Terry Farrell plays Jadzia Dax on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.
Q: What is your philosophy of life? I know that Star Trek can tend to be a very socially oriented show (a definite plus).
Webster
Terry Farrell: I'm only 33 so I reserve the right to change my mind. :)
I believe that each experience that we have in life is a lesson. No matter what the experience is, if we shell up and we don't anticipate the results, then we will learn the lesson life is trying to teach us. So in fact, every experience is good opportunity to learn something new about ourselves.
Q: Here's a question: Terry, what did you do before Star Trek? I ask because I'm sure there is quite a difference in your life since then. Or is there? What is the difference?
David Evans
TF: I grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. I moved to New York when I was 17. I was a model in New York for 3 years, and I got my first TV series, called "Paper Dolls," in 1984. I met Jonathan Frakes for the first time on the set while I was walking by.
Q: Did you ever audition for a "Star Trek" part before Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.
Dybsca
TF: No I only read for Dax. Nana (Kira Nerys) was already cast by the time I read for Dax.
Q: How has being a Trekkie icon changed your life?
WARGIRL
TF: Wow! Thanks for the compliment. The opportunity to work with a group of people that I think are extraordinarily talented has been one of the most enlightening experiences of my life.
Q: Terry, I am wondering do you think that Dax can keep a relationship with Worf, what is your favorite actor to work with, and do you know of future Dax shows on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.
CASEYWIZZBANG
TF: I don't know if Worf can handle Dax on a long term basis. Although I adore working with Michael Dorn. It's up to the writers what happens to the relationship. It's a surprise every time I get a script. I apologize for not having the inside information.
Everyone is my favorite when working with them.
Q: What do you feel has been the most significant change in your character, Jadzia Dax?
lenzs
TF: I think she changed most when the writers decided that they wanted me to be more physical in the middle of the second season, and I was very happy about the change.
Q: Tell us a little bit about your family. Any cute little Trills around?
WARGIRL
TF: Yes, and they're only my nieces.
I'm not married, not involved with anybody. My sister Chris is my best friend.
I see my nieces like my daughters.
Q: Have you had any martial arts training in preparation for the fighting scenes?
Dybsca
TF: No, none. I constantly wing it and fortunately nobody gets hurt.
Q: What would you like to see more of in the upcoming episodes of DS9?
lenzs
TF: I'd actually like to go to a planet or be off on a mission and have my own personal conflict. I very rarely am the source of a conflict, rather part of the solution to a conflict that has nothing to do with me personally.
Q: Did you enjoy doing the Tribbles Episode? It appeared that you did.
TF: Yes, I did. I thought it was amazing and it was very exciting to come work everyday.
:)
That episode was the single most fun we had, as a group, filming an episode, and I loved being the instigator and having Sisko constantly reminding me that I was on the mission. (LOL) I loved the Bee-hive hairdo, and the go-go boots, I'm not sure about the mini skirt. I liked flirting with Kirk. I hope it becomes one of the fans' favorite episodes.
Q: we recently were married right here in the Starfleet Lounge and would like to know since a lot of Star Trek actors have crossed over to other series or big screen movies (such as the recent inclusion of The Doctor and Neelix in First Contact), is there any possibility that your character will ever do the same?
Ben and Sylvia
TF: I asked Rick Bermen to put me in the film to fly the Defiant but the writers had a problem with what to do with me after the Defiant was disabled. But I would love to be a part of the film. I think it is hard for us to cross to Voyager simply because they are lost.
Q: I've always been impressed with the Dax character because of her understanding of different cultures (after all she has lived many different lives). What are some of your feelings on that great understanding she has?
Webster
TF: When I first started playing Dax I read some books on Taoism, and for me the understanding is really more of an acceptance of each creature's law of nature, if you will.
To strive, to always be non judgmental of any human being and to try as hard as you can to realize that you can't always understand because people may not understand where you're coming from.
Q: How do you pass the time when you're sitting in the make up chair for so long? Does it tickle when Michael Westmore airsprays those spots on your neck?
Dybsca
TF: No, there not airbrushed. They are hand painted. The time goes quickly because Michael and I are very good friends. We chat, swap recipes and gossip.
