Question: Were you a Star Trek fan as a child or did it become an interest after you were cast on DS9
Robert

Aron Eisenberg: Actually I did watch the original series with my Dad a lot -- he passed away when I was about 15 or 16. It would be really awesome if he were here today to see me working on the show. It's kind of interesting to see how things turn out. I never got into TNG but I enjoy DS9.

Q: Are you involved at all in the production of the Starfleet Academy comic book series?
Kail

AE: No, I'm not involved at all though I'd like to become more involved. I had written a comic book with the central focus of Nog before and have enjoyed it very much. I hope that myself and the production team of SF Academy comic books will be able to work together sometime.

Q: No question, just a comment to let you know your acting talents are very much appreciated by your fans. Great!
Tom

AE: Thanks Tom. I appreciate that.

Q: How much of your personality is in the character and how much did you have to make up?
Bryan

AE: Well, Bryan, somebody else puts my make-up on. But Nog is a blend of a lot of my own personality traits amplified. It's interesting how there's a parallel between Nog's universe of going after what he wants and ... my universe of going after what I want... which is acting. Nog went against the grain, so to speak, as well as I went after my own dreams... which most people would have deemed very scary without something to "fall back on". I never believed on "falling back" on something because that sets you up for failure. And I would believe that Nog would feel the same way.

Q: You've appeared in as many (or more) episodes than Cirroc Lofton. Do you feel that your name should be included in the opening titles?
AndyC

AE: No, I don't feel my name should be included in the opening credits because I'm technically not contracted as a regular character. Technically, I'm just an 'irregular' regular. I'm thankful for the work they've allowed me to do in the first place and would just like to keep on working. I enjoy playing Nog and have also enjoyed immensely where they have taken him. I would love to be a regular on this show or any show because I enjoy playing this character and if I were a regular, I'd be playing him more.

I would love to be in the opening titles but I don't sit there and think, why aren't I in the opening credits. I'm not that arrogant I'm just glad to be working.

Q: Hi! Is there any chance that Nog may end up with his own show? IE: Like a show about Starfleet Academy Cadets
Tony

AE: I enjoy playing Nog so much I would love to continue playing him. It's sad to think it might be over, but I guess all good things must end sometime, as they say.

Q: For me, wearing that Ensign's uniform would be rather difficult. Considering it's tight, rather revealing nature. Did you have any reservations wearing it?
CRB

AE: Actually, I enjoy that tight, revealing nature of that outfit and flaunt it as often as possible. My only reservation was that I might embarrass myself in front of my fellow co-stars of not living up to their expectations. Just kidding...

Q: In VISITOR, why didn't they use an older actor for you, like they did for Jake. But you did good.
Chris

AE: I think they thought about casting somebody else, but Max, Armin, Hamilton, Jeff, and Josh weren't available. Luckily for me. Seriously, they actually did think about casting somebody, from what I heard but I think they felt that it would be difficult to have somebody play Nog with the same characteristics I have under the make-up, and keep it believable. I also think that they felt since I was older anyway, that I could play the part. They might have wanted to keep Nog as close to Nog, so to speak, as possible and to get somebody else might throw a wrench into those plans. Either that, or everybody else asked for too much money. I was rather apprehensive of playing Nog older because I wasn't quite sure how to do it and still keep Nog as Nog. So what I did was just tone him down a little and not use as much hand movement and energy as Nog as a kid does. I thought Tony Todd and Avery and Cirroc did a phenomenal job. It was one of my favorite episodes and I was very fortunate to be a part of it. But overall, I'm not sure of whether they even thought about using someone else or not. It's all supposition.

Q: Do you like to direct, and how good do you think you were at it?
CadetStar

AE: I love to direct. I enjoy it immensely. I've only directed plays and I find that not only do I learn a great deal about acting, but I also learn a great deal about directing. :-)

I think I have a great talent for it and I think I have a good eye and a good idea on how to deal with actors and their quest to get their best performance. But I'm still in the learning stage and enjoying it very much.

Q: When you started out on DS9, did you have any idea how popular your character would become? (and that your character would be recurring?)
B'Elanna

AE: I had no idea Nog would be popular and would be as long lasting as I have been. I remember in the first two seasons I always thought that Rick Berman had the script underneath his arm that sent me out the airlock if my performance wasn't up to par. So I was constantly insecure about whether I was going to work or not. Actually, after "A Man Alone" I didn't work until the following year and throughout that time, I thought I was never coming back. I thought I blew it. I also felt that when they sent me to the Academy, I was never coming back. But Rick personally assured me that if anything, this would bring me more work. And he was right. I've been very fortunate.

