Question: Ms. Dawson, what did you think of Mr. Beltran's performance in Hamlet?
Cecilia_Lee

Roxann Dawson: I thought he was wonderful. He also directed the production aan I thought he did a magnificent job there too. Very impressed and proud.

Q: Hi, my name is Aaron. What made you decide to become a cast member on ST:V?
piratemania

RD: Hi Aaron. As an actor we don't always get to decide what we want to do. I was lucky enough to get this role from an audition.

Q: Roxann, it seems that your role on Voyager has a Hispanic last name, but, although you have had some discussion about your Klingon background on the show, nothing has been discussed in term of your character's Hispanic background. Why is that?
Mipepe

RD: I think because it has little to do with the character. Her struggle is more between human and Klingon instead of the Hispanic and non-Hispanic. I think that issue is one we perhaps deal with today but will not be present in the future.

Q: Do you have any information regarding the next Voyager season?
Alex123450

RD: Actually, no. I'm surprised every time I get a new script, but the buzz is, that the writing will be very good.

Q: Do you think that there will be a Star Trek Voyager film made once the series has ended?
Paul

RD: I hope so, but not too soon because that would mean that we're probably back in the Alpha Quadrant and the show is over. I hope the series has a long life and then, of course movies. Why not?

Q: Regarding your character, will B'Ellanna's relationship with Paris evolve into towards something more permanent?
Badbob

RD: I hope that nothing is ever too permanent. Even if a relationship evolves, it would be nice for it to change and move in different directions. Hopefully whatever happens will be original, because these two characters would have an unusual and potentially volatile relationship and it would be interesting.

Q: Have you had any negative feedback regarding your relationship and then marriage to the casting director and getting the part of Torres on the show?
brian

RD: I am not married to Ron Surma OR Junie Lowery, despite the rumors. I'm married Eric Dawson who has nothing to do with Star Trek, other than that his wife is on Voyager.

Hi Dave Rossi! [ed.-Dave Rossi, Supervisor of Star Trek Projects for Rick Berman Productions, frequently visits STARTREK.com, and joined us for this chat.]

Q: Hi Roxann, I'm from England & we recently had the honor & pleasure of meeting Robert D McNeill at a Star Trek convention in Blackpool. I was wondering if you (or any others in the cast) would be coming to the UK also?
CAROLECERES

RD: I was just in Germany, which is close to the UK for me. I look forward to going there at some time. I have no plans for the near future, but I'm looking forward to being there at some point.

Q: What was it like working with Suzie Plakson?
CAROLECERES

RD: She is extremely funny and I enjoyed our scenes together. Also, it was fun to make Klingon jokes to the only other half-human/half-Klingon.

Q: How do you like being in a Star trek series?
DanielTrek

RD: It's a bit overwhelming. It's different than anything I've ever done. I think that the special thing about it is that the fans are so accessible at the conventions and we can get live feedback and it makes it more like theater.

Q: My question to you is ... being that you play the part of an engineer on Voyager would you work on a starship that only had impulse but no warp?
Ed

RD: Yes, of course I would. I would appreciate the challenge.

Q: Will "Voyager" return next season? If not, will they find their way back to the alpha quadrant?
George

RD: The day we find ourselves back at Alpha Quadrant, it would mean the end of the series. I hope that doesn't happen this season.

Q: Does your husband prefer you with or without your Klingon makeup?
Harry

RD: With, of course.

Q: Roxann, I think it's great that there's some Canadian representation in the talented cast of Voyager. How do you feel about your characters development so far. Is there any changes you'd like to see? Will you be doing any Conventions in Edmonton?
JPB-007

RD: I hate to disappoint you, but I'm not Canadian. Please don't shoot! :) I love my character's development. The only thing I would have is that she be half human, half Klingon and half Canadian.

Q: As a fan, Star Trek has had a great influence in my life. What special influences has Star Trek given you?
TiberiousKirk

RD: I can pay my mortage. Seriously, it's also given me an opportunity as an actress to do things I couldn't do on Beverly Hills 90210

Q: What's up with B'Elanna and Tom? And why do you have a problem using the Klingon bathlith?
Jon

RD: B'Elanna's anger about the bat'telh is that Tom might be making fun of her but she is really very good with it.

