Q: First of all, I just want to say that you are the most attractive, beautiful engineer in all of Star Trek! Anyway, how do you feel about working with a brand new group of people with a new theme in the Star Trek storyline?
guardian0401

Roxann Dawson: Well, first off ... I'm the only female engineer, so that makes the beautiful part easy. Second, I love the cast of Enterprise, and Connor is pretty beautiful.

Q: Aloha, Roxann, are the days long when you work on the set directing Enterprise, and how many hours per day?
Gloriasgreenhous

RD: The days are about as long as the days on Voyager were — between 12 and 17 hours a day. Pretty exhausting when you're directing, though, because you don't get a break.

Q: What do you think of the cast of Enterprise when you direct them?
talkingtricorder

RD: I think they are finding their characters beautifully. I love the interaction. Scott is a wonderful captain. The rest of the crew is following in his footsteps.

Q: Hi Roxann, if you had the chance of starring on Enterprise, what species would you like to be and why?
stamods

RD: Please, please, human! No make-up. That would be the only way.

Q: Roxann, will you be going to see "Star Trek Nemesis?"
securitron

RD: Absolutely!

Q: Hello Ms. Dawson, here in Europe, it is already September 11th, Happy Birthday!
saskia

RD: Thank you!

Q: Do you still keep in close contact with your Voyager cast mates?
designationlocutus

RD: I try to. I talk often with Bob Picardo, who I adore. And Johnny [Ethan] Phillips and Kate [Mulgrew]. I think we'll stay close.

Q: Ms. Dawson, are you aware if there are any Voyager movies in the making?
jeanlucpicard88

RD: No, no, no. I get asked this a lot. No, no, no.

Q: Are you set for directing any more episodes of Enterprise throughout Season Two?
designationlocutus

RD: I just finished one that airs October 4th. It's called "Dead Stop." I was very pleased with the way it came out. I shoot another one in October, and then in January, I'll be directing an episode of Charmed.

Q: Roxann, I heard that you are directing an episode of Angel this season. True? And can you tell us anything about it?"
noodle

RD: Angel is up in the air at the moment — my dates conflicted with Enterprise. I'm hoping we can resolve it sometime this season. I would love to direct the show!

Q: Hi Roxann, did you enjoy appearing on the USA's Weakest Link special? You and Wil Wheaton hit it off.
admiral_jones

RD: Let me see. Shall I start another terrible rumor, or shall we resolve this? Just kidding! Wil and I had a great time on the show. It was fun sparring with him.

Q: Hi Roxann! My question is, when you were filming on the set of Voyager, using one of the computer panels, were you told what buttons to press, or did you just press any button at random?
amy5

RD: Of course I was told what button to press. If I pushed the wrong one, the warp core would explode! Don't you think I know what I'm doing?! :)

Q: I enjoyed "Faces." Which persona did you like playing better in that episode — Klingon or human?
iceplanetzeo

RD: I liked them both. But was hurt when I discovered that my mother thought the actress who played the Klingon was better.

Q: Acting in front of the camera and then switching to behind the scenes so to speak, what was it like for you to make such a change?
admiral_jones

RD: It was very difficult when I was acting and directing in the same episode. They use two different sides of your brain, and I much preferred to do one at a time. But I love doing both!

Q: What did you think was the funniest thing about playing B'Elanna?
saskia

RD: Well, the saddest thing was 2 1/2 hours of make-up. And 45 minutes removal. Anything after that was funny. I also loved being able to break things and not be charged for them!

Q: How cathartic was it for you to be able to play a character with an aggressive personality?
cassiopia

RD: Didn't that just answer that question? I did break a door on the set once, and production was not too pleased with me.

Q: Hi Roxann, what was it like when Voyager ended for you?
stamods

RD: Poignant, but I left the show feeling very satisfied with what they had done with my character. I was looking forward to directing Enterprise. I feel as though I haven't really left yet.

Q: How long did it take to get made up in the Borg costume?
designationlocutus

RD: Less time than my regular make-up. A lot of people are surprised at that fact, but it's true.

Q: What props did you take home with you?
designationlocutus

RD: I took a piece of engineering, a panel. I should have grabbed more, but wasn't thinking straight.

Q: Roxann, we've all heard about how lots of pranks were pulled on the Voyager set. Were you ever a victim of one of these pranks? Or did you ever pull one?
admiral_garnoopy

RD: I was NEVER a victim!

Q: I think you are a terrific actress. How did you land the part of B'Elanna Torres?
iceplanetzeo

RD: I slept with the casting director! Just kidding. I auditioned along with a lot of other people. I was lucky enough to be handed this great role.

Q: Ms. Dawson, did you watch Star Trek before doing Voyager?
saskia

RD: No — don't hit me!

Q: Hello Ms. Dawson, If you could describe your experience on Voyager in one word, what would it be?
horn_1121

RD: Why one? Fulfilling.

Q: What was your relationship like with Jeri Ryan? Was it like B'Elanna and Seven's?
captian_hargraves

RD: No, I think Jeri and I had a better relationship than B'Elanna and Seven.

Q: Roxann, I'm about to go into a physics exam. Can you go over acceleration of impulse on liquid surface?? :)
securitron

RD: Absolutely. Vent a couple of LM2 exhaust conduits around the dorsal emitters.

Q: Roxann, did you actually kiss Robert Duncan McNeill in the episodes?
belannatorres917

RD: If you have to ask ...

Q: When you had to do episodes with the bat'leth, did you have any special training?
matt

RD: Yes, with Dan Curry, who created the weapon.

Q: What is your real personality like? Are you anything like B'Elanna?
dr_lana_hayes

RD: Parts of me are definitely like B'Elanna — you can ask my husband!

Q: Greetings from the UK, Roxann. Have you any television/film/stage appearances lined up in the near future?
ukjonny

RD: I have directing assignments lined up, because that's what I'm concentrating on at the moment. However, I would love to get back on stage and do a play.

Q: Charmed, with the witches, is a different kind of show altogether. What's it like swapping genres?
admiral_jones

RD: I guess I'll find out. I'm very much looking forward to the witchcraft side. Should be interesting!

Q: What do your husband and daughters think of Star Trek?
cassiopia

RD: They know mommy as B'Elanna on "mommy's show." And my husband likes the paychecks.

Q: What is it like kissing someone when you are already married?
aniofnine

RD: My daughters don't like it. They think it's funny. But you have to remember, there are a lot of people watching you, so it's hardly like the real thing.

Q: How is your Half the Sky Foundation doing? I think that is a great charity.
angelkiss21

RD: Half The Sky Foundation is always in need, but they are accomplishing a great deal. Most recently, they constructed a wonderful playground in a very underprivileged orphanage, which is allowing these girls to now grow and even thrive. Thank you for asking. I have more information about this charity on my Web site, roxanndawson.net.

Q: Hi Roxann, just wanted to wish you an early Happy Birthday and say that your books are wonderful. I was just curious as to whether you'd ever write about B'Elanna, like Robert Picardo did for The Doctor.
chrisjimithing41

RD: I don't think I could write about B'Elanna, because I'm too close to her. I could tell better stories when I can step away.

Q: I very much enjoyed all three of the books in the Tenebrea series. Andrea Flores is a wonderful character to read. Is there any chance that we may see this series become a TV movie or film?
cmdr_malqa

RD: I would love to see it turned into a film. Daniel Graham and I are looking for the right way to do this. Daniel Graham is my co-writer. We both would love to see that happen.

Q: I absolutely loved your work on Voyager, as well as both your Voyager and Enterprise directing efforts. My question is, how did you choose both of your daughters' names? And do you have a nickname?
jdeluca

RD: I don't have a nickname. And my daughters' names have just been my favorites for a long time.

Q: What was your personal favorite Voyager episode and why?
christine428

RD: There have been a few. I think "Remember" had very important things to say, as well as "Lineage," which is my personal favorite from an acting standpoint. Both episodes were beautifully written. "Remember" is especially potent in light of September 11th. If you go back to see that episode again, you'll know what I mean.

Q: Tomorrow [Sept. 11] is a sad day, do you remember exactly what you did last year (apart from your birthday)?
saskia

RD: I think because it is my birthday, it impacted me in a strange way. The plans for my birthday were cancelled on that day. My kids stayed home from school and we did a lot of hugging. I'm sure this sounds familiar.

Q: Ms. Dawson, what will you do on the anniversary of that event?
horn_1121

RD: Try to be as normal as possible. I'll definitely wear red, white and blue, fly my flag and "remember."

Q: Dogs or cats, tea or coffee, white wine or red wine. I'm going to take a guess: Dogs, coffee, red wine ... ?

RD: Yes!

Q: Ms. Dawson, chocolate or vanilla?
ensignsunburn

RD: Vanilla.

Q: I have always wondered while watching Voyager, what were those pieces of metal on your shoulder area, near your rank pins? They were only on for, like, a season. What were they?
borg1982

RD: They did absolutely nothing. They were on that hideous smock I wore to cover my real life pregnant belly. Did it work?

Q: What did you consider doing before you became an actress? What jobs did you do to sustain yourself?
iceplanetzeo

RD: I've been fortunate enough to never to have had another job. Acting has sustained me since I graduated from college. So I feel very lucky.

Q: Would you go to the International Space Station on the Soyuz if you had the chance?
designationlocutus

RD: Do you mean if I had the money? Yes, for sure.

Q: Have you ever had a chance to meet Michael Dorn or any other actor who played a Klingon from any show?
lucidmaquis

RD: I have met Michael Dorn. We talked about make-up, hair and facials.

Q: I have a crush on a boy at school, do you have any advice?
silvia929

RD: Go for it, baby! Just remember, they are the weaker sex.

Q: Is it difficult being a female director?
spookiebear

RD: There are very few female directors. It's definitely a man's world, so yes, it's a bit tougher, I think. But I think the profession of directing is tough anyway, at least to make a name for yourself.

Q: Were there any Voyager episodes that you didn't enjoy, and why?
captainc

RD: There were a few, but I'm sworn to secrecy.

Q: I heard you are a kickboxer. Is it true?
gul_durek_sisk

RD: It's not true, but I'm sure I could kick some boxes. :)

Q: What do you personally feel Star Trek has contributed to society, and do you think Gene Roddenberry's dream of the future has had an impact on you?
xaivier98

RD: His idealism is always refreshing. I think the best episodes are when we wrestle with that in the real world.

Q: Did you feel intimated when Jeri wore her skin suit? Other than B'Elanna, which other character would you rather have played? Also, my dad thinks you are pretty hot — (hehe) for a Klingon, that is!
ltkilika

RD: Very intimidated! I was pregnant at the time she joined our show, and watched my belly grow as hers seemed to get smaller and smaller and smaller.

Q: Roxann, may I just say that your episodes of Enterprise have been among my favorites ...
blueshift

RD: Thank you.

Q: Do you have any idols that you admire?
designationlocutus

RD: My mom and dad.

Q: Where are you from and do you miss home?
iceplanetzeo

RD: I am home. I was born and raised in Los Angeles. I went to college at Berkeley and lived in New York for about eight years before returning here to my home.

Q: Do you feel that your role on Voyager and as a director has opened the door for other Latin-American actors?
horn_1121

RD: I think it's opened the door for other Klingons! The thing I like about Star Trek is that the Latina side is not very important.

Q: Are you a suit person, or are you a jean and t-shirt lady?
spookiebear

RD: Definitely jean and t-shirt. But I do love a good suit.

Q: I heard you love to garden. What kind of garden do you have?
luckylady

RD: No, I love to have a gardener and watch him plant a lot of really pretty things that I don't know the names of. I then plant the annuals — love those Impatiens.

Q: My mother is 69 years old and she watches you every night. How was the chemistry between you and Mr. Paris in real life?
mrspicard3688

RD: In real life, Robbie and I are great friends. We still see each other a lot and have performed [the plays] "Love Letters" and the "Blue Room" at conventions.

Q: Roxann, do you actually know the Klingon launguage?
admiral_garnoopy

RD: Q'pla!

Q: Roxann, you have a great sense of humor — have you ever considered doing comedy live on stage?
ukjonny

RD: I've done plays that are considered comedies, but I could never be a comedienne. That seems like one of the toughest jobs.

Q: What directors have influenced you?
flatrich

RD: The renowned producer Irwin Winkler. I acted in his directorial debut in a role opposite Robert De Niro, and I will always treasure the experience. The movie was called "Guilty by Suspicion."

Q: Were there technical problems with the Andorian antennas in the episode you directed?
ltsharpe

RD: We solved a lot of the problems before production, but the most difficult one was that they are very fragile, so anytime we had fight sequences, we risked losing them. And they could not be replaced.

Q: What is your "perfect day" like? What do you do?
ensignsunburn

RD: Start off the day hiking in the mountains near me. Go on a really long bike ride, picnic with my kids, dinner date with my husband and ... actually, that's what I would like to do for my birthday.

Q: How was it making ST: Voyager Elite Force?
commanderm

RD: I did the voice for that. I have a copy of it at home but haven't opened the box — is it any good?

Q: Do you really have a motorcycle?
angelkiss21

RD: I did have a motorcycle, but sold it when I became pregnant and will not buy another until my children are 30.

Q: Is there one thing that you have always wanted to do but have not done it yet? What is it?
ensignsunburn

RD: So many things. Sky-diving, a safari ... countless things, really. And yes, that trip to the space station would be good, too!

Q: What kind of music do you listen to?
spookiebear

RD: Classical, country and Barney.

Q:: Will you consider directing feature films?
iceplanetzeo

RD: Yes, I would consider it. I would love to, in fact. Are you making an offer?

Q: What is your favorite childhood memory?
dr_lana_hayes

RD: My childhood was pretty great, so I have a lot. It's fun reliving those moments now, with my own children.

Q: Any conventions coming up that you're going to be a part of?
sufon

RD: Yes, check my Web site, roxanndawson.net.

Q: Were you really pregnant in real life when you were pregnant on the show?
number1fan

RD: No. Ironically, I was pregnant in real life and they hid it. As soon as I lost my weight, they made me pregnant on the show. That makes a lot of sense, huh?

Q: Do you like to read?
the_squirrel_smuggler

RD: I love to read! I'm currently reading "Lucky Man" by Michael J. Fox.

Q: In one episode, you were floating in the space suit they used in "First Contact." How was that? Did it make you feel like an astronaut?
talkingtricorder

RD: It made me feel nauseous — I was pregnant at the time, and it was extremely uncomfortable.

Q: Do you have any pets?
securitron

RD: Yes, I have a dog named Harley, a Rottweiler. And I have some fish, too.

Q: What made you decide to become an actress, and if you could go back, would you do something different?
deanna_troi

RD: I've always wanted to be an actor. I can't remember a time when I didn't. But yes, if I had a chance, I'd certainly try something else. There are so many wonderful things to do with one's life.

Q: What other TV shows do you like to watch?
spookiebear

RD: The Shield is very edgy, but beautifully directed. I also enjoy Six Feet Under, and American Dreams, which will be starting to air this fall, is an excellent show.

Q: Roxann, what is your favorite movie?
maquisvixin

RD: "The Wizard of Oz," "Sophie's Choice," "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?" and "Taxi Driver."

Q: On Saturday mornings, would you rather wake up early and watch Saturday morning cartoons or sleep in late?
dr_lana_hayes

RD: Those are my only choices?! Neither. I'll just keep you guessing.

Q: Where do you see yourself in twenty years' time?
sufon

RD: Hopefully still alive! Still working and being able to spend a lot of time with my family. A few Oscars would be nice, too.

Star Trek Host: Thank you everyone for joining us today!

RD: It's been wonderful talking with all of you from around the world. I still can't get over that! Star Trek fans are the best!!

Bye Roxann, we love your work!
rbertolotti2002

Roxann, we love you! Thanks for coming!
admiral_garnoopy

Thank you for being here with us. We all appreciate your time and good luck in the future!!! Q'pla!
iceplanetzeo

Thanks for your time, Roxann!
borg1982

Thanks, Ms. Dawson, for coming and chatting with us!
voyagerfanatic

THANKS ROX!!!!!!!!
securitron

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
talkingtricorder

Thanks, Roxann ... keep up the great work :)
tock

Bonsoir!
rick_oconnor

Thanks, Ms. Dawson, good luck.
deanna_troi

still foxy, roxy!!
justasfoxyroxy

Rox you Rock
hypaholic

Have a pleasant evening! And a happy birthday tomorrow!
saskia

Happy birthday, Roxann! You rock!
dr_lana_hayes

Bye, Roxann! You're the best! And Happy Birthday!
amazon123

THANK YOU MS. DAWSON!!!!!!!
benjamin_sisko

YOU RULE ROXANN!!!!!!!!!!!!!
porthose

Hugs and kisses from the UK — u r lovely, Roxann!! Byeee xxx
ukjonny

Happy Birthday!
luckylady

LOVE U!!!
maquisvixin

Thanks for the advice.
silvia929

love you, roxy.
thomaskat

Happy Birthday and thanks!
admiral_garnoopy

Star Trek Host Too: Thank you for joining us today! Stay tuned for upcoming chats and other events right here on STARTREK.COM!