Q: Hello Mr.Eisenberg, How long does it take to your makeup and how old are you?
Capt. Gordon

AE: It takes an hour and a half and I'm 64 years old. Good acting, huh?

Actually, I'm 29.

Q: Aron... love your work and think NOG is one of the most developed characters on DS9. Tell us, does you character have a prominent role in the episode currently being filmed, "In The Pale Moonlight?"
Steve

AE: No. :(

Q: i missed you at the opening of star trek the experience. it was incredible, at the Las Vegas Hilton.
yolanda

AE: I missed me, too. :(

Q: You make an excellent Ferengi, and it was fun to see you out of makeup in Sisko's "dream". Do you foresee Nog getting promoted soon?
CABLEGUY

AE: I enjoyed working on that show and was very thankful to be a part of it. I was rather nervous because I wanted to do a New York accent so I got a tape and worked hard and hoped it payed off. It was a blast to work on that show. No, I don't foresee Nog getting promoted. I think he'll stay an Ensign probably throughout the end of DS9.

Q: Do you ever feel silly in the makeup?
Kail

AE: Only when I'm driving on the 405.

Q: Do people on the set refer to you as 'Egg Nog' during the holiday season
Billy

AE: Only when I'm driving on the 405.

(the 405 is the San Diego Freeway here in L.A.)

Q: Is there any truth to the rumors that there will be a spin-off called the Nogford Files?
Fred

AE: Actually, we've been in negotiations for about a month now, but until the contract's in front of me. I can't get excited.

Q: If you can play any other character on DS9 or any other Trek series, who would you play?
Diane

AE: There aren't any characters I'd rather play... I like playing Nog.

Q: Aron, did you need any threatre education to play Nog, or just the experiences you've had, such as with the "Liar's Club" and such?
Sean

AE: Well, after the audition, producers told me to take some acting classes right away... As a matter of fact, they keep telling me that now. :-) Rick and Ira pitched in and bought me a year's worth of acting classes at a nearby studio. I am forever indebted. I'm forever thankful. In all seriousness, my experience in the business is what my education was. I did study at Williamstown Theatre for a summer and a couple of acting classes here in Hollywood. I didn't go to a Julliard or University for Theatre because when I was 18 , I looked 11 and that was my asset to get me into the business. I didn't know if I was going to be around in the next 4 years because of my kidney transplant, so I wanted to do it now and not wait until I was done with college. I feel that without that decision that I made, I wouldn't be here talking to you today.

Q: What plans do you have for your future career? I have enjoyed the development of your character.
Pat

AE: I think I'm going to go into the porn business. Just kidding. Really. I'M JUST KIDDING! My future, the plans I have for my future, are just to continue to work and raise my family and be the best dad and husband I can be. I would like to direct some day, whether it be plays, TV or motion pictures. I enjoy acting -- that has been my dream and will forever be my dream.

Q: Do you forsee any more roles in ST:Voyager?
Obsidian Angel

AE: No.
:(

Q: Are those your real teeth?
Calvin

AE: Yes. Do you know a good dentist? :-)

Q: I know being on the show takes up much of your time , but am curious have you ever been into role playing games ? Such as ACTD ?
Jim

AE: I love collectable card games like Magic, The Gathering and Middle Earth, although I haven't played it, I want to some day. I also enjoy poker and chess. Anybody ever played Chess Four? It's four player chess and it's awesome. I would like to get into role playing games but finding the people to play and the time around raising a family is difficult. And it's easier just to play Magic. Or Playstation. Or Nintendo 64.

Q: Aron, could you tell us the name of the next show in which you play a prominent role?
Steve

AE: I was hoping you could tell *me*.

Q: How did you get the part of Nog ?
Pon_far

AE: I had to audition for the role of Nog. I hope this doesn't make it sound like people are stupid but I'll just explain... an audition is when an actor gets called in to the casting director and/or producers to read a scene from the show that they might get a role on. I then read the scene for them and they decide if they would like to hire me for that role or not. I had two auditions and did better the first time. Luckily I still got the role.

Q: Sometime actors complain about the criticism they receive on the internet.. how do you feel about that?
JLR

AE: I have to admit that I scan over AOL all the time and find out what people are saying... about a particular episode or myself. It's my own ego problem. But I enjoy reading what people have to say. I sometimes think that people get carried away with certain actors and/or characters, especially when it came to Wil Wheaton. He is a great actor and I feel that the criticisim that was given to him was unfair. It's okay to dislike a character, but sometimes we as actors take it personally when we do our job and the audience bashes the hell out of us. We like to be liked and when it's not our fault, we can feel very helpless. We start to take it personally and it can erode our self-esteem. Now that can be our problem or our fault but I still feel there can be some kind of allowance for the actor. Wil deserves more credit than he got. He didn't write the character, he played his part. And he did it well.

