insurrection" but it was cut, what was that scene about?
dbroser8
AS: It was about a minute and a half. And it was about promoting Deep Space Nine in the movie and it was about a cameo, and I was honored to be asked and enjoyed the experience.
Q: Did you get the chance to take a bar (or perhaps a brick!) of Gold-Pressed Latinum home with you as a souvenir of being on the show?
designationlocutus
AS: No one is going to believe this, but I believe I am the only person who resisted taking any souveniers. I did not want to see the sets being dismantled because I always wanted to remember them the way they were and not in disarray. So I took nothing. I told you, I was a big fan.
Star Trek Host: JFrederick asks, "Were you intimidated by following Whoopi Goldberg as the Trek bartender? Who on the DS9 series would have been the most fun to go drinking with?"
AS: Whoopi who? Far and away, Terry Farrell.
Q: What was it like to meet Iggy Pop? Did you enjoy working with him on 'The Magnificent Ferengi'?
designationlocutus
AS: Yes, Iggy Pop was great fun and a terrific trooper and had the writers at the set at 12 at night and that's a hard thing to do. He was wonderful.
Star Trek Host: rhays asks, "My favorite Quark line is his observation regarding Chief O'Brien's concern over Kira's raktajino habit, and its possible effect on his and Keiko's unborn child: "As the lessee, he does have certain rights." What was your favorite line?"
AS: My favorite line is from The Next Generation where, as Letek, I said, "Then it is true, you work with your females, arm them and force them to wear clothing!" But, that said, I was privileged to say a lot of wonderful lines on Deep Space Nine. I will talk for Michael, Ira, Ron, Rene and Hans anytime.
Star Trek Host: jhaney asks, "Your character is one of my favorites on DS9. My other favorite is Odo. And I think both you and Rene are really great actors. What is it like working with Rene Auberjonois?"
AS: With Rene? A pain in the ass.
Q: What would you have liked to see happen with character of Quark before the end of the DS9 series?
x111800
AS: Get a girl.
Q: Will you be attending any Star Trek conventions up in Canada?
trekercat
AS: No one has asked me yet, to come to Canada, but I am doing the Pasadena convention this month and a Star Trek convention in London May 5 and a Buffy Convention in London August 28.
Q: Can you recommend a non-alcoholic Klingon drink for a child?
lwaxana
AS: Mother's Milk.
Q: Is there some genre that you haven't appeared in yet that you would like?
cassiopia
AS: I'd love to be in something Film Noir.
Q: One of my favorite show was when Quark took Sisko to task for being prejudiced against Ferengi. What was one of yours?
ashleen
AS: That is also one of my favorites. Anytime that Quark got to act like Mr. Spock and fulfill the role of alien commenting on humanity, was a treat for me.
Q: Mr. Shimerman. Which race in Star Trek do you think most resembles your own personality? The intelligent Trill, the logical Vulcans ... what?
emergencymichaelhologram
AS: I would say the Humans.
Q: If Quark, like his brother Rom, had an aptitude outside business, what other type of career do you think he would have chosen?
cozykitten
AS: Politics. He's a people-person.
Q: What are your thoughts on Enterprise?
captaingafford
AS: I'm embarrassed to say I have only seen two episodes and cannot make up my mind from watching two episodes.
Q: Mr. Shimerman, what do you like to do in your spare time?
clayborg
AS: Write.
Q: Do you have a website?
mikejmoe
AS: No.
Q: Hi Mr. Shimerman, if you had a chance to go back to work on Star Trek in the current Enterprise series, would you choose to?
stamods
AS: Yes.
Q: What do you think about Buffy the Vampire Slayer ending?
ltkilika
AS: Say it ain't so!
Q: What was your opinion on the 30th anniversary episode saluting the original Star Trek series with "Trials and Tribble-ations"?
iceplanetzeo
AS: I was bowled over by the work and love that went into that episode, extraordinary filming was done that week. And I only regret that I didn't have more to do in that episode. It's one of the things that makes me very proud to have been part of the 35-year franchise.
