James played "Vic Fontaine" on the "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" television series. He is an accomplished actor and singer, with a successful career that spans over five decades! In addition to his featured appearances, he is an accomplished director of episodic television, with credits on "T.J. Hooker," "Melrose Place" and many more popular series. His singing career has included five top-10 singles, a Grammy nomination, and a dozen hit albums. His latest release, "This One's From the Heart" - now available on CD and cassette - features many songs which he performed as Vic Fontaine on ST:DS9.

Question: Do you have any pets?
Chad

James Darren: I've had several dogs, the last being a Doberman Pinscher which unfortunately passed away about two years ago. I don't know that I could take that pain again, so at the present time I do not have any pets... except my motorcycle.

Q: Loved your work on DS9. What did you think of the duet with Avery Brooks? Were you having as much fun in the role as you seemed to be having?
Aamin

JD: I never expected Avery Brooks to be as terrific a singer as he is. He's got so much talent as a director and an actor -- and he plays an incredible piano. When we went in to record the duet it just blew me away. And yes, I was having as much fun as any person could possibly (or should possibly) have working, doing DS9.

Q: Mr Darren, while making DS9 episodes who was your favorite actor to work with? and also is it true you have a cd out containing some of the songs you performed on ds9? thanks alot.
Tom

Q: Hi! I wanted to let you know that thanks to you and DS9 I've discovered that I really like your kind of music - what section of music stores can I find your new CD?
HoloDarlin'

Q: How can I get a copy of your new CD? Is it available where CD's and other music are sold? Thanks!
Elizabeth

Q: Can we buy any of Vic Fontaine's songs?
Chris

JD: I can't say that I have a favorite actor, one particular person, but I certainly enjoyed tremendously working with Rene. Really everyone: Avery, Nana, Aron... Everyone. Every single cast member was an absolute joy to work with and they are all extremely fine actors so it made the time I spent on DS9 an extreme pleasure.

I do have a new CD that's been on the market about 2 weeks... it's entitled, "This One's From The Heart" and it contains every song I did on DS9 as Vic Fontaine and you can find it in the Jazz section of your record stores and/or the vocal section. Tower Records, Borders, Coconuts, Camelot, Best Buy and also Amazon.com, CDnow.com, Borders.com. Or if you'd like, I will hand-deliver it.

Q: Hi. What kind of music to you usually listen to?
Gabriel

JD: I listen to a great variety of music. A lot of Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, The Beatles, Elton John, The Crusaders, Ella Fitzgerald, George Jones, Merle Haggard. As you can see, I'm also a fan of country music, aside from Pop. It's mostly Pop, Blues, Big Band and Country.

Q: Mr. Darren...how gratifying was the filming of the Vegas casino episode on DS9 for you??
Sean

JD: I think the best part of that entire episode, aside from working with the cast, was not losing any real money. You may not be able to tell but it was all stage money. It did bring back a lot of memories of the days when I would spend lots of time in Vegas, which was in the late 50's and early 60's, hanging out with the Rat Pack at the Sands hotel. So it was a great joy for me.

Q: Since you had the opportunity to work with Capt Sisko on DS9 (Avery Brooks) and the original Captain - Kirk in way of TJ Hooker (William Shatner) - who did you prefer working with?
Joann

JD: That's a loaded question! I feel that when I'm fortunate enough to make friends of the actors I work with I try to keep them -- by not choosing which is my favorite! So I like them both. Very much.

Q: Hello, Mr. Darren. Is there anyone you have ever wanted to work with but hadn't had the opportunity to yet?
Mai-Ly

JD: I always wanted to work with Ava Gardner, Elizabeth Taylor... And to get more contempory, Michele Pfeiffer and any other outstanding actor with such incredible looks. :-)

Q: Howzitgaun Mr. Darren. Was any of the songs that you performed in any of the episodes of DS9 that you appeared, written especially for the episodes ?
Ozycomms

JD: No. All the songs that I sang on DS9 were standards. Most of them written many many years ago. But they're so timeless that for me they feel like they were written today.

Q: Did you ever know Frank Sinatra?
Ryan

JD: Absolutely. My wife and I are god parents to Mr. Sinatra's first grandchild, Angela Jennifer Lambert, who is Nancy Sinatra's daughter. She also has another daughter, Amanda, and I had the pleasure of spending lots of time with Mr. Sinatra and always felt that I was part of the family. Not only with Frank but with Nancy, Sr. , Nancy Jr., and Tina and Frank Jr.

