Cirroc has played "Jake Sisko" on "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" since the show began, and is now in his seventh season as that character.

Question: What are your plans after the end of DS9?
Carlos

Cirroc Lofton: At the end of DS9, I plan to, like most actors, look for another job. I prefer to work in comedy... a comedy series or sitcom. I'd also like to expand on my music. I've been writing rap music for about 7 years and I've written for various people... and I'd like to end up writing for myself and come up with an album. I can't sing, though, at all. I write lyrics. Music lyrics must like Tupac Shakur or Notorious BIG.

Q: Were you a fan of Star Trek before you started playing Jake Sisko?
tirano

CL: I was a fan of the original Star Trek series. I watched it late night on channel 13 during my summer break at school. I thought it was probably the next best/eerie show next to Twilight Zone, which is my favorite show of all time.

Q: I haven't seen a totally Jake episode in a long time, and (I mean no offense) it seems like your character is just following the lead of the others. Are there any big Jake stories left?
Littledemon

CL: I have no idea. It's not up to me, it's up to Ira Behr the most powerful and Rick Berman, the omnipotent.

Q: Did you ever go to a public school? And if so, do you miss it?
Alisha

CL: I went to public school all my life. Started out at Bancroft Jr. High School, and from there I went to Fairfax High, and now I'm at UCLA. I'm glad I did go to public school as well as work at the same time because it helped me become a more well-rounded person. I haven't been sheltered in the Hollywood life-style.

I did have some schooling on the set. I had a tutor, when I did work, and that made it a lot easier because I was able to focus one on one with a teacher who knew pretty much about every subject.

Q: How did you get into acting for Star Trek: DS9? And what was it like the first day on the set?
Laurence

CL: got into acting when I was about 10 years old. I was discovered by a photographer at a local park. I started out doing commercials. My first interview was for a Army commercial, which I got. So that launched this career that I have. From then I went on to audition for ST:DS9 and it started out being 200 kids at least that I saw. From the first audition I made it to the 2nd cut, which was about 50 kids. From the 2nd cut was the 3rd audition which brought it down to 7-10. Then eventually it got down to 3 kids that they had and the 2 other kids kinda looked the same. I was taller and just different looking. I thought I wouldn't get it because I looked different. I figured I wouldn't get the job. But I eventually got the call which was on my 14th birthday, August 7th, they called me up and said, you got the job. Actually, how was it like on the first day, it was like... I didn't know anything. I didn't think the spin-off would be as big as the original. We didn't think it would last through the first season. We were surprised and shocked that it's lasted this long.

Q: Hi Cirroc, I think that Jake Sisko is one of the cooliest characters on DS9. Do you think you'll make future appearances on other ST shows after DS9 ends?
Chris

CL: I don't know that they'll have any other shows other than the one they have now, which is Voyager, and that Voyager would be compatible. As far as going into movies, that's up to Rick Berman and whether he decides to make a DS9 movie. There's a million rumors floating around. I've heard them. I've started a couple... that they might have another spin-off with ST cadets. And that I'd be a part of it. Of course, no one of any influence has said it, so it doesn't hold much merit.

Q: I know Jake Sisko is 18 but I was wondering how old you are.
Captain Lareenz

CL: I'm 20 years old. My fake ID says otherwise.

Q: At any time was there doubt that your character was going to be brought over into a following season (did you ever worry about your character getting killed off)?
CaneAdiss

CL: There was, at the beginning of this last season, probably the closest I've come to realizing that I might not come back. That's when I had the opportunity to work on another show... It ended up not going through and I committed the last season of Star Trek.

Q: I have been a fan of yours ever since I saw you on the first Deep Space Nine. When ever i see your face I see a Baseball Player, do you like baseball out of your acting career ?
James

CL: So you're the fan.... Yes, I do enjoy playing baseball. I love hitting, although I'm not very good, but I love it. I play shortstop. But basketball is my first love.

Q: How do you feel about me retiring from basketball?
Michael Jordan

CL: Look, Mike, I feel as though you made the right decision, much like Seinfeld did, and that's going out on top and with a bang. Our last memories of you will be good ones. From your biggest fan.

Q: What do you think about the shortened NBA season? Are you still going to be a fan?
David

CL: Yes, I'll still be a fan. Even though some of the players may not be the most friendly. I believe there's a big future for basketball because people like Michael Jordan and Doctor J have really paved the way for an incredibly new level of play. More highlights to come... but no more Jordans.

Q: Did the cast get together for Christmas?
scott

CL: The cast didn't get together socially for Christmas. We sent each other cards. But for the most part, I don't see anyone outside of Paramount besides Avery Brooks.

Q: what do you think will happen to Jake and crew in the final episode?
Trekdel50

CL: I think Capt. Sisko will temporarily retire and Jake will move with him back to Earth. And Michael Dorn will spin off into another series.

Q: Being an important actor in Star Trek, does Paramount ever give you star trek gifts or merchandise?
A6AOF4

CL: Too rarely. Unlike the other cast members, I actually like the gifts that we get. But we don't get enough jackets, hats, posters or action figures. Namely mine. And a million dollars goes to the person that can find my cardboard standee.