Star Trek Host: rbottari asks, "Hey Armin! I've found that sometimes it's really hard to see the resemblance between an actor and their character when the character requires wearing so much makeup. I was wondering if you ever get recognized as the guy who plays Quark in public?"
AS: Yes, of course. My most memorable one of those is going through customs in Singapore and a man at the gate, not having any ID, looked up and said, "Quark!" That was truly amazing to me.
Q: Did you watch the Star Trek Weakest Link?
mikejmoe
AS: No, how could I? I was in it!
Star Trek Host: T.S. asks, "Big Fan of yours sir! I recently learned you are from my hometown of Lakewood, NJ. Could you tell me a bit about your experience growing up here in Lakewood?"
AS: First of all, were you born at Paul Kimbell? I am very fortunate, like yourself, to have had a wonderful, small town to grow up in. Many people say that I'm a kind and level-headed person. I truly believe it comes from that early childhood I had in Lakewood. We had the perfect childhood.
Star Trek Host: Jason asks, "I loved your book 'The 34th Rule,' it was awesome. So, what's your favorite Ferengi Rule of Acquisition?"
AS: My favorite Rule of Acquisition is "Treat Business Associates Like Family, Exploit Them Ruthlessly."
Q: I'm sick and tired of reality television, as a member of SAG, what are your thoughts on this fad?
x111800
AS: As a member of SAG, I think reality TV is detrimental to the careers of all of us who work in television, but I am hopeful that like the quiz games of a couple years ago it will be a passing fad that fades away, hopefully never to return. Not only for the actors, but for the writers and the directors and for the crew members.
Q: Who did you most enjoy working with in Buffy the Vampire Slayer?
ltkilika
AS: I loved them all. But I have a special place in my heart for Alyson [Hannigan].
Q: Hello! If at some point in the script Quark would have ended up in a relationship, what species do you think would have been chosen for Quark?
azriel
AS: I married a Klingon, that seems right. I would have been happy with any long-lasting relationship.
Q: Do you get to spend much time with your family?
captvictor
AS: More now since leaving Deep Space Nine and Buffy. But never enough.
Q: Were you happy that Principal Snyder was eaten by a large demon in Buffy The Vampire Slayer?!
designationlocutus
AS: Yes. Ken Lerner was Principal Flutie before me, Ken is a friend of mine. When I knew that the Scooby Gang was graduating high school. I knew my days were numbered. I told everybody I could tell, I wanted to be eaten, because Ken had been eaten. So I was very happy to be eaten by my old friend Barry Groener. And when I met D.B. Woodside, the current principal, I made him promise me that when he met his demise he, like myself, would beg to be eaten.
Q: Have you considered any comedic roles?
rust
AS: Me? Do comedy? Out of the question.
Q: Would you like to have your own casino/bar?
ltcoltdouglas11
AS: Wouldn't you?
Q: Hi Mr. Shimerman. In Stargate SG-1 when you had a guest spot as Anteaus a Nox character, your character appeared very wise and knowledgeable. Do you feel the character reflected any of your qualities? stamods
AS: Each of the characters I play, whether it's the Nox or the Wedding Gift Box reflects some part of my personality. I just try to find that part of me that is best suited for the character. That's what actors do.
Q: Who did you most enjoy working with on The Invisible Man?
heimao
AS: I worked primarily with Vincent and Paul and I enjoyed working with them tremendously, but the entire cast and crew became very good friends. Like a mother, I can't tell you which one is my favorite child.
Q: What is the one thing you miss most about DS9?
ers
AS: The salary.
Q: Are you looking forward to DS9 on TNN in 2004?
mikejmoe
AS: The residuals.