Q: are you married?, and if you are how does your wife feel about you being on the show Deep Space 9?
CaptBria

JD: Yes I am married. And my wife is thrilled that I'm on ST:DS9. She knows that I really have a great time doing it and in this business, as difficult as it is, if you can find a vehicle that you really love being a part of, you're fortunate, and she feels that for me.

Q: Were you really singing on the set of DS9 or was it dubbed in later?
Tony

JD: Actually, all the music we did was pre-recorded, including my vocals. And the reason for that is that it's very difficult to get good quality, good sound quality,. live on a soundstage. Only because the equipment necessary you can only find in fine recording studios.

Q: Did you ever direct a Trek episode? Are you going to try and direct any Voyager episodes?
Rob

JD: I've never directed any Star Trek episode. And yes, I would love to direct a Voyager episode... or more.

Q: Was "Alamo", which you sing a bit of at the beginning of "Badda-Bing", specially written? If not, who originally sang it?
Daniel

JD: I have to apologize to the person who asked if any of the songs were written especially for DS9.(Any of the songs I sang.) The song "Alamo" was written for the episode by Jay Chattaway.

Q: Which of the songs Vic sang on the air do you especially like--either in terms of how well you like the performance, or how it worked with the character and the story?
Sherry

JD: I think my two most favorite songs are "I've Got You Under My Skin," which I sang to Odo and Kira. And the situation was so special with them finally getting together, that it made the song all that much more meaningful. And my second most favorite song was "The Way You Look Tonight." That had very special meaning because it was my goodbye song to the cast of characters of DS9 when we all, in the last episode, went our separate ways, which again, made the lyric of the song that much more meaningful.

Q: what do you think were the negative and positive results of being on DS9?
Jessica

JD: I can't think of any negative results, not one as a matter of fact. The positive results are that, first of all I had an incredibly good time. Secondly, I discovered that I liked singing again. Thirdly, it started a whole new career for me as an entertainer, which I had given up in 1982 in order to direct television shows. But I must say I'm thrilled to be singing again.

Q: Hi Mr. Darren, What do you feel has been your best work so far?
Jennifer

JD: I have a few things that I really like... or I should say, kind of like... that I've done. I'm never totally satisfied with anything totally that I've done. I always feel that I might be able to do it a little better. I believe if I was a painter -- an artist -- I would have a canvas that was at least 4 inches thick because I would be trying to improve whatever I had just put on the canvas. I did a film years ago called "Let No Man Write My Epitaph." An episode of The Time Tunnel which was entitled, "Pearl Harbor." And probably "His Way" an episode of DS9. As you can see, I don't have too many favorite things I've done. I must say, I am especially happy with my new CD. I think of all the things I've done, that probably epitomizes my best overall work.

Q: Did you have much influence on the creation of your character Vic Fontaine?
Joann

JD: When I read the script and I read how they'd written the character, I didn't really ask anyone's opinion, necessarily, about this character. But in reading it, I instantly felt that I knew the character, had met and known people very similar to the character, and I felt that a combination of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and myself was exactly what that character should be. And Ira Behr, who created the character, thought I was right on the money. Thank God.

Q: You've recorded Sophisticated Lady twice, to my knowledge. Once for your recent CD, and many years ago as well. Do you have a particular fondness for that song, and does it have any special meaning for you?
Shaz

JD: I always felt I would do it until I got it right. I do love the song. When I first recorded it I was about 20 years old and I thought it was a decent job, and I just had to try it again because it is a very difficult song to sing, and I feel that this time around, I did a much better job than I did originally.

Q: Will you do a CD with songs from your beach movie days???
Scott

JD: No. Never.

Q: Many years ago, I used to watch a James Darrren movie called "The Lively Set", and spent many hours listening to the Bobby Darin music it contained. Had you done many films before that one?
Mark

JD: I'd done plenty of films. Probably about 10 or more films before that. Bobby Darin and I were friends and I had suggested to the producer that Bobby do the music for the film. And of course, as you know, he did. It's also one of Jay Leno's favorite films. (He's a car nut).

Q: had you been singing professionally before your appearence's on ds9?
addi

JD: I began singing professionally in 1958, when I had done my first Gidget film. And in that film I sang two songs: "Gidget" and "There's No Such Thing." And then continued recording for the next 15 years.