Q: What other roles will you be exploring this year (i.e.; movies) and what developments, if any, will your character take on in the next season?
JGRAHAM331

RD: I don't have time to do many other things besides Voyager, but I do have a TBS short film which will be airing in October called "Seeing Through Walls." As far as my character development for this comings season, I have no idea. They will surprise me with something, I'm sure.

Q: How does it feel working with the cast of Voyager?
Klucz1

RD: I love working with this cast. We have so much fun together that sometimes we get no work done.

Q: Does it take a long time to do your make-up for the show? also what do they use for the mask is it a latex rubber? Is it comfortable.
copperhead

RD: The mask is a kind of rubber and no, of course it's not comfortable. My make-up takes two and a half hours.

Q: I'm a member of your Fan Club, and I was wondering -- How involved are you in the process and are you planning to come to any of the club events?
Krisc_msp

RD: I know there was a meeting in Nashville recently. I wanted to be there, but I had a convention in Germany. I have met several members of the fan club and I think they're pretty terrific.

Q: Did you watch Star Trek before you were chosen for the role of B'Elanna Torres?
seghatoleslami

RD: Honestly, no. The first time I saw a complete episode of Star Trek was the night before my final audition. I fell in love with it. I don't know what I was afraid of.

Q: What side of your character do you identify the most with: the Klingon or the human?
Adminclerk

RD: Depends on the time of day.

Q: Hallo Roxann, from the 9.5.-11.5. you where in Bonn on the Fed Con V.I was there too and had a great time. What I want to know is, did you also have a great time? Because I did and you were just great. Thanks
Tiny_HunterS

RD: Hello Germany! I had a WONDERFUL time. I took a photograph of the audience from the stage. Which one were you?

Q: How did you become part of the Starfleet Voyager crew? Was it something you always wanted to do or just something that just happened?
Marklc

RD: I answered a want ad.

Q: I really loved the episode, "Blood Fever," because it allowed us to see your Klingon side. Will there be any more chances in the future for us to see you "being yourself?" Oh and by the way, if anyone can tame Tom Paris, B'Elanna can!
ColCham

RD: I completely agree about taming Tom Paris. However, we don't want him too tame. I need a fighting partner.

Q: When exactly is your birthday and how old are you???
Surfersnake

RD: My birthday is September 11th every year.

Q: I like Torres a lot, but her human side certainly seems to dominate most of the time. Can we expect to see any more episodes where Torres encounters conflict with her Klingon culture, rituals, mythology?
FLAtRich

RD: I'm hoping so. I think this is an important part of her character and I want the writers to pursue it... so let them know.

Q: Hi Roxann! Even though I'm a big fan of the whole Star Trek Universe, I was wondering if you ever wanted to tell a fan, "Hey, it's just a TV show!"?
excalibur30

RD: It's a TV show?

Q: If the gossip is correct (which it usually isn't), the cast is set to renegotiate their contracts after next season. First, is this true? And second, has any progress been made?
RussX

RD: I think it's a five and a half year deal... I'm not really sure.

Q: I recently ran across your fan club web page and read that part of the proceeds of club membership go to AMFAR. I was wondering how and why you became involved with the charity. I believe working with any organization that benefits people in need is a wonderful thing and commend you for your humanitarian activities.
SLMAH

RD: Actually, that web page is not up to date. The charity that the proceeds go to is called, "Camp Heartland" which gives a chance for children with AIDS. It is a smaller charity and I felt I could make more of a difference there.

Q: What is your most embarrassing film role to date?
Lenier

RD: Why would I tell you?

Q: Is it fun to work with the cast voyager? what was your favorite one? who is your favorite person to work with and what is their stage name?
Terrygenier

RD: I wouldn't want to choose any cast member over the other because they're all so wonderful to work with.

Q: How tall are you?
Chronon

RD: I'm 5' 5" and don't ask my weight.

Q: Many of the cast from your show as well as the other Star Trek shows have directed episodes, most recently Alexander Siddig, do you have any desire to do this as well?
Gleknar

RD: I would love to be able to direct at some point and hopefully that opportunity will come. I'm studying the directors that we're working with right now.