Q: Hi, Aron! I'm 14, and I'm an actor. I have been in a few plays. I played Winthrop in The Music Man, but my mom has been keeping me from really getting into the business. She wants me to go to college, and I've always thought I would go, and then I would go to L.A. to see if I can really make it. I have other talents in the entertainment industry as well, but acting is what I really want to do. But lately I've been reconsidering and wondering if I should just go straight into acting out of high school instead of going to college first.
LittleBoyBlue

AE: I can't tell you what is better for you. You're the only one that can make that decision. Ultimately, even your mother can't make that decision for you, no matter how much she wants to. I understand how she feels because I have a son of my own. She just wants the best for you and feels that a college degree will give you security in your life. She loves you very much. From my point of view, I felt that college would not have benefited me in my dreams of becoming an actor... because of the asset that I had of being 18 and looking 11. I had an advantage and I wanted to capitolize on that at that moment. I didn't know where I would be in four or five years because I had just recently had a kidney transplant. So I decided to follow my dream and go after acting and put everything into it. Because now was the only time I had. I didn't want to go to college to give myself something to fall back on... because I felt that was setting myself up for failure. Had I done that, it would have been easier for me to quit because I would have an easy way out. I didn't want to give myself that opportunity. I felt that you could always go to college. I also feel that had I not made that decision, I wouldn't be on Star Trek or have all the other credits... I have had the wonderful opportunity to do. But every decision for every person is different. You have to make your decision on what your instincts tell you. There's nothing wrong with going to college for acting or for anything else, if you feel that will get you further or closer to your dream. I still would like to go to film school to learn more about directing, as long as it doesn't hinder my acting career. Be really sure of what you want. Make that decision and commit to it and don't give up on your dream. Ever. I hope your mom will support you in whatever decision you make because you'll need that support. Good luck.

Q: I understand that you, Mr. Eisenberg, were a page for Paramount. That must have been rewarding. Would you fill your fans in on that aspect of your work and who was involved. Thank you.
Fred

AE: Yes I did work as a page here at Paramount. I heard that in order to get into production going through the page route was a good way to get into that. At that time, that was my goal. But when I had a son, I realized that being a production assistant, which is the first rung on the ladder into production would not have allowed me to be home with my son. So, my goal changed. I didn't want to sacrifice my relationship with my son, or my acting career for production so I quit. And actually, I've worked a lot more on Star Trek. But I did have a good time working as a page.

Q: Would you do voiceover work for an animated Nog on a StarFleet Academy animated series?
TR1SPY

AE: I would love to. That would be wonderful. But I can't get excited until the contract is in front of me...

Q: Aron, how do you feel about the fact that your character has progressed from a chile-thief, to a full- fledged Starfleet Ensign on the bridge of the ship leading one of the biggest offensives in Federation (Star Trek) history? ("Sacrifice of Angels")
Steve

AE: I'm not quite sure what a chile-thief is... but I assume you mean child-thief. But I swear, I never stole a child! I think it's awsome the arc that my character has gone. To go from the Huckleberry Finn to the Ensign Nog has been a lot of fun and I'm very thankful.

Q: How is the feeling to play a chrachter way yonger than you actually are? Is it difficult? And do you sometimes hate it?
Sebastian

AE: I love it! That's what got me into this business and I have no qualms about playing someone younger than me. I actually have a more difficult time playing somebody closer to my age because I so rarely do that. I never hate it because it's a blast to play younger roles... because they youthfulness is so energetic and exciting that it's always fun. But I look forward to playing more dramatic roles as I get older. Good thing I got those acting classes. :)

Q: How do you find out when and where the auditions are held?
Seven

AE: I find out when the phone rings.

Basically what happens is a production company will submit various breakdowns on certain roles... those breakdowns are then given to the agents and/or managers ... who then submit your picture and resume to the casting director who is working for the production company. If they think you might be right for the part, they will bring you in to read for the show. Another way that you might get auditions is just by word of mouth.

Q: Did you think that the recent episode of DS9, Far Beyond The Stars, get through to viewers a message about racism and how it affects todays society?
Nog

AE: I thought I would ask myself a question... just kidding. Whether something gets through to viewers or not can only be seen by how our society changes. If a show has a moralistic viewpoint or counterpoint to express people will pick that up differently than other people. If one person looks at themselves and realizes WOW! I've been thinking about thing the wrong way, or what have you and decides to make a conscious effort to change something in their life for the better... then the show's theme was successful. And it affected somebody. People say TV serves no useful purpose. Well, sometimes they're right and sometimes they're wrong.