Q: Was it startling for you to realize that how intensely devoted some Star Trek fans are to the show, and that now Vic and you are part of that mystique?
Sherry

JD: I was very impressed by how devoted the Star Trek fans are. I went to a convention in Oklahoma, the early part of this year, and I really was quite taken aback by how loyal the fans were. And very moved by their embracing Vic Fontaine. When I first played the character, his being so far removed from everything else on DS9, there was the fear that Vic Fontaine would not be accepted by the ST fans. But I'm happy to say that he is and he seems to be very popular. Lucky for me.

Q: What kind of pet would Vic Fontaine have?
Daniel

JD: A blonde. Preferably about 5'8". And, oh, so feminine.

Q: You worked with the great Ernie Kovacs on a film called "Operation Mad Ball" - what was he like in person?
Andreas

JD: He was a genius. On and off screen. He was also a very warm and lovable big guy. I had seen Ernie Kovacs many times [on a local TV show] when I was a kid living in Philadelphia. Ernie had a show there so I was a fan at a very young age.

Q: James, where are you from originally?
Vickie

JD: Philadelphia, PA. Born and raised. And I left when I was about 18 for California to start my show business career.

Q: Have you ever worked with any DS9 actor or director before doing the show?
Billy

JD: The only person I worked with before was Rick Kolbe who also directed quite a few TJ Hooker episodes... A series that I had done with Shatner and Adrian Zmed. And Heather Locklear.

Q: Do you prefer acting or singing?
Joann

JD: All of the above. I derive different pleasures from each.

Q: Is there anything that you would have liked to have seen Vic do that didn't have a chance to be done?
Cheile

JD: Become a father.

Q: I really enjoyed your new CD and wondered if you plan to release any more music along the same vein?
Bryan

JD: Hopefully this CD will be successful and in that case, I plan on doing as many as I can possibly do in this particular vein.

Q: Knowing that William Shatner (your co-star from TJ Hooker) left such a grand mark on Star Trek with his portrayal of Captain Kirk, what did you think when you found out that you would also leave your own mark in the Trek legacy?
Bryan

JD: I thought it was incredible that I would be part of this legacy. And that I would live on forever in the ST universe.

Q: Are you a fan of Star Trek, or was this just another job?
P S

JD: I am a fan of the original ST and I did watch DS9 before I became part of the show. I always found DS9 characters to be so well developed and so defined, each character had their own very special personality and I found that very appealing. It was definately not just another job.

Q: Do you do your own stunts?
Robert

JD: Only walking and sitting. They become stunts because I usually fall over. Actually, I do like doing my own stunts and I do try to do as much as the producers will let me get away with. Especially driving. Anything fast appeals to me.

Q: what was your favourite piece of music from the show?
gayle

JD: I think my favorite piece from the show was "The Way You Look Tonight." Because I believe it wrapped up the entire emotional thing that was happening at the end of the series.

Q: My favorite character on DS9 is Garak. I don't recall any scenes of Vic with Garak. Did you have the opportunity to meet Andrew Robinson?
merrie

JD: Unfortunately, I never had that pleasure.

Q: What was your favorite "Time Tunnel" episode?
RanGer

JD: Beside the Pearl Harbor episode, there was an episode on the assasination of President Lincoln, and I felt it was written very well and we had a wonderful guest cast, so that was most enjoyable.

Q: James, did you ever have a fondness for Star Trek as it grew in populartiy through syndication in the 70's? If so. what were some of your thoughts about working with Shatner when you landed the T.J. Hooker role? Thanks.
CAPTAIN-CLEVELAND

JD: I'd mentioned earlier that I was a fan of the original ST which Shatner and Nimoy and the rest of the terrific cast, so having the opportunity to work with Shatner on TJ Hooker was quite exciting for me. Because I had been a fan and it's always nice to be able to work with somebody you admire as an actor.

Q: Will there be a DS9 movie and if so when?
Drako

JD: I hope so and soon. Make that very soon. And if we're all fortunate enough to have that I hope Vic Fontaine is a big part of it.

Q: Do you get nervous when performing in front of large audiences? Do you or did you ever get stage fright?
TrekGeek

JD: I actually am more nervous performing before a small audience. Large audiences for some reason just do not seem to effect me in the respect of being nervous. There are so many... but when you sing before a group of 100 people or less, it's so intimate, and I believe they are more critical than the larger groups. And yes, I do get... not necessarily stage fright but I do get nervous before I enter a stage. And that's every time I enter a stage. I remember bening back stage with people like Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald and much to my surprise, they too had butterfies before they went on.

Q: Is it true that you approached the producers on Voyager to reprise your Vic Fontaine character on that show?
BORG

JD: No, that's not accurate. Not that I would not like to do it, but I've never approached anyone.

Q: Who determined the songs you sang on the show?
BORG

JD: Actually, I was given the option of not having to do any of the songs that were chosen had I decided that I didn't like the tune or that I couldn't sing it as well as I would like. But Ira Behr selected every tune that I sang on DS9. And I agreed with his choices. Therefore, he also (in doing that) selected all the tunes for my album.

Q: is it nice to have startrek.com promote your new cd?
michael

JD: It's wonderful! Wonderful. Wonderful.

If I knew how to work a computer, I'd be hacking in and promoting it everyday.

Q: Will you be doing any concert dates in the Seattle area in the next year?
cmdrancona

JD: I don't have anything planned for Seattle, but I am planning to do symphony dates across the country. And hopefully, that will include Seattle. These dates are usually booked a year or a year and a half in advance, so with any luck I'll be fortunate enough to appear in Seattle.

Q: Did it feel strange being the only cast member on STDS9 that didn't actually "exist" in the 24th century? What about "existing" only for the purpose of entertainment?
Adam_S

JD: I felt that my world had very little to do with the 24th century, if anything at all. My life was Las Vegas.... That's what I knew. That's what I cared about. And that's where I wanted to live as Vic Fontaine. But I did love when all the guys and gals would come to my world, even though they looked like a trapeze act.... No one seemed to notice.

Q: What's your favorite food?
commanderworf16

JD: Italian. Pasta. Pasta. Pasta. and fish.

Q: Hi! Did you ever watch yourself on Deep Space 9? Thanks!
HoloDarlin'

JD: It's very difficult for me to watch myself. In fact, it's even difficult for me to shave.

I'm so super-critical that if I watch my performance, I try desperately to be objective, but at times, I find things that I know I could do so much better that I actually get depressed, so to be fair to my mind and body... I don't watch myself.

Q: what is like to work on the star trek sets? does it seem realistic? what do you do in between scenes?
Eagle

JD: Working on DS9 was one of the greatest experiences. The crew, the cast, wardrobe, make-up... every single person involved in that show couldn't have been nicer or kinder. As a matter of fact, I would actually -- and you can check this out with any of the assistant directors -- I would get to the studio at least an hour or even two hours before my call, because I enjoyed spending my time there and being with everyone.

Q: Hi James. Is it mere coincidence that you played a character named Moondoggie in Gidget, served on the LAPD with TJ Hooker who was a dead 4 ringer Capt. James T. Kirk, and then yourre in outer space on DS9? I think not. You had it planned from the start.
TR1SPY

JD: I've always been a space freak. One of my greatest desires is to travel in space and I figure the best way to get there was to keep doing projects that had some reference to it.

Q: I live in Milwaukee Wisconsin. I have been looking for your new CD and have not been able to find it. Is there any Music store chain that you know that carries it. Ordering over the internet is not an option at this time.
Thank you, John

JD: John, I don't really know the stores that you have in Milwaukee, but any of the larger chains which I mentioned earlier...

(Tower Records, Borders, Coconuts, Camelot, Best Buy and probably others)

JD: if they do not have it in stock, you can order it through them and I'm sure they will eventually get it anyway, but you can definitely order it. And they should have it for you within, at most, a week.

Q: How would you compare recording this last album to your first album ever? What new digital tools made your life easier and was there great old analogue gear you went back to? :)
MonikaDax

JD: Actually, to be honest with you, I used the same mike... or at least the same model... that I used originally in my first recordings, and recorded in the same studio where I first recorded... I didn't really find it necessary to use anything differently than what I had done originally. I prefer recording analog as opposed to digital because it's a much warmer sound. So I try to keep it like it was when I first recorded. The studio is Capitol studios on Vine street in Hollywood. And it's Studio A.

Q: Are you going to play Vegas and can we catch you at Quarks Bar?
MonikaDax

JD: I do hope to play Vegas in the very near future. I don't believe it will be at Quark's bar, only because the venue is relatively small. Although I like that bar. I will be working Atlantic City at the Claridge Hotel in November.