Q: Cirroc, appreciate you taking a time for these questions. Curious to know if you will be donning a directors hat soon? Seems the actors of the Star Trek universe (FRAKES, BURTON, SHATNER, McFADDEN, NIMOY, BROOKS, etc.) sit in the director's chair.
schooler40

CL: Yes I'd like to eventually get into directing. I think trying to direct now would be a little premature. I know I have enough people behind me that would be supportive if I really truly wanted to direct an episode. But I want to be taken seriously and also have the right experience and knowledge so that I can be credible. If I direct I want to know what I'm doing. Of course, I could be a producer, because I don't think you need any credentials for that.

Q: Having such an extended career in television at such a young age , how has this affected your own educational and career goals. Were it not for Star Trek would be goals have been all that different?
Dee

CL: My goals would be very different. I wanted to be a pediatrician for the longest time and now I've completely changed my future prospects and have decided to venture into cinematography, directing and further extend my acting career.

Q: Hi, Cirroc (Jake); Has becoming a member of the Star Trek family increased your interest in the advancement of space travel or researching the possibilities of it? Or does it remain purely fiction (ie: just a job.)?
C.J.

CL: I haven't really gained any more interest in the space program.

Q: What really happens when you go into those holosuites in Quark's?
Tacky Trekkie

CL: We're in a room that's not even decorated anything like what you see on TV. It's all special effects. Of course, there is an X-rated program that I have not visited yet. I'm old enough... but not ready.

Q: Have you been asked for any movie roles lately?
Chad

CL: Yes, because I have such a really difficult work schedule, it's hard to predict when I'd be open to film.

Q: Do You Know Any Other Movie Stars?
Brendan

CL: No, I pretty much hang out with all the TV stars. We're in the TV Star Club. The Movie Star Club comes later in your life. I know Shaq and Kobe Bryant.

Q: Do you feel that there is any significance in your being the youngest Trek regular ever?
Kyew

CL: I just try to be real as to how a kid would really behave in a situation. Which is why I'm not a problem solver, I'm more of a problem maker. I'm just going through life like a kid would, except I'm in outer space. Of course I found out that being the youngest means being the least paid, too. So I'm hoping that on my next job I'm the oldest... Nickelodeon or something.

Q: Hi Cirroc, you are getting to be quite the hunk!!!.
lilac

CL: Thank you! Hope you visit the set sometime soon. (If you're a woman.)

Q: When Mr. Dorn joined the cast of DS9, where you personally ever intimidated by him?
Rdakin

CL: Never. First of all, we hardly worked together and I was happy to see him on the show. If it would do anything for the ratings, it would only make us all more successful.

Q: What do you admire most about Avery Brooks?
Gealef

CL: There's no one thing. He's just like my father in real life. He's my role model. My mentor. An all-around guy I look up to.

Q: Do you feel that the experiance you have had working on DS9 has helped you in the knowledge of the growing technology that humans discover every day?
Kyle

CL: I believe because we're on the cutting edge of technology in everything we do, even as far as creating the idea of a replimat or a transporter puts me at the forefront of technology. A lot of the things that ST has created has ended up being more and more a reality. If the cell phones get any small, we won't be able to talk and listen at the same time.

Q: Mr. Lofton, what is it like working with your new co-star, Nicole deBoer?
Charles

CL: Nicole is a sweet girl from Canada. She's Canadian so she's got that niceness about her. She hasn't been corrupted by LA yet. But I'm hoping to eventually get her into that.

Q: It appears that every actor listed in the opening credits on both series will always have at least one line to say per episode except Jake who we may not see for months at a time. Is there a reason for this? Did you tick someone off?
larryt

CL: I really don't think that Jake's role is big enough to be in every episode as of yet. Simply because he's not in Starfleet yet so he can't really be in the 'war' episodes. Except as a reporter which would get boring and repetitive after two or three episodes. I'm kind of glad that Jake's not in every episode because it means I can have a life outside of the set and because I leave the audience wanting more.

Q: how much time takes place between the taping of an episode and its airing?
some guy by the lake

CL: About two months after it's filmed. It goes through a process of adding special effects and all the post production work which includes voice over and editing.

Q: What are some of your interests besides acting? Are you interested in going in to outer space?
Taylor

CL: My interests are basketball and video games. I'm a fan of Playstation games such as Blitz '99 and NBA Live '99 and ALL the Streetfighter games.

Q: Is it possible to view the filming of an episode of DS9?
Solicitor

CL: No, DS9 has been a closed set as long as I can remember.

Q: Are you going to be shaving your head and going cue-ball as Avery Brooks has done?
Suck-cut

CL: Actually, I wanted to have my head shaved one step above bald so that it would be really close, but, Avery beat me to it and Rick doesn't want to have two bald guys on one show.

Q: Do enough people know who you are that you can't go out in public anymore without being recognized?
Chad

CL: No. Only if I'm at a Star Trek convention.

Q: So you believe that it's Jake's responsiblity to give Nog a swift kick in the butt now and again? Or does it work the other way around?
The Kicka

CL: I think it works the other way around. I think Nog's become the father figure. The reformed brat. And now he's really trying to set Jake straight.

Q: Seven of Nine or Ezri Dax? Which do you prefer?
Doc Spock

CL: Seven of Nine is what I want.

Q: How does it feel to be a part of such an ongoing tradition that has spawned over the past 30 years?
Ken

CL: It feels great that I'm part of a handful of regular castmembers on such a popular show. I'm grateful and looking forward to a prosperous future.