Q: How tall are you?
Gleknar

AE: I'm 6'5" and they always film me either in a ditch or put the other actors on apple boxes. It's a difficult process but hey, this is Star Trek. They did it for the Muppets and you better believe, dammit, they're gonna do it for me. But Nog's height is five feet. It's tough playing someone shorter than yourself. :)

Q: You said you were going into porno would that be porNOGraphy?
Gman

AE: They say my big ears will take me far. Did you see "Boogie Nights"?

Q: It must be quite tedious to spend so much time in the make-up chair every day. How do you deal with it?
HighTech

AE: It's really not that difficult really. When you're doing something you love, how can you complain?

Q: What further devolpments would you like to see for your character in the final season?
Syl and Ben

AE: I would love to see Nog screw up big-time. Because of his over-zealousness to do the right thing...he makes a fatal mistake that might cost somebody their life. Because of that, he decides to withdraw from Starfleet Academy and Sisko or somebody from higher up talks him out of it. But through this Nog learns a valuable lesson; that we all make mistakes and we all go forward. And through this you can learn more about the rest of the cast.

Q: Are you going to do any conventions in Great Britain?
Geoffrey

AE: I had done two a few years ago and would love to do it again if they would bring me out there. I can't get excited until the contract's in front of me...

Q: was it you in "Alex Mack secret world " ? :)
Daxy

AE: Yes and I had a blast playing that character.

Q: Do you have the Rules of Acquistion memorized?
Ben

AE: No I'm still working on it. It's hard to memorize the Rules of Acquisition when you're still in Starfleet Academy.

Luckily, they didn't make me memorize it for my audition. I'm very thankful.

Q: I also love the show and your character. If you could look that far into the future, how far would you like to see Nog go in StarFleet?
Dave

AE: I would like to see more involvement at the Academy and how it affected him. As opposed to actually Starfleet, I would love to see Nog graduate someday and working for Starfleet Intelligence. But honestly, I don't think that would work because you could easily spot him in a crowd. But I think his negotiating talents can be very beneficial to Starfleet. I would love to be in the movies someday after I have graduated Starfleet Academy. Now, if that doesn't work, it would be really cool to see Nog become a renegade... and want to seek revenge on Starfleet. It would be a DS9 movie called "The Wrath of Nog" It would be wonderful. It would be fantastic.

And the line must be drawn HERE!

Q: I heard that you will star in a new star trek series with Micheal Dorn, Terry Farell and Jonathan Frakes. Is their any truth to this?
Maverick

AE: Well, let's be honest here... until that contact's in front of me, I really can't get excited.

Q: Which Star Trek movie do you like the best? And why?
^Ed^

AE: You know, I think I like "First Contact" the best. I liked it because of the action, the drama and the comedy. Actually, I enjoyed it a lot and I loved the scene between Patrick Stewart and Alfre Woodard. I loved when Patrick Stewart said... "And the line must be drawn HERE!" I also liked the female Borg... she was great. Good actress. Actually, she was excellent. Phenomenal. :)

Q: What was your favorite episode to do?
Alicia

AE: My favorite episode to work on was "Heart of Stone". I enjoyed the scene with Sisko tremendously. It was one of the first scenes I was really able to sink my teeth into. No pun intended. I also enjoyed "Little Green Men" and "Magnificent Ferengi". Whenever all of us get together, we have a really great time.

Q: Aron, What impact has there been on the way you look at life and other people since you started portraying a member of an alien race? Has it changed your perception of people in different socio-economic groups than your own?
Father1

AE: Actually, it hasn't really changed the way I look at life. If anything, it's mirrored my point of view toward life. I enjoy the fact that Star Trek stands for optimism in the future, rather than pessimism. It's great to be a part of a show that stands for higher values, acceptance, compassion and a hope for the future.

Q: I would really like to see you without your make up (not that those ears don't look great to give Oomox to). Is there anywhere in the net, that you or one of the hosts know about of a picture of you without makeup?
Ana

AE: Actually, I was in the episode, "Far Beyond the Stars" and I wasn't in make-up, obviously. You can also check my website that my fanclub president has put up. I'm not sure if there is a picture of me there but it might be. I don't know the URL off-hand but you can check under my name.