Q: Do you surf the net at all? Have you seen the web site called the Terry Farrell Internet Fan Club? There are a lot of other sites devoted you and Dax; must be good for one's ego?
Dybsca
TF: I'm very embarrassed to say, that although Dax is a science officer, computer genius, among other things, Terry Farrell is not.
Q: Would you like to do an episode with Q in the future, as you and he seem to be the most favorite characters on Star Trek right now?
David
TF: Thank you very much for the compliment!
I would love to work with John de Lancie. I think he is an amazingly talented actor, and I would love to work with him.
Q: Did Dax and McCoy ever have a relationship?
MickeySun
TF: I don't kiss and tell.
Q: Did you enjoy the movie First Contact?
Ryan
TF: Loved it! Loved it! Loved it!
Q: Terry, what is your daily schedule on a day of filming Star Trek: DS9?
Hawkeyes4
TF: If I'm heavy in an episode, (if the episode is about Dax) it's generally a 14 to 16 hour day. Fortunately, as you know, there are several episodes that I am considerably lighter in, so that I can catch up on my sleep.
Regularly I work from Monday, I get up by 4 AM, to Friday 'til 2 AM.
Q: I really want you to know that you are my favorite character on DS9,[because she is exactly like me],and how did you ever get through having a crush on some boy who doesn't even known you're alive?
Brie
TF: I don't believe unrequited love is healthy. So introduce yourself to him! Ask him out to the movies. Or look to have a crush on somebody that you know little bit better. And good luck!
Q: How did you get started as an actor?
workoutqueen
TF: I started modeling and acting classes at the same time. I studied in both NY and LA.
Q: Do you think Dax should be treated less as of a sex object and instead the brilliant intellect he/she truly is?
MickeySun
TF: I don't see Dax as being perceived as a sex object.
Although I hate learning the techno babble monologue, I do miss having my science office, and dealing with the more technical aspects of being a science officer.
Q: A lot of Star Trek fans imagine what it would be like to be an actor on a Star Trek show. What surprised you most about being a part of DS9? How was it different than you imagined?
RatcliffJeffM
TF: I think the style of Star Trek and the technical language, combined with our schedules is much more difficult than I imagined. It's been a great reward to get better at it over the years because it was so difficult to begin with.
Q: did you care about kissing another girl on the show?
Trent
TF: I believe that story was important one to tell. The kiss was the consequence of the love story. I think it helps bring reality and depth to that relationship. I didn't find it easy but necessary.
Q: did you enjoy doing the Hellraiser sequel?
enterprise10
TF: Yeah!
Q: do you have any desire to direct?
enterprise10
TF: Not right now, I'd like to acquire a little more wisdom before I embark on such a large adventure.
Q: Have you ever encountered problems with getting roles because of your height?
CraigD
TF: Yes, very often.
Q: What are some of your future plans or hopes for a family in the future?
Webster
TF: I would love to have a family, but first fall in love with the right guy.
Q: What is your personal favorite episode of Star Trek, (from any of the series)?
Scott
TF: Trials and Tribble-ations.
Q: Did you have to watch the old episode before you did this? Did you want to or did you not?
TF: It was on TV Saturday afternoon before we started the filming it. It was my favorite episode from my childhood as I remember. In fact, my grandmother made me a tribble.
Q: Where do you hope to be 10 years from now?
EHavre
TF: I hope 10 years from now I'm still doing what I love to do...smarter and even more centered than now. Hope to spend more time with my family.
Q: What was it like at the 30th anniversary special being together with almost every actor from all the series?
Andrew
TF: It was very exciting! One of the very few moments that made me feel like I was a part of something so big and so exciting.
Q: Any good practical jokes pulled at the set of DS9?
MickeySun
Like putting super-glue on Worf's makeup?
TF: Sometimes the suspension of disbelief is so hard that, we can't help look at each other during scenes because we make each other laugh so hard! We literally cry!
Q: Would you ever like to perform on Broadway?
PatFordyce
TF: Sure you got one?!!!
Q: If you were trapped on an desert island and you could only bring three things with you, what would they be?
EHavre
TF: Lifetime supply of water.
A man, though I can't tell you who might that be.
Matches.
Q: Is this what you wanted to do when you were a little girl, be an actress or did you have other aspirations?
PatFordyce
TF: To be a rock singer!