Q: How was high school for you? Where you popular, funny...?
securitron
AS: I was not popular in high school, but I was the lead actor. The reason I wasn't popular was that I had moved from Lakewood to Santa Monica and was new at school. The Drama Club gave me an opportunity to make friends and of course, that opportunity led to a very satisfying career. High school is tough for everyone.
Q: Are you happy with the way DS9 ended, or do you feel that too many questions were left as to what happens to those remaining on the station? madmax
AS: No TV show finale can answer all questions. But I think our writers did a wonderful job and left you wanting more, which is after all, their job.
Q: What is one of the strangest things that a fan has ever asked you to do? captaingafford
AS: At a convention in Phoenix, a young boy of about 8 years old asked me "Do you like being an action figure doll, and do you ever play with yourself?"
Q: How did you feel making an appearance at the Star Trek Voyager pilot?
mikejmoe
AS: Honored. I was doing the Patrick Stewart thing. It was a very great honor.
Q: Did you have any say on the design of clothes when Quark's fabulous wardrobe was being created?
designationlocutus
AS: No. It was all [costume designer] Robert's [Blackman] idea. And for those ideas, he was nominated and won many Emmy's. He always told me designing for Quark was his favorite.
Q: Did you speak Ferengi in "Little Green Men" or was that dubbed?
multitronic
AS: It wasn't dubbed. It wasn't Ferengi. It was Shimerman-ese.
Q: Hi Armin!!! Recently the whole cast of Star Trek got together in Las Vegas and did a huge convention. What was that like for you?
torrez
AS: There have been many conventions in Las Vegas, so I'm not quite sure which one you're talking about, although I have a guess. I am, as a big fan of Star Trek, always in awe of meeting my TV heroes. So I go around a little bit with my eyes wide and my mouth open.
Q: Did you see the Buffy musical? What did you think of it? Too bad Snyder couldn't have had a part in it... :) noodle7
AS: I loved the Buffy musical ["Once More, With Feeling"]. It is just another tribute to Joss's brilliance and creativity. They sang well, didn't they?
Q: If you could remake one great film, which would it be, and in what capacity?
cozykitten
AS: "Apocalypse Now," me for Brando.
Q: What was it like to play the Ferengi woman Lumba?
porthose
AS: Horrible. Horrible. When you get the DVD, delete that episode. I fainted in that episode, but that's not the reason it was horrible.
Q: Do you have a favorite episode of the Original Series?
clayborg
AS: Yes. "Let That Be Your Last Battlefield." That is Star Trek at its best. Questions are posed by using metaphors from science fiction yet the audience knows it's looking at current events. The audience is asked to think about it.
Q: I would like to write a book someday. As a writer yourself do you have any advice for me?
greendragon
AS: Yes, write very day and before you start, over a period of time, compose an outline. The outline will keep you going and keep you focused. Best of luck!
Q: What are you reading currently?
multitronic
AS: Lots of reference books about the Elizabethan period and the Descartes autobiography, "Cogito Ergo Sum."
Q: What are your picks for the Oscars next week?
x111800
AS: I haven't seen enough movies, but I loved Julianne Moore in "Far From Heaven" and Daniel Day-Lewis in "Gangs of New York."
Q: What is your favorite show right now?
mikejmoe
AS: Buffy and West Wing.
Q: Who is your favorite writer and why?
johnthelast
AS: Shakespeare's my favorite writer.
Q: Did you have a favorite guest star from the series?
x111800
AS: Max Grodenchik and others.
Q: What did you do while you were snowed in last month and unable to join us?
cassiopia
AS: I spoke to the people in the bar for hours and watched the snow drifts gradually work their way up to the second floor. I also went out and played in the snow.
Q: You mentioned your childhood earlier, what was one of your favorite childhood toys?
cassiopia
AS: You know, it's not really a toy, but it certainly sculpted my personality — I played a lot of chess.
Q: Hi Mr. Shimerman, What is your view on the war with Iraq?
stamods
AS: I have signed petitions with Mike Farrell about not going to war with Iraq. We are all involved in a very dangerous time and need to be more watchful than ever before. We must read, we must think, we must act.