Q: Have you ever been in love? If so, are you still together?
Ana

AE: Yes, I've been in love several times. My heart's been broken in many places. But there is one lady that mended that heart. Her name is Jessica. She is my best friend and my wife and we have our first son...Nicholas Lawrence, who was born on April 25th, 1997 on the day of our DS9 wrap party. So I missed it. But the wrap party was great. Just kidding. :) I proposed to my wife in the comic book I wrote for Malibu Comics. In my biography I asked her to marry me, so it will forever be imprinted somewhere.

Q: We were just wondering if you played Karr on Star Trek Voyager's episode Initiations? Also, we were just wondering how old you really are because if you did play Karr you don't look 13.
Zyra and Nissa

AE: Yes, I did play Kar on Star Trek Voyager and I had to audition for that role. The reason Kar might have looked a little older than a 13 year old has a lot to do with the fact that he is a Kazon. Their young warriors tend to look older because of the physical activities that they are constantly involved in.

Q: Hi Nog: I am a big fan of yours. I think that you are the coolest charector on DS9! I Would like to know when Nog will graduate from Star Fleet Academy, and will he ever have more challengeing roles on upcoming missions? Hope you have lots of luck on upcoming missions! QAHPLAAH! Keep on Trekking! Remember this Bad Klingon warrior!
Pok

AE: Thank you.

Q: Do you have any brothers or sisters? If you do, do they ever make fun of you for being a Ferengi on Star Trek?
Joid

AE: I have a half-sister, her name is Karen Eisenberg. Unfortunately I don't talk to her very much. I hope she's doing well.

Q: Do you wear the same set of fake ears every show or do they change them?
Shayna

AE: After the hair starts to grow out of the ears it's time to put on new ears. It's a painful process that every young Ferengi goes through until he reaches that ripe age of respect.

Q: Hi, just wanted to say I'm creating a homepage all about you! I was wondering if you know the other characters personally or just as co- workers.
Joid

AE: Thank you for creating a homepage. I'm honored. I do know some of the other actors personally; Max, Armin and I seem to be good friends... and Nana and Sid and I are becoming good friends. She came to the hospital when my wife gave birth to our son. It meant a lot to me.

Q: Do you enjoy attending conventions?
ImSlayer from Atlanta

AE: Yes, I love doing conventions. I'm just waiting for people to ask me. I can't get excited, until the contract's in front of me.

Q: How does/did your acting career intefere with your school education??
Flaark

AE: I'm 29 years old and started Star Trek when I was 23. I was long out of high school and spoke earlier about my choice about college.

Q: would you like that Nog will have a girl friend in the 7th season?
Maya

AE: Yes, I think it would be a lot of fun to have a relationship on the show. It would really be neat to see how a relationship would affect or wouldn't affect my dreams and/or relationships with Jake or my father.

Q: What kind of episodes do you ejnoy doing the most? For example comical episodes or ones with lots of battle in it, etc?
Ed

AE: Comical ones are a blast because they're not taken so seriously. Battle ones aren't as fun because they're more serious and there's a lot of technobabble...and just "talking". But I really enjoy doing the shows where there's a lot of heart in it. Where the characters get more developed by their relationships with other people.

Q: What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you on the DS9 set?
Seven

AE: The most embarrassing thing that's happened to me was in the first season.. I had a line, and this was the line: "I know who can tell us what self-sealing stembolts are." Now, mind you, I have teeth in my mouth that tend to make speech patterns a little more difficult... and I need to say this line. You try saying this line with the energy that Nog speaks with in a clear and articulate way. To make a long story short, it took me 19 takes. I was rather embarrassed.

Q: Does the voice of Nog come naturlly or do you make up the voice.
cody

AE: I actually made up the voice and through the years have tapered it down as he's gotten older. I'm glad that you actually hear a character voice because it's not very big, it's more subtle. There's also a different intonation to it. Thanks for noticing.

Q: I love the development that you've done with Nog over the last six years. Do you know why his Ensign's pip is hollow, when all other Ensigns have full pips.
Regin

AE: I believe, now I'm only guessing, is the reason for the hollow pip is that I'm on field assignment from Starfleet Academy.

Q: Hi, Mr. Eisenberg. I'm wondering how long does it take to apply the Ferengi makeup on?? Is it uncomfortable to wear??
Orion

AE: The make-up takes an hour and a half and after about ten to twelve hours, it becomes a little uncomfortable. The worst time I had with it was during the filming of the episode, "Rocks and Shoals" when we were out at the rock quarry... it was blistering hot and I was sweating uncontrollably underneath the make-up and couldn't do a damn thing about it. That was the worst it has ever gotten.