Q: Hope someone can help me with this question. I need to know the name of the project or devise used to revegitate the dead planet in one of the ST movies ??? The planet was where Spock's coffin was sent. Thanks in anticipation.
James

JD: It was the Genesis Torpedo created by Dr. Marcus and the planet in the Ceti Alpha System was renamed The Genesis Planet. What do you think of that?

Q: Loved you in DS9, but why Melrose?
The Captain

JD: Actually, I was called one evening by Anson Williams who had directed me in an episdoe of DS9. He was then doing, or preparing to do, Melrose Place and said there was a part that was perfect for me. However, after reading it, I didn't agree with him. But the producers were quite convincing and asked if I would play the character of Tony Marlin, who I thought was a total jerk... But you know, a job is a job. And I must say that I loved working with that cast. I had directed them many times before, so it was nice seeing them again.

Q: Would you say hello to the "Lounge Lizards" from the Starfleet Lounge chat rooms?
Syl and Ben

JD: A real big special hello to all my Lounge Lizard friends. Who knows? If I hang out here long enough, I may find Mrs. Vic Fontaine.

Q: Are you aware that several marriages have occured among online "Lounge Lizards", and do you think that online chat rooms are the barrooms of the 90's?
Syl and Ben

JD: I don't know, do they serve drinks? Do they get better looking the longer you chat? And how dark are the rooms?

Q: How do you fell about child actors? How young is too young?
Izzie

JD: I never dated one. I think a decent age is at least 20.

Q: Aloha from the state where "ST:TNG" reruns have been replaced by The WB! Which prepared you more for your "Deep Space Nine" role, your work on "Time Tunnel" or your work with William Shatner on "T.J. Hooker?"
D.P.

JD: My evenings spent in Las Vegas. At the bar. With all my buddies. And the occasional showgirl. Or should I say, with all the showgirls and my occasional buddies.

Q: Vic must have been a fun character to play, was it fun on the set? Did they play any pranks and if so what?
kirky

JD: Don't you realize we were a group of serious actor? Ha ha ha.... We did have lots of fun. And lengthy discussions of whether to buy on the Nasdaq or the Dow.

Q: I am an aspiring musician and am going to college for the music industry. Do you have any tips on how to get involved? Also do you have any religious background or read the Bible? Some of your songs seem to suggest this. Thanks!
Justin

JD: I was raised Catholic. I'm not terribly religious. I do believe in God. Getting involved in music... the best way I can think of is to study at the best school you can find and participate and audition for any performances that you can. If possible, try getting an agent or a booking person who can help you in the areas of obtaining employment in cities like NY or Los Angeles, especially. And Nashville, of course.

Q: Do you prefer being behind the camera as a director or before the camera as an actor?
Diana

JD: I really enjoy directing because I'm part of the entire picture, so to speak. Or at least in creating that entire picture. The pleasures I derive from acting and singing is that they are a natural extension and therefore come a lot easier to me than directing. Directing requires a tremendous amount of preparation and hard work. But I do love doing it all.

Q: You directed episodes of one of my favorite shows - "Stingray." Do you have any particular memories of that show?
Spike

JD: I thought it was a great show. Nick Mancuso who was the lead is a wonderful actor and the writers on the show were extremely talented and therefore made my job as a director a lot more enjoyable from a creative standpoint.

Q: How did you get started directing television episodes?
Jennifer

JD: I started directing when I was doing TJ Hooker. There was an episode which a director was not assigned to and I asked the supervising producer, my friend Rick Husky, if I could direct it and he said yes. And then my stomach dropped. I realized that I had really taken on something that was a lot bigger than I had thought. But in the end I was very happy that I had asked to do the episode.

Q: Do you think that Dean Martin would have liked Aldebaran Whiskey ?
Ozycomms

JD: Dean would drink whatever you put in front of him. I don't know that to be a fact, but I do know that he had a bartender make a drink for he and myself, and I could only manage about three or four mouthfuls and Dean downed three of them. Glasses, that is. And was still able to walk. I think his drink was vodka... I'm not terribly sure. But I remember that particular drink he had fixed for me was a vodka drink. Romulan Ale would have been a good substitute. If he'd only had Quark as a bartender.