Q: Are you going to author any Star Trek novels or write any Star Trek episodes?
Byron2

RD: I don't have plans to write any Star Trek episodes, however, I do have a novel coming out, published by Simon and Schuster. It is the first of a trilogy of books, entitled "Entering Tenebrea" I'm working with a writer named Daniel Graham. We are writing this together and having a lot of fun.

Q: What was your inspiration for your book?
neilnene

RD: The only requirement for the book was that it be futuristic and have a strong female character. I think my inspiration has come in developing the lead character who is very complex.

Q: When you are not working what are your interests and hobbies?
Dude_Man

RD: There's not a lot of time when I'm working, but I enjoy traveling with my husband, playing with my dog, drinking French wine, and riding my motorcycle.

Q: Do you have a particular episode that you are very fond of?
Cancer_Man

RD: I loved performing in the episode called, "Remember." I thought the script was brilliant and very important.

Q: Did you enjoy attending Berkeley?
Digi-MAN

RD: I loved Berkeley because it had an East Coast feel on the West Coast.

Q: Who were some of your role models when you were groing up?
Coma_the_Barbarian

RD: Probably my parents. Also, I've always loved Kathrine Hepburn. Something about her independence and strength has always inspired me.

Q: What was it that inspired you to become an actress?
Boby

RD: I'm still trying to figure that out.

Q: Did you know you would be playing a Klingon when you first came to Trek?
Do-Da_Dude

RD: I knew I was being cast as a half-Klingon... however, I didn't know what a Klingon was. My agents told me I wouldn't be wearing a lot of make-up... they lied.

Q: How did you meet your husband?
Faber

RD: I wasn't on the casting couch. We met because we did a series called "Nightingales". My husband's partner was working on that and I met him through her.

Q: Do you surf the net often?
Azwiepei

RD: When I can figure out how the darned thing works. It's a wonder I'm an engineer.

Q: What destiny do you think the future holds for humanity?
YulloYBluMakeVerde

RD: Hopefully not annihilation.

Q: What is your favorite food?
YoEstoyCansado

RD: Pasta.

Q: How does your own personallity add to the character of B'Elanna?
Rose_Hips

RD: I think we're very close in a lot of ways. More than I'd like to admit.

Q: Do you think this planet has been visited by extraterrestrials?
SiberDiek

RD: Of course. How arrogant of us to think we're the only ones out there.

Q: Do you play video games?
SirPigglet2U

RD: Not unless I have to.

Q: What is your favorite book?
BrownBeard

RD: The Unbearable Lightness of Being.

Q: Did your parents have a special reason for choosing your name? Or is there at least an interesting story behind it?
Moldy-1-CornKobby

RD: Yes, there is. When my mother was pregnant, my parents went to see Cyrano De Bergerac on Broadway with Jose Ferrer and they fell in love with the name Roxanne. However, when I was born, my mother didn't know how to spell it, so she spelled it wrong.

Q: When you set a drink on the counter do you use a coaster? Do you check to make sure the refrigerator door closes all the way when you are done? In other words are you a meticulous person?
Derf_for_5

RD: Yes, I'm a meticulous person. I guess in more important areas, though, than coasters and refrigerators.

Q: What other work have you done for TV besides ST: Voyager?
Malaisa

RD: Several series, movies of the week, mini-series, a soap opera...

Q: What is your mom's "favorite story" about you (i.e. "When Roxann was 4 she set fire to the dining room table and then...")?
laserDaser

RD: I never set fire to the dining room table. I did, however, jump from the sofa to the coffee table and almost lost my ear. It split. My father was holding it onto my head when he rushed me to the hospital.

Q: What is your most embaressing moment on the set?
cyber_gut

RD: I'm never embarrassed. I'm always perfect.

Q: If there was a colony on the moon would you want to live there?
Frug

RD: Could I take my dog?

Q: Roxann, your character is great. Who makes you laugh the most while filming. Are you coming to Toronto soon
tmgracey

RD: Ethan makes me laugh the most when we're filming. He's a non-stop comedian. I would love to come to Toronto. I did "A Chorus Line" there years ago and loved the city.