I can't sing so I became an actress. I use to do a really good Stevie Nicks! :)
Q: Hey, you've made it big time. You have action figures and a doll out, which by the way, don't do you justice. Do you own any? I read somewhere that you weren't being paid for products with your likeness as specified in your contract. Has that been resolved?
Dybsca
TF: We're trying to resolve that as we speak. I have 3 dolls and have seen them.
I don't like how the spots don't go into my hair, and that's not my nose.
I love 'em though, so I can always play with myself.
Q: Would you rather be acting on stage, TV or in film?
Chronon
TF: I have never had the opportunity for stage, although I would love to try it.
TV and Film, the project is more important than the medium, I love them both.
Q: Do you date men shorter than you?
Scott
TF: Yes!
Q: Do you ever want to go back to Modeling?
CraigD
TF: If it was that right job and money.
Because it was kinda fun. Rather be a Cover Girl again. It was a lot of fun.
Q: Do you read all fan mail people send you? Do you send autographs to people if they write to you?
EHavre
TF: I hired a fan mail company. Please, don't be offended. But it's too much mail for me to answer on my own. If you send a letter, you get a 5X7 picture. SASE-I will sign it and return it to you.
Q: Have you received any marriage proposals from people you don't know??? If not, will you marry me???
MickeySun
TF: Yes and no thank you, I don't think we know each other well enough.
Q: Who have you learned the most from (within the Star Trek family)?
Captnerys
TF: LeVar Burton has taught me a lot! Not only about acting but spirituality. Avery Brooks, as a friend, has helped me to grow a lot as a person.
Q: All I want to know is, do you have a favorite tea?
SOLOMONSMITH
TF: Celestial Seasoning: Bengal Spice
With honey and milk.
Q: What was the most times you had to redo a scene?
Miki
TF: The episode with the female Ferengi "Pel" who was disguised as a male. A scene I had with her took 32 to 35 takes and she was very ill.
Q: Who is your favorite actor/actress?
EHavre
TF: Vanessa Redgrave
Q: Would you ever date a Nuclear Engineer?
CM
TF: Do you destroy things?
Q: Do you value your private life more now that you have fame?
Silverfish
TF: I've always valued my private life. When I did Paper Dolls I lost my anonymity so I tend to become very reclusive.
Q: Will you be in very many conventions in 1997? Will you be coming to Washington state soon?
David
TF: I don't have one scheduled in Washington, however I did visit Seattle and I think you have a wonderful state.
Q: If there was one word to describe you, what would it be?
EHavre
TF: I'm speechless...Avery always asks, "How many people are in there" referring to how many personalities are in me. So if he can't think of one, I don't know how I can.
Q: Do you regret your affiliation with Star Trek at all because of possible typecasting?
Silverfish
TF: I think actors are worried about typecasting.
They would never be able to work if they were so worried. If I'm typecast as a strong, intelligent, dynamic and wild person that is as unpredictable as Dax, I'm fine with that.
Q: Who was your role model when growing up?
Hawkeyes4
TF: My mother and grandmother.
Q: was wondering about your views on the future of Deep Space Nine; how much longer the series is going to last or if you and the crew are going to appear in any upcoming films?
Jared
TF: Only six seasons in our contract. Only time will tell.
I don't know about any films.
Q: Will you be involved in anything other projects besides Star Trek?
MickeySun
TF: I did a CD ROM game called Treasure Quest.
It has a million dollar prize that hasn't been solved yet.
And this summer, I did a USA movie called "Reasons of the Heart".
I will be looking for a project this hiatus as well.
Q: Are you close friends with Nana Visitor and is the birth of baby O'Brien going to be a major plot point in an upcoming episode?
smackin_north
TF: The birth is featured in an episode.
Yes I consider Nana Visitor a close friend of mine. We've been through a lot together.
Q: do you think Dax will ever have a love interest?
Patti
TF: If you don't know about Worf, I think he might be upset to find that you think I need a love interest.
We'd like to thank Terry Farrell for joining us here tonight.
TF: Happy Hanukkah!
Merry Christmas!
Happy New Year!
I appreciate your support and I wish you all happiness, good health and fulfillment in whatever you pursue.
Onward and Upward.
-- Terry Farrell.