Q: I'm glad you are getting into the world of computers. Do you have, or will you have your own "OFFICIAL James Darren Website"?
Dawn

JD: I do. I have two, actually. JDarren.com and JamesDarrennewCD.com

Q: any chance for a time tunnel reunion
ed

JD: Don't I wish? I've been talking to so many people who control the rights of Time Tunnel about having a film made and with today's technology, I think it would be really incredible. But so far it's only in the talking stages.

Q: Mr. Darren, Enjoyed your time on DS9 and can't wait to buy your new CD! When will you be performing in Atlantic City again?--we missed your first visit in April....
DAVE

JD: November of this year.

Q: How many CD's do you have and where are they sold?
Korvax

JD: There are approximately 8 or 9 CDs of my older material. And of course, my new CD of the songs I did on DS9. And hopefully many more to come.

Q: If you weren't in showbiz, what profession would you be in?
Mai-Ly

JD: If I wasn't in show business I would love to be in the automobile racing business because I love cars and I love driving fast in a safe and controlled environment like a race track. I know it requires incredible skill because I did try once in London at Brand's Hatch and I was all over the place. So I wasn't quite as good as I thought. But I sure as heck would like to develop that skill. It would be loads of fun.

Q: Are you planning on doing any conventions, and maybe singing some of your DS9 songs at them? I admit to enjoying the songs very much, and one even brought a tear to my eye.
Chris

JD: Mom, is that you?

Only kidding.

"The Way You Look Tonight" brought a tear to my eye also. As for conventions, I will be in Baltimore October 8/9 I believe? And Cleveland October 29/30 and 31 I believe.

Q: Will your CD be available in the UK? If so, when?
James

JD: It should be available very soon in the UK. I know that Star Trek is presently being aired there, and I've asked the record company to please make it available to everyone in the United Kingdom.

Q: James. I have bought your new CD and love it! I was wondering however, why you didn't record "I'll Be Seeing You" like you sang it in DS9. It was much more "upbeat" in the CD. I actually prefered the DS9 version as it seemed more romantic. Any reason?
Charlie

JD: The reason I didn't do it as a ballad -- even though I agree with you and prefer it as a ballad -- was that we needed to balance out the CD and have X-amount of up tempo tunes and X-amount of ballads and the producer of the CD wanted "I'll Be Seeing You..." to be up-tempo in order to keep the balance equal.

Q: How has the popularity of Vic Fontaine impacted the life and popularity of James Darren?
Julian

JD: Unbelievably. I walk down Fifth Avenue in New York and people yell out, "Hey Vic!" -- and I turn around.

He's made my return to singing much more exciting and enjoyable and interesting than it ever was before. And, I might add, the same goes for performing live. For the first time ever in my singing career, I've received critical acclaim as a singer. They never really took me that seriously as a singer, but today, I'm fortunately receiving notices concerning my singing that are really thrilling to me. Gratifying. So therefore, it's had a great impact on my career and my personal life as well.

Q: Hello James. How would you compare working on the two different scifi shows-Deep Space Nine and Time Tunnel separated by 30 years? How were your experiences similar and how were they different? Thanks.
TR1SPY

JD: When I worked on the Time Tunnel, I was a scientist searching for the truth in many of the situations that I was thrown into. And working in DS9, I was this cool guy who just spewed out all this wisdom of how to deal with problems of love and relationships. And, man, do I wish I could give some of that advice to me!

Playing Vic Fontaine was just a total blast. And when you play a character that you truly love, it makes it pure fun.

Q: Mr. Darren, I was at your first convention appearance in Tulsa back in June. We asked you then what you thought of appearing at conventions and you were pretty excited (almost as excited as the fans!). I'm wondering if the appeal has died down.
Melissa

JD: No, I'm looking forward to any of the conventions that I can participate in. I thoroughly enjoyed Tulsa and I know that I'll enjoy Baltimore, Cleveland and whatever other conventions I have the pleasure of doing.

Q: How could I get an autographed photo of my favorite actor, Mr. James Darren?I have only seen the Gidget Trilogy million of times since I was 4 years old (now 38) and still find Mr. Darren to be the sexiest man alive, I really enjoy his CD!
kimterry

JD: Kim, you're so kind. You can write me at Paramount Studios, 5555 Melrose, Los Angeles, CA 90038 and I'll be happy to send you an autographed picture. Send a stamped, self-addressed envelope with your photo.

