Mr. Phillips plays Neelix on Star Trek: Voyager, and Mr. Picardo plays the Holographic Doctor.

Question: Question for Mr. Phillips: How will Neelix's role as a crew member develop as Voyager moves further from his home territory and he is less able as a guide?
Anne_and_Mike

Ethan Phillips: I think the producers are addressing that as we speak. They're going to try to find something for him to do so that he is just as indispensable as he was as a guide. I'm not sure what that is yet, but I think it has something to do with Sexual Stud. :-)

Bob Picardo: I think ship's sexual surrogate is the correct expression.

Q: if you could change one thing about your character, what would it be?
winfax2

BP: I'd like to look like Robert Beltran.

EP: I'd like to look like Roxann Dawson.

Q: Robert and Ethan, Have you read any of the STAR TREK novels and how do you feel about the possibility of being part of the seemingly endless STAR TREK universe years after the last show has been done?
texasromens

EP: I read "Murdered Sons" by Kristi Golden, and thought it was a terrific book. It's the only STAR TREK novel I've ever read.

BP: I'm not saying I'd like my epitaph to be "please state the nature of the medical emergency," but I was awfully proud when DeForest Kelly went on stage at a convention in Sacramento and said, "Dammit, I'm a doctor not a hologram."

Q: Mr. Picardo: Which of the various different character roles that you have performed in Joe Dante's movies are your favorite(s)?
WUBLETT

BP: I would say the cowboy in "Innerspace" is my proudest Joe Dante-inspired creation. Can anyone tell me the origin of the accent I was doing in that movie?

I've heard everything from Mexican to Albanian.

Q: what are your plans to attend future conventions?
Smithsugardeb

EP: Hopefully, I should be attending one this weekend, if everything goes well with the flight, in Alabama.

In a couple of weeks, we're having a convention in a Phone Booth in Canoga Park.

BP: I will also be at the mother of all STAR TREK conventions in Huntsville Alabama and thereafter I'm accepting any convention offer that doesn't conflict with Mr. Phillips date in Canoga Park.

Q: Question for Ethan Phillips.....Is your personality and demeanor anything like your character in Voyager? It appears to me that you have a lot of fun with your role.
BLOglesbee

EP: He is like me, and I do have an awful lot of fun playing him. Gosh, I hope you enjoy him as much as my mom does.

Q: Will The Doctor ever get a name?
Brooks_Mus

BP: Viacom Consumer Products s currently in heavy negotiations with several manufacturers about an appropriate commercial tie-in. I am considering Dr. Pepper, Dr. Scholl's "Unlimited Free Moleskin", Dr. Kevorkian, Dr. Suess, Dr. Ruth, and Dr. Green, the Credit Dentist.

Q: What do you think of the Merchandising and how do you feel when you see yourselves as icons?
Ian

EP: I feel iconic, but I have to credit Mr. Picardo with this answer: When I get one of those action dolls of Neelix, I think "Oh my, I can finally play with myself in public!"

BP: I was originally cast in Voyager so Viacom Consumer Products could use all the leftover Patrick Stewart Dolls and color them in around the edge of the head however, changing the color of the uniform proved to be financially un-advantageous. Had they simply made me captain, none of this would have been a problem. But I like being trapped on one set.

Q: Mr. Picardo and Mr. Phillips, is there going to be an increase of rivalry in the stud department between you two?
Cecilia

EP: In 25 years of acting, this is the first time I got the girl. TWENTY-FIVE YEARS. I and I could lose her to a hologram. A BALD hologram. Honestly though, I think they're relationship is platonic.

BP: The only reason our relationship is platonic is the holographic doctor is not anatomically correct. However, with my Season Three upgrade, I am looking forward to adventures in areas for which I was not originally designed.

Q: Mr. Picardo, how much of your hilarious lines do you have a say in? Do you come up with your own jokes?
Cecilia

BP: I wish I could say that I did, but only about 3 or 4 of my joke lines have been suggestions I have made to the writers. I hope someday to look at Ensign Kim and say, "He's dead, Kim."

Q: Q for Ethan - "Are you surprised that a character that began as essentially comic relief has grown to overshadow some of the "Starfleet" regulars?"
Evian

EP: Yes.

Q: MR. Phillips how long does it take to apply your makeup?
CLEEMAN1

EP: Let me put it this way: I don't want to say it takes a long time, but when they started, the Dead Sea was only SICK. But seriously folks, it takes 2 hours and 45 minutes, and may depend on how much coffee my make-up man has had that morning.

Q: what plans are there in the development of The Doctor and do you have any say in this development?
clrknt

BP: The writers are open to our suggestions as actors but they have strong ideas about what they want to do with my character this year. In an upcoming episode, the Doctor's hard drive crashes and he has Alzheimer's' like symptoms. Also he is liberated from Sickbay in an early episode this season. My favorite thing to do so far has been some singing the Doctor has become an opera fan.

Q: Neelix: How come your hair is so frizzy? What type of gel do you use? Don't forget to answer!!!!!
William

EP: The hair is frizzy because of the Metreon Cascade. Which interestingly enough, is the name of the gel I use.

Q: How were the actors able to develop such synergy at the very first episode? It took TNG and DS9 2 or 3 entire seasons to get to where you guys were at the pilot. I am very impressed with all of you.
Russel

BP: I think it's a combination of factors: the cast is a nice group of people, and an extraordinarily professional one, and I think we were bound together early on by being part of one of the most anticipated and hyped shows of recent memory. When the show premiered well, our collective sigh of relief was mistaken for synergy.

EP: How could I possibly add to that?

Q: I have heard that a member of the Cast will not make it through the season. Is this true?
Brooks_Mus

EP: It is true that a cast member will not make it through this season. In fact, it's difficult to say this, but 8 cast members will not make it through this season. We are already in development with licensing to establish a Star Trek: Neelix television series.

BP: Claudia Schiffer will co-star.

Q: If the Voyager is in the same quadrant as the Borg, then why haven't we seen any?
jayaycock

BP: Because the Borg are in the upcoming STAR TREK: First Contact movie. They are on a press junket and won't be available to Voyager until January 97.

Q: I'd like to ask both actors: Did you grow up on old Science Fiction films?
Cimborn

EP: I grew up on all those old Bob Picardo films. He looks very good, doesn't he?

Q: What did you think of star trek before going in and what are your thoughts now? And how do you feel about the almost instant recognition from being associated with it?
Paul

BP: I think it's safe to say that Ethan and I were getting too old to be overnight sensations, so thanks to STAR TREK, we just squeaked in.

EP: I thought Star Trek was a very good show before going into it. And now, I think it's even better.

BP: Excuse me, was there another STAR TREK before Voyager?

Q: Could we get a sneak peak at what's going to happen in tomorrow night's season premiere?
chop5

BP: "I'm a doctor, not a counterinsurgent." The holographic doctor teams up with Suder, the psychopath to save Voyager.

Q: Isn't it a strange coincidence that you previously worked with another STAR TREK regular -Rene Auberjonois- over 20 years ago on the TV comedy "Benson". What's the possibility of you two working together again in a DS9/Voyager crossover episode?
Nandor

EP: It was 15 years ago. It is a strange coincidence, I agree. What's even stranger, at the last "Benson" convention I was at, I bought a Governor doll signed by George Takei. To be serious, I don't think they'll put the two of us together. We're just too far apart.

Q: Ethan, are we going to see any more of "A Briefing with Neelix" this season?
Chad_vTrek

EP: I hope so. I enjoyed doing that. Bob Picardo actually suggested we do a running thing on it, where I interview him. Health an Hygiene with Dr. No-Name.

Q: Mr. Picardo, as the Chief Medical Doctor, don't you have the power to remove Neelix from his position as Chief Chef for medical reasons?
Cecilia

BP: I do. But my greatest fear is that he'll be reassigned to Sickbay.

EP: Ouch.

Q: Mr. Phillips: I'm wondering about the Kes/Neelix relationship. How is it that an extremely attractive young woman like Kes is attracted to (if you'll forgive me) that muppet/squirrel Neelix?
Michael

EP: That's a good question. And a kind question. How can I say this... I don't think I can on a family-rated network. I just can't answer why Kes is so attracted to Neelix.

Q: Do you think that you'll have any greater roles in the future, after being apart of the newest part of the legendary STAR TREK?
Cimborn

EP: That's a sad question. And a frightening question. And you confuse me, and I'm scared.

BP: We're expecting you, Cimborn, to buy tickets for any future Bob Picardo/ Ethan Phillips feature film vehicles.

EP: ("Wagons East II")

Q: Mr. Phillips, how much memory did Neelix and Tuvok have of the Tuvix incident? Are they closer friends?
Cecilia

EP: I personally don't think they have any memory of it.

BP: Clearly, Mr. Phillips has given no thought to the aftermath to his symbio-genetic experience. I'M the kind of actor who would have carefully analyzed such a plot for interesting insights for my future performances

EP: CUT HIM OFF

Q: Mr. Phillips, Is there a particular characteristic of Neelix that is totally unlike yourself?
ShadowGirl

EP: The amount of rubber and glue he has on his head. Normally I don't wear that much rubber and glue on a daily basis. But, ShadowGirl, thank you for your question.

Q: Could the holographic doctor appear on DS9 on another Federation starship (possibly on the Defiant)?
wrogers444

BP: Absolutely. I have two children to put through college.

Q: Mr. Phillips: I was wondering if you were being courted (so to speak) by the producers of Voyager, when you played your role in the Next Generation Series.
Claude

EP: I don't think so. Voyager wasn't a gleam in their eye. That was 1989. I don't think Berman even remembered me, to tell the truth.

Q: QUESTION - Are both of you new STAR TREK with the roles you have, or are you fans from way back?
ShadowGirl

EP: ShadowGirl, thank you again. I was a fan of the Original Series. A real die-hard fan, back in the 70s.

BP: I am a new fan. I was not among the enlightened ones, but I have thrown myself at the feet of the loyal, begged their forgiveness and been welcomed into?

EP: ShadowGirl, I can't see you. You're in the shadows... what are you wearing?

Q: Did either of you ever have the opportunity to meet Gene Roddenberry?
klgrube

BP: No.

EP: I met Gene Roddenberry, when I played Dr. Farek. I introduced myself to him, and told him what a fan I was of the original series. He looked me right in the eye and said: "Thank you very much." "That means a lot to me."

Q: if you had to work in anything but acting what would you like to do?
aircondit

EP: I'd like to be a paragliding instructor. Or a limnologist.

BP: Oh, manage a strip club in Toronto ... just kidding. Probably be a real doctor.

Q: Do either of you surf the net? I understand Garret Wang does, and Roxanne Biggs-Dawson is a lurker. What about the rest of the crew?
Cecilia

EP: I have an Olivetti 100... no modem.

BP: My wife surfs the net and gives me only information that will protect my fragile ego.

EP: Fragile but huge.

Q: Gentlemen: Who would win a fist fight: Neelix or the Doctor?
DOCCUERDON

EP: You would probably win.

BP: Clearly I would. I'm invulnerable. As I say in tomorrow's episode, "Sticks and stones won't break my bones, so you can imagine how I feel about being called names." So about that ego comment ...

Q: Mr., Picardo, You are a VERY attractive man. Have you ever modeled?
hYpOcHoNdRiAc

BP: God bless you. I did wear snakeskin briefs in Innerspace. that was the extent of my modeling experience.

EP: I was a swimsuit model for years.

Q: How much time do you guys spend on the sets every day? How many days in the week do you spend on the set? And when you are not on the set what do you enjoy doing?
clrknt

EP: When I'm working, I spend 15 to 17 hours on the set.

BP: When we're not acting we're promoting our season premiere.

Q: Ethan, do you have to wear your makeup off the set home or to eat??
Brooks_Mus

BP: Yes. They put it on the first day of the season and take it off when we wrap in the spring. But someone from Paramount goes to the supermarket for him.

Q: Do either of you think the cliff-hangers work with the prevalence of Internet, convention reports and other leakage?
Cecilia

EP: We'll know tomorrow, won't we.

Q: Bob & Ethan seem to have a great relationship. Were they friends before or did they meet on Voyager?
yakkerm

BP: We were friends until this afternoon when he made that comment about my huge ego, I realized I'd misjudged his character.

EP: I know Bob in a past life. He was an actor then too, but he was pretty good.

BP: Seriously, Ethan and I met in 1978 when we were New York theater actors and have been friends ever since. But this is the first time (other than Wagons East) that we've had a working experience together. And I think we're both pretty happy about that.

EP: Damn happy.

Q: For the Doctor and Neelix, does Kate sound like Katherine Hepburn or is it just me?
jayaycock

BP: Why, do you sound like Katherine Hepburn?

Q: A question from England, would Mr. Picardo have liked to play "Bones" in the original series...?
Captivetrill

BP: Well, I'd be 