Q: How did you feel when you cast in "A Chorus Line?"
TuberRuder

RD: It was one of the most magical moments in my career because it was my first professional job and it was a show I dreamed of doing. And it was on Broadway, so I was floating.

Q: Ms. Dawson, I especially love when B'Elanna is struggling with and fighting with other characters (like telling Ensign Kaplan to take a deep breath and move on in Resolutions, telling Hogan to lay off Janeway since all he has to do is worry about keeping the warp core going), instead of dealing with technobabble.
Cecilia_Lee

RD: I love not having to deal with technobabble... it's much easier.

Q: Do you think your character has been written to her full potential, are there areas of the character that you feel have not been explored?
Corkie

RD: I think there are a lot of areas that have not been explored, but that's the wonderful thing about doing a series?you can take the time to develop the character. We don't want to know everything right away.

Q: Roxanne, you were talking about Robert's turn on stage. Do you have any plans to tread the boards, again, too?
lnemecek

RD: I would love to. It's been three years since I've been on the stage, which is the longest time in my adult life. I miss it terribly, so maybe next year... who knows?

Q: Welcome, my name is Neil. What has been your most enjoyable experience working on Star Trek Voyger?
neilnene

RD: Gosh, there are so many... Usually my most enjoyable days are when I feel that I've done a challenging scene well. And that the work has paid off.

Q: Ms. Dawson, I understand you lurk on aol boards. What's your take on the internet?
Cecilia

RD: I think the Internet is utterly and completely fascinating. I am so blown away by the recent advances in technology.

Q: How did you like the idea of playing B'ellana...and were you trying to go for a different character?
utterly_hopeless

RD: I auditioned for B'Elanna, not because I understood Star Trek, but because I found her character completely intriguing and most importantly, I understood her. I felt she was defined by a battle between her light and dark sides. That to me is a very human struggle.

Q: Mrs. Dawson, I know that the set of Star Trek :TNG and Star Trek: DS9 were very close on the Paramount lot. Is the set of Voyager close to the set of DS9? And if so, do you or any of your co-stars visit the set of the set of DS9 ?
Inferno1

RD: We are indeed very close. We are on the old sound stage from Next Generation. However, because of our difficult schedules, we don't see each other very often. I recently spent time with Nana in Germany and finally got to know her.

Q: Is it true you're a collector of fine spices and that, in fact, you have connections to people who are in "Spices?"
Dave

RD: Yes, I'm connected to people with fine spices. They get me into that row right behind first class.

Q: What has been your most challenging experience as an actor on Voyager?
neilnene

RD: Probably the episode of "Faces" because it came in the first season when I barely knew who B'Elanna was. It was a great learning experience.

Q: Mrs. Roxann Dawson, do you find the other cast members to be good friends with you or is it just work and bye?
EJustusIV

RD: Yes, I am friends with the other cast members, but we don't have much time to play outside of work because the hours are so long.

Q: Do you think that your acting career is going to go beyond Voyager?
EJustusIV

RD: Good question. That's always a consideration when you're in a long-running series. I think I'm lucky in that I work behind the mask so I won't be readily identifiable as B'Elanna. Hopefully that will help.

Q: Ms. Dawson, what is your favourite media to perform. TV? Movie? Stage? Karaoke :o)
Cecilia

RD: Karaoke. How did you know?

Q: Roxann: I recently saw you in Pointman! You were fine, but I actually find you even more attractive with the Klingon get-up. Just thought you'd want to know.
gleknar

RD: You're in the Minority!

Q: Do you have your own set of Voyager action figures? What do you think of them?
Dybsca

RD: Yes, I have my action figures. I make them do strange things.

Q: Hi Roxann, my name is Mark, I was wondering if you have learned any of the Klingon language from your role? Which by the way is hard to pronounce?
marklc

RD: I have had to learn a lot of Klingon for Voyager because there are no other Klingons on the show. However, I did a book on tape of "The Klingon Way". That was extremely difficult to pronounce.

Q: Considering the number of Rumors you have been recieving on this chat alone I was wondering what is the most outragiously incorrect "fact" that you have heard about yourself so far?
Signate

RD: That I look better with Klingon make-up than without.

Q: I agree!

I'd like to thank Roxann Dawson for joining us here tonight. Good luck with your future projects.