Q: Hi James...we're all friends here...so tell us...if you could have a Dax, which one would it be? Ezri or Jadzia?
Paul

JD: Would it be greedy of me to say both? Because I find them both extremely appealing. And the nice thing is you have a variety. One's tall and one's shorter. And they both have lots of personality. So if you can arrange it... hook me up with both of them.

Q: What street in Philadelphia did you grow up on?
Lynn

JD: I was born and raised on 10th street between Ritner and Porter streets in South Philadelphia.

Q: Your characterization of Vic opened up a whole new world [era] for me. Thank you. Are there going to be any live date supporting your new album? If so, what is the best way to find out when and where you will be performing?
Jeanne

JD: Check the websites I mentioned before and all my dates will be posted on those websites.

www.jdarren.com

Q: what did you like the most about vic fontaine and what do you think of alexander siddig
laura

JD: I love Sid. On and off screen. He's a great guy and we've become good friends. The saddest thing was when I took a shot at him in the alternate universe show when Vic was a bad guy. And after all, who would ever want to shoot his creator?

"The Emperor's New Cloak" was the episode.

Q: Your performance on DS9 as Vic was great, and I was sold from the start, so my question is: would you like to return to the Star Trek Universe in the future to add your distinctiveness to another show? By the way, the record is great...Pallie.
Toby

JD: I would love to return to the universe. I was wishing that DS9 would stay on the air for another 7 years so I could have a ball just drinkin' and bein' Vic Fontaine.

Q: When will the new season of Star Trek Voyager start?
timothy

JD: It starts Wednesday the 22nd.

Q: What is it that you think makes Vic so likeable?
cooter

JD: I hope it was what I brought to the character. I don't want to say it was me... but I was a big part of the character. I think it was the charm of Sinatra and Dean Martin that I brought to Vic that made him so appealing. And of course, he was a good listener.

Q: When were you first approached about a gig on DS9? And what was your first reaction?
Doug

JD: I was first approached by the producers of the show and I had no interest in acting or singing. I was very content as a director. So I actually turned down the offer about three times. Until my agent suggested that I at least give the producers the courtesy of reading the script. And once I read it, I realized I had to play the part of Vic Fontaine. The character was written so beautifully that after reading it, I knew I had to at least give it a shot.

Q: Hi! I am 16 years old and I love your music. I guess it's because I've lived my whole life in Vegas. I was wondering when your CD will be available here and where I can purchase it at. Thanx!
Peter

JD: I'm sure there's a Tower Records store in Las Vegas, and my CD should absolutely be available there. If they don't have it in stock, they'll be happy to order it.

Q: I wanted to let you know that my family enjoyed your performance on DS9 very much. I am now looking for any albums that you may have out..we enjoy your music alot. What are the names of any albums you have out?
A. Davis

JD: "Teenage Tears" is one, "Goodbye Cruel World" is another, "Love Among the Young", and there was an album I did with Paul Peterson and Shelly Fabares called "Teenage Triangle" and "The Best Of James Darren."

Q: Did you ever meet Bob Picardo or Chris Barrie? (Fellow holograms)
Yavris4

JD: I met Bob. He was quite charming.

Q: Say hey, Daddy-O! What's your best Shatner story?
E2JORL

JD: Nothing I could say on the web.

Q: Have you heard of the SHAMROCK hotel in Houston?
Shayne

JD: Have you heard of the one in Philadelphia? No I haven't.

Q: You brought new life to old classics. Thanks. I was wondering though. That song you sang with Avery Brooks. Why isn't he on the cd as well. Was it a money issue? Politics? Just curious.
miguel

JD: We would have had to have gotten a release from Paramount and it would have required a lot of negotiations and legal BS.

Q: What was it like leaving DS9?
ZeroCool

JD: It was very very sad.

Q: Do you ever do live theater?
Elaine

JD: Yes, I've done lots of summer stock.

Q: James, do you see Star Trek DS9 becoming more popular since it left the air, or do you see it sorta disappearing?
Brian

JD: I don't think it will ever disappear. I think the popularity is still there and I believe it will just grow in popularity through the years.

Q: How many years was the Time Tunnel on the air? And did you enjoy your time on the the show?
Michael

JD: The Time Tunnel was on actually one season but we did 37 shows in that one season. And I loved doing it.

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

JD: Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with me on line. I had a great time and I look forward to doing it again soon.

We'll all run out and buy your new CD - "This One's From the Heart" featuring the songs of Vic Fontaine!

JD: And enjoy life, pallie.