Q: Proudest moment, Mr. Shimerman?
rocklobster
AS: The day I married Kitty.
Q: Where's the most exciting place you've ever been to, and what was so special about that place?
iceplanetzeo
AS: Lizard Island. Off the coast of Australia. It was like being in a "Mutiny on the Bounty" novel and you could see all the stars in the Southern Hemisphere.
Q: Are you a big fan of sports?
mikejmoe
AS: That's my wife.
Q: Do you think there will ever be a DS9 movie?
ashleen
AS: No.
Q: If Fear Factor was to have a show with some Star Trek people would you be in it?
voyager_rox
AS: No one could pay me enough. Why does anyone do that? I've had my 15 seconds of fame.
Q: Mr. S: Do you think that DS9 teaches us anything that is relevant to current events?
cdr_kruge
AS: Yes. Appreciation for other cultures, a commitment to teamwork and solving problems, and the hope that the future will be a better place.
Q: What is the most fascinating aspect of the Ferengi race in your opinion?
maniaconwheels
AS: That they have succeeded with so very little and that they have a commitment to the ethics they believe in.
Q: What was it like driving home, in your makeup, after the big earthquake?
johnthelast
AS: Come to a convention and find out.
Q: You said earlier that you would like to work with Jimmy Doohan (Scotty). Might I ask why you chose him in particular? Personally I think he's great, but then I don't really KNOW him, so I was wondering.
cheddartrek
AS: I'd love to hear the stories he has to tell. And I have worked with almost everybody else.
Q: Quark, having a four-lobed brain, cannot have his mind read. If you could have your own mind read by anyone in the world, who would it be and what would you be thinking?
emergencymichaelhologram
AS: What do you think?
Q: What were you doing on September 11th?
lt_chris_redfield_of_the_tal_shiar
AS: September 11 I was asleep and my good friend Frank (who, by the way, I based Quark on) called and yelled in my ear that I should turn on the TV. I was angry with Frank for having woken me up until I turned on the TV and saw that our country had been changed forever. I spent most of the day, like the rest of the world, watching the events in horror.
Q: What do you think is the most embarrassing moment of your life?
trekste
AS: Sitting here right now.
Q: Given the opportunity - would you take a chance to glimpse the future?
rocklobster
AS: No. Because the fun and the challenge is not knowing what the future is and being in the moment to try to make the future better. If I know what the future is, then we won't aspire to make it better.
Q: Are you interested in space travel?
cassiopia
AS: Oh God, no! Most of the cast of Deep Space Nine hates to fly. Except for Michael Dorn, who's just plane/plain crazy.
Q: What is the one piece of advice you would give to aspiring actors?
guido
AS: Study the classics, act in everything you can and read the newspaper.
Q: What are your parents like, and how did they like seeing you in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine?
iceplanetzeo
AS: I am first generation American. My mother is first generation American, her family comes from Russia. My father escaped the Holocaust by emigrating to Palestine before the war. They are both children of their cultures. Strong, wise and opinionated. I owe them a lot.
AS: (My parents) are happy for my success and I am delighted they are both around to share it with me.
Star Trek Host: One last one...
Q: If you were a vegetable, what would you be and why?
trekste
AS: I would hope that I was an onion, with lots of layers.
Star Trek Host: So that wraps up our chat today!
AS: Thank you very much, I enjoyed it!
Star Trek Host: Everyone please thank Mr. Shimerman for joining us today!
Thanks Armin for taking the time to chat with us...Qapla'!
torrez
Thank you very much Mr. Shimerman
emergencymichaelhologram
Thank you for coming Armin, please come back soon, snow permitting!
designationlocutus
You will not be assimilated ... Yet! Anyhow Bye!
borg00001
Q'apla Armin, it's been fun having you with us today!!!
iceplanetzeo:
