Armin Shimerman has played "Quark" on "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" since the show began, and is now in his seventh season as that character. Armin has written "The 34th Rule" - a Star Trek novel from Pocket Books.
Armin Shimerman: I'd like to say that David is not here with us today. He had to go up to San Jose. In his place we have Eric Stillwell, who was one of the co-creators of the book and part of the original pitch.
Question: Hi! I was wondering how difficult it is to act so sexist?
Ed
AS: Not difficult at all.
Q: I haven't read the book. It sounds interesting. Will you tell us more about it?
Karen
AS: No, I want you to buy it. It's basically a chess game.
Q: Do you have a favorite magazine or periodical?
QuarksLady
AS: No, Jennifer, I don't. But thank you.
Q: Are you all in the same room? Armin, are you at home, or at Paramount?
G.S.
AS: I'm at Paramount and they're picking my pockets.
Q: Mr Shimerman you remember the show on DS9 where you or shold i say your chacter played baseball along with the rest of the DS9 crew and a few gest stars, what i wAS: wondering is do you and the rest of the star trek actors play baseball in real life?
tony
AS: Correction, I did not play baseball... I sat on the bench ...
Ironically, the actors who were focused on and playing ball played ball a lot less well than the actors who were sitting on the bench... except for Avery Brooks, who plays very well. But Max and I are quite good and Sid and Nana are quite bad. But then, Sid's English. And Nana's... a dancer.
Q: Hi, who designs your cool duds and do you get to take them home with you?
trekin3
AS: Robert Blackman has won several awards for my clothes. And we tussle over them every night. If they'll only invite me to an Emmy awards ceremony, I swear I'll wear them.
Q: If you could have any ability that you don't have now (even a magical or fictional ability), what would it be?
QuarksLady
AS: I would like to be empathic. Why? So I'd be more sensitive to other people. Now I know that's going to get a big laugh. But it's true.
Q: When will you be teaching your Shakespeare class again? I can't wait to sign up and learn from the master!
Michelle
AS: Michelle, you have 18 hours to get in the class. I'm teaching it tomorrow at noon. Maybe next time. I often teach at the Theatricum Botanicum but I've also taught at UCLA, the High School for the Performing Arts... and at the Guthrie Theatre in Minnesota. I teach Elizabethan Rhetoric. It is the Rosetta Stone to understanding the Bard.
Q: Mr Shimerman do you think that there will be more DS9 shows where Quark will be in action, what i mean is Quark is firing a phaser at a creature and going on more away missions with the away team?
tony
AS: Having a fairly good idea of what the rest of the season is going to be like... I would bet the bar that that's not going to happen. But, I do do it IN THE BOOK.
Q: Would you like to be another alien on Star Trek or perhaps a Starfleet officer?
Kenneth
AS: Oh God, no!!!!!!!!!!
Q: When you and Rene get together, what do you like to do most?
QuarksLady
AS: Bitch. We bitch. No. We go hiking together. We go to the theatre together. We discuss politics. And we eat. Rene is a phenomenal chef.
Q: Will there be any more Quark/Ezri scenes? Despite the emotionalism of After Image that one scene was great! :)
Q/E fan
AS: Thank you. Yes indeed, there will be more torrid Quark/Ezri scenes.
Q: So, what is "The 34th Rule" about???
NoL
AS: 425 pages.
It's about prejudice... it's about chess...it's about me. It's about DS9 seen from Quark's perspective, which is very different than the Starfleet perspective.
Q: How do you turn plywood into tritanium?
AdmDerfel
AS: It's PAINT! Paint! Get it? Paint!
Q: Who's the biggest joker on set? }:)
Jean Claude
AS: The biggest joker on the set is Cirroc. He does most of his lines in rap during rehersal. It's hard to keep a straight face before shooting a scene.
Q: Have they told you what happens at the end of the season yet? If so, how about one tiny tiny hint?
Jason
AS: Next question...
Q: Any plans to cross over and be on Ally McBeal as well as the Practice?
Jason
AS: Have already done that. I did the episode about short people. Why they cast me, I haven't the faintest idea. Because I'm a lot taller than Quark.
Q: Do you have fun with those teeth other than on the show?
Tamara
AS: The teeth are a pain in the butt. In large Ferengi episodes invariably I'd bite my inner lip. They also twice a year cause tremendous amount of pain in the nerves of my teeth.
Q: Quark, what exactly is your relationship with Moogi?
Andrea
AS: Moogi is my Mama. What relationship is your mother to you?
Q: What's your favorite "rule of acquisition"?
trekin3
AS: The 34th. Buy the book.
Q: Is "Quark" the first character you tried out for?
Johnny5
AS: Quark was the only character I auditioned for on DS9, but of course, I have played other Ferengi and a talking prop on TNG. Pretty much I've been lucky enough to always get the roles I've auditioned for on Star Trek. Except possibly the movie.... That's right, I did get that part. Somehow it got lost though.
Q: Do you feel like you spend the full 26-hour Bajoran day in the make-up chair? ;-) (That must be a pain!)
Jean Claude
AS: Yes, it seems like a full Bajoran day whenever I work on DS9. Usually, about 15 hours of work.
Q: Have you ever been in any musicals?
Andre
AS: Yes. I was in Richard Rodgers last Broadway musical called, "I Remember Mama" and a very famous production of "Three Penny Opera" at Lincoln Centre as well as some others at other theaters.
Q: How well do Ferengis hear? Do they hear quite well, considering the size of their ears?
Anne
AS: Ferengi hear extremely well. The irony is that the actors playing the Ferengi, when they don the make-up, become deaf. We lose about half our hearing because of the thick rubber. We're constantly missing cues because we haven't heard them.
Aron, who plays Nog, did a major episode recently where his hearing was essential for the Starfleet mission.
Q: has the Ferengi Alliance joined the Federation/Bajoran/Klingon/Romulan Alliance against the Dominion/Cardassion Alliance? What is Quark doing to help the war effort?
Inyo
AS: No the Ferengi are not part of this war. We are merely facilitators. The Ferengi have never been interested in waging war, nor are they good at it. Read the book.
Q: ARE YOU RECOGNIZED MORE IN PUBLIC FOR BEING QUARK OR ON BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER?
CATHY
AS: Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Q: Armin, you are a very talented actor. I have a BFA in acting and I was wondering what theatre roles you have portrayed and doyou have a fave role from the theatre.
David
AS: Yes. My favorite role is Cyrano de Bergerac. But I'm most well known theatrically for Shakespeare characters. Malvolio, Claudius, Duke of York, Shylock. And most of the Shakespearan fools.
Q: Are you disappointed this is the last season of DS9? Oh, and tell Alex i have a crush on him!
Q-ette
AS: I'm ambivalent about how I feel. I will miss the people and Quark but I am relieved at the prospect of not having to put on the make-up on a regular basis. Also, at this point I don't see what more I could do with the character.
Q: how heavy is the headpiece you wear?
Aussie fan
AS: Extremely light. But also, extremely claustrophobic.
Q: your character is very devious, will you ever settle down and get married to a nice ferengi woman?
borg_99
AS: I don't think so. There are a lot of fish in the sea. And I have a big hook.
Q: Do you like dogs?
Karen
AS: I love dogs. I have two. God gives children to people who don't have dogs.
Q: Do your dogs get any luxuries (i.e., professional grooming, doggie restaurant trips, unusual gifts, dog furniture/bedding)?
QuarksLady
AS: They get to live with me. And Kitty, my wife. And they stay up late. And they get to watch whatever they want on TV.
Q: At first I just want to thank you for your great acting in the six or nearly seven seasons of DS9. And how do you think about your time at Star Trek?
Alex
AS: Thank you. It's strange for me to wrap my brain around the idea that 7 years have gone by... but they have. I believe that we have made our mark in television history, and I'm very proud of many of the episodes that I have helped bring to life. It's been a great honor.
Q: I've read the past transcripts...have you always had your wicked sense of humour? You're hilarious, I love watching and reading you!
Al
AS: No. But I'm really funny in THE BOOK. Did I mention it was the 34th Rule?
Q: Any upcoming Buffy episodes where we'll see more of Principal Snyder?
Snyderman
AS: Yes, but unfortunately I've just forgotten the names of the episodes. I just shot one on Monday. They're great fun.
Q: Do you think that monkeys are amusing?
Quark's #1 Fan
AS: No. I've never been to Canada.
Q: What is the best thing about playing a ferengi
Mary
AS: Working with Max Grodenchik and Aron Eisenberg.
By the way, if you're in Las Vegas next Saturday (the 6th) Max and I and David and Eric and Lolita will all be signing the 34th Rule at the Star Trek Hilton. By the way, Vic will not be there.
Q: what's the most sold drink sold at the bar?
brandon
AS: I would say Raktajino.
Q: What is your most memorable scene and will Quark ever get to kick Odo's fanny? After all, Quark is just an innocent green-blooded fun-loving personality who would never do anything illegal!!!!!
Rob
AS: My most memorable scene... was the root beer scene with Garak. And, of course, I love a woman in uniform.
Q: Do you plan to continue on Buffy the Vampire Slayer? I really enjoy seeing without your makeup!
ramsey35
AS: Thank you. I will continue to perform there at least until they graduate. Or until I get eaten by a Komodo Dragon.
Q: Does it hurt to wear those false teeth?
Sara
AS: Yes.
Q: Do you like sports?
Robert
AS: I like baseball and I like jogging and chess.
Q: 1st, Thanks for joining us this evening, My question is any special surprises on upcoming episodes of DS9 that you could fill us devoted fans on?
Dave
AS: Wouldn't you like to know. But here I am, sitting in the Paramount offices, and you can bet your ears I'm not gonna say anything. Sorry.
Q: Will we ever see a Ferengi baby? I think it would be quite a twist for Quark to have an infant dropped in his lap.
Robin
AS: I did have a baby dumped in my lap. It turned out to be a changeling baby. And I sold it to Odo.
Q: Will you ever be in a ST movie?
Stark
AS: Well, not the last one, anyway. I guess I was too good.
Q: Is there any chance of you appearing at a convention in Australia in the near future?
Bruce
AS: I have appeared in Australia, both in Sydney and Melbourne. About two years ago. And I have been invited back, so see you soon.
Q: What's your favourite drink to make in Quark's bar and whats in it?
Bruce
AS: A Mickey. What's in it? Knock-out drops.
Q: I loved "The 34th Rule", and the way you included all of your TNG characters (Letek, Bractor, and the Betazed gift box). My question is: If they ever made "The 34th Rule into an episode, would you play these characters as well as Quark?
Steve
AS: Thank you thank you thank you. I love you! Where do I send the check? I was originally supposed to be an episode that Eric and David and I pitched to the Star Trek writers. Fortunately for us, they rejected us. But sure, if all those Ferengi that I have portrayed before were to come back, I hope Mr. Berman would be kind enough to allow me to reprise the roles. They helped put me where I am today.
Q: Here's one for Eric: Did you enjoy working with Armin on the book?
Aitrus
Eric Stillwell: What can I say? He's sitting right here and he still has the teeth in...
Q: what do you think the impact star trek has on todays events?
cyclops
AS: Well we are definitely part of the vernacular, political and scientific phenomena are often described in Star Trek terms. Also, the world aspires to many of the Star Trek ethos.
Q: Why was Worf in the new ST movie if he is supposed to be on DS9? Isn't is kinda a coincidence that he always shows up just in time for a movie?
Yank
AS: Funny how that happens. He must have a great agent. It's the grandfather clause from Star Trek 6.
Q: Do you ever try to eat/drink some of the stuff they put behind the bar?
The 359
AS: Yes. But I can't get it past the teeth. It's sometimes very much a problem. Because they say in the scripts where I take a drink or eat something but because of the teeth it's impossible to get anything past them. Which includes sometimes my lines.
Q: Have you ever been in Iceland??
Bjossi
AS: No, not that I remember. I've flown over. I waved once.
Q: What is on all those padds you are alaways looking at?
Douglas
AS: My net worth. Quark is constantly checking his net worth and mentally comparing it with where he was moments before. It's a favorite Ferengi pastime. Read the book.
Q: Have you ever written or co-written a script for DS9?
Andre
AS: No. We tried. That's what the book originally was. But it failed miserably. Not the book, just the pitch. But we also pitched two or three other stories... none of them flew.
Q: Do you think Odo will ever arrest Quark?
John-Neil
AS: Odo has arrested Quark. But I have a good lawyer.
Q: Will quark ever give rom a compliment?
Rom
AS: Sincerely, I have indeed complimented Rom and in fact, the arc of our relationship has become much warmer in the last few years. Rom may be Quark's idiot brother, but he loves him dearly.
Q: Are you going to be in costume at Star Trek: The Experience? My husband and I got some really strange looks when we showed up in federation uniforms.
biztrek
AS: Yeah I'll be there. In my Buffy the Vampire Slayer costume.
Q: Which of the women that Quark has fallen in love with did you like the most?
Cupid
AS: Seriously, Grilka. But, I've got my eyes on Odo. After all, he's quite the shape-shifter.
Q: Did you work on the set today? If so, are you still in makeup?
Q420
AS: I did work on the set today, but got off early. All the prosthetics are gone, but I can never quite get all the maroon out from around my eyes until the next day. And there are little specks of blue fingernail polish still embedded in my cuticles. Aren't you glad you asked?
Q: I thought your book was very well written. Will you be writting anymore books?
Tr'aehallh
AS: Thank you. At this moment, I have another science fiction novel in the wings. It's called "The Merchant Prince" which will also be published by Pocket Books and is due out soon. Thank you for reading the book. I'm glad you liked it.
Q: I've seen you on Buffy. Do you prefer being human or ferengi? And which is your favorite show? And what is Sarah Michelle Gellar like?
Shilpa
AS: I prefer the salary here at Paramount. I prefer being out of make-up on Buffy. I prefer not to answer this question any further. However, Sarah Michelle Gellar is a joy to work with and despite her youth, is a consumate professional.
Q: I wanted to tell you how much I have come to enjoy and at times even love your character, Quark. What are your plans after Deep Space Nine? (Besides a little vacation time)
Trekette
AS: Thank you for seeing beyond the make-up. I hope to spend some time in my first love, the theatre. Maybe some Shakespeare.
Q: Mr. Shimermen, First i like to say that you are the fifth Coolest person in Star Trek that I certainly know of, and second.. I was wondering, how is it that you are so eager to get in on political issues on DS9? is that just the way that the Ferengi are?
Alistiar
AS: Way cool. I like politics and in fact, sit on the national board of the Actors' Union (Screen Actors' Guild) and am very much involved in the legislative processes that our union is involved in. It's ironic that the one union episode that we did on DS9 that I played management.
Q: I know you have probably heard this before, but are you a Trekker? I was just wondering because some ST actors aren't. And you do such a good job!! :o)
Q-ette
AS: Thank you. :) I believe I watched the most Star Trek of all the Star Trek actors I have ever met, with the possible exception of Tim Russ. But I was a very ardent fan of the original series as well as TNG.
Q: How, if at all possible, could I get an autographed copy of your book?
Kevin
AS: Please visit with us either in Las Vegas (the 6th) at the Star Trek Experience or at Dangerous Visions on Ventura Blvd. in Sherman Oaks on the 20th. Or, bring it to the next convention that I'm scheduled to appear at. Possibly Valley Forge on Valentine's Day. Or, send a copy of the book to me in care of Paramount Studios, 5555 Melrose Avenue, c/o DS9, Hollywood, CA 90038 and I will get it back to you ASAP.
Q: Is there a Quark action figure, because, I sure as heck haven't seen one. But of course, I live in Utah where hardly anywhere sells Trek toys.
Quark's #1 Fan
AS: There is one that came out during the first season and now I believe it is a collectors item.
Q: What is your typical day like? What time do you get up, how long does it take to get make up on, reherse, shoot, eat and workout (if you workout)?
anamarylee
AS: A typical Monday, I rise at 4:00 AM, take a bath for a half hour, get to Paramount by 5:00 AM, sit in the make-up chair for two hours, work for another 12 hours, and then groggily go back to make-up, and have the make-up removed over the course of an hour. Then somehow I get the car to stay between the lines as I drive home.
Q: Is it true that you and your fellow friends from DS9 practice at your house for the show??
A girl in Ohio
AS: That is true. Those friends include Max, Terry, Rene and most of the Ferengi guest stars. And of course Aron.
Q: Hello Armin, I have always wondered, how hard is it to talk with your "Ferengi" teeth?
Ryan
AS: Extremely difficult.
Your mouth doesn't feel right with the teeth there and it's hard to enunciate.
Q: Do you know all the Ferengi Rules of Aquisition by heart?
Ron
AS: Quark doesn't have a heart. But Rom does. I ask him. Max does know them all. I know the 34th. And so should you. Buy THE BOOK.
Q: Armin, what is your favorite aspect of playing the character Quark?
Dave
AS: I am envious of Quark's joy of life.
Q: Please contrast your experiences appearing in DS9, Buffy, & Seinfield.
SheerLuck_Holmes
AS: Read the book.
Q: How is it like working with Nicole deBoer? How did you feel about Terry Farrell's decision to leave ST:DS9?
AGP
AS: When Terry decided to leave, I didn't understand why. We had several conversations about it and now I think I do understand. She's very happy at Becker. I'm very happy for her. I'm also happy that her departure allowed us to have Nicole deBoer, who is a great asset to the show and a great person.
Q: "The 34th Rule" is a great book. There seems to be a divide between fans on the subject of ST novels. How would you respond to fans who look down on ST novels and books considering them wastes of time?
Tom
AS: Thank you very much for your kind words. If a Star Trek novel takes you somewhere, educates you, entertains you... then it's a valuable thing. I believe some of the books, including ours, fill that criteria.
Q: If there could be one more Quark and Odo episode in the last season what would it be about and what would you call it?
Rob
AS: The last episode would be called, "Him and Me" and we would ....
Q: Will the Federation win the war against the Dominion or not?
Young Kid that loves ST:DS9
AS: The show is called "Star Trek", it's very possible the war may turn our way. But, who can tell?
Q: How do you think Quark will do with Ezri?
|_DATA_|
AS: I'm as interested in finding that question out from the writers as you are. as of yet, Ira Behr hasn't whispered anything to me. I wait expectantly.
Q: What do you think about how your character is changed through the years? (Sorry, I'm italian and my english is not so good!)
Maderty
AS: Il mio charactere e puo simpatico.
Q: The 'bars of latinum'...do they smell? I mean, it's probably very hot on the set and the paint on them is bound to evaporate.
Nic
AS: No they don't smell!
Q: Would you ever see Ezri for therapy. P.S. she seems to have less problems and is more competent than my therapist.
edward
AS: Yes, but Ezri is more expensive. Would I see her for therapy... why would I need therapy? I don't have any Hew-mon problems. What a waste of money.
Q: WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE DIRECTOR?
CATH
AS: This is a very hard question. I will limit my favorites to the directors who are actors on the shows because they understand actors' problems and techniques.
Q: This has absolutely nothing to do with ST:DS9 but I need to ask: Why are you so mean to Buffy?
Natalie-Ketrina
AS: It's the short skirts. They're not short enough.
Q: Are the Powers That Be ever going to give Quark a love interest?
Michael
AS: Quark has had many love interests. He just hasn't had any recently. They were very kind to me in the first few seasons
Q: Is there any similarities between your characters personality and your own personality?
Will
AS: Armin is taller than Quark is. Quark is a character I play and draw from many people, not just myself. His charm is mine... his other attributes are derived from other sources.
Q: do you thind that quark will ever become nagis of the farangie home world. it just seem that he should, he trys so hard to be the best.
DARMOTH
AS: No, Quark should never be Nagus, simply because though he's the Ferengi we know the best... he's by no means the smartest, and the Nagus should be the wisest Ferengi.
Q: Hi Armin!! In real life, how tall are you?? Aron said he was around 6 feet. Is that true?
Yeah For Starfleet!
AS: Yes, Aron is 6 foot. It's amazing how he fits in that tiny Nog costume. I'm about eight feet and they raise the bar up for me. Like a Muppets platform. Sometimes I think I am a Muppet.
Q: With DS9 coming to an end is there any one thing you would ask the writers to do with Quark
Alan
AS: I have at times felt that Quark hasn't had the story arc that most of the other characters have had. It's a little late to ask for that, but that's really all I want.
Q: Is there any possibility of you donning your Quark make up and costume for an episode "Buffy..." Perhaps maybe a Holloween episode or if your character attends a costume party?
Donna
AS: Joss [Whedon, Buffy's creator] is wickedly funny enough to actually consider that. But Paramount would have to okay it.
Q: What do you watch when you watch TV?
QuarksLady
AS: I watch "Homicide: Life on the Streets", I watch "Law and Order", I watch "Buffy" and I watch "Deep Space 9" I don't have time to watch much else. I read alot. And so should you. May I suggest "The 34th Rule"?
Q: Have you ever been in St Voyager?? If so what did u play?
Michael
AS: I was honored to be included in the pilot for Voyager where I played a Ferengi bartender on DS9.
Q: Have you ever asked Michael Westmore why he hasn't made your ear prosthetics so you can hear out of them better?
Ben
AS: We did discuss this early on in season one. In order to hear better, Michael would have to puncture the prosthetic near where my actual ear is. Which isn't where Quark's ear is. Also, the gluing process to cover would entail another half hour. It's not worth it to me.
Q: How old is Aron? The person who plays Nog I mean.
Andre
AS: Aron is 103 years old. And six foot tall. He's quite the actor.
Q: How the h*ll did Jimmy Darrin become a part of Star Trek?
Jason
AS: (See Junie Lowry-Johnson & Ron Surma)
Q: How did it feel to be the first Ferengi killed in the alternate universe?
Jason
AS: In every mirror episode a Ferengi dies. I being the eldest, deserved to die. That's what you get for being a good guy.
Q: Should Rom be made the Nagis?
MaxK
AS: That idiot? No. We need a specialist in financial matters, not an engineer.
Q: Have you ever mixed up your characters before? (You thought you were playing Quark but were actually playing Snyder?)
Jennifer
AS: Despite the fact that they're incredibly similar, I have somehow been able to avoid that pitfall. But, who knows?
Q: I read an interview in SFX magazine and you said there's a mirror above your toilet in your trailer. WHY is there a mirror there?
QuarksLady
AS: Like any bathroom, there is a mirror. I sometimes use it to shave in. What else could you have had in mind????
Q: If Darian Wallace came into Quark's Bar, would you let him run-up a tab?
Ben and Syl
AS: Absolutely not. He's a disreputable Hew-mon. Besides, he works for Paramount.
Q: What's the difference between the work environment on DS9 and Buffy, besides the time period and props?
Nanuh
AS: There is a difference. Because the cast is so much younger on Buffy, it's a more playful arena. Star Trek involves so many different criteria when we shoot, it generates a much more serious atmosphere. But the Star Trek trailer is bigger. And has a bathroom. With a mirror.
Q: Do you like Jackie Chan movies? Why or why not?
CB
AS: What is a Jackie Chan movie?
Q: Do you ever catch yourself being Quark in your everyday real life has he become a part of you?
kunundrum
AS: Oh yes. Quark has taught me a great deal about enjoying life and I believe I'm a better person for having played Quark.
Q: How can Armin be taller than Quark?
biztrek
AS: He just is. (Everyone on DS9 wears heels on their shoes except for the Ferengi. Therefore, Armin is taller than Quark.)
Q: Is it fun working on a St series, do you ever get to improvise the Techno Babble yourself???
Michael
AS: Over Ira Behr's dead body. But that's a 'no' folks. Who would want to?
Q: After the show ends and people look back, what is the one thing you would like all the fans to remember Quark for?
Direwolf
AS: Joy of life. And that he loved Dax.
Q: What is your favorite Shakespearean play? What is your favorite Shakespearean quote and why?
CB
AS: My favorite Shakepearen play is "As You Like It". Rosiland: "Men have died from time to time and worms have eaten them, but not for love." I love that quote.
Q: Did you have many people telling you what could and couldn't be done in your novel? Did they keep making sureit would fit with the rest of the universe?
Jason
AS: Thank you for asking about the book. Paramount, Pocket Books, and Rick Berman were very good about not dictating what we could and could not do.
AS: And in fact, I believe we have presented a view of Star Trek that is not traditional and far from the usual fare. We did have to make sure that Sid's eyes were blue and that recurring characters' names were spelled right... but really, they trusted us to go where our imaginations took us. They were very kind. I thank them.
And I thank you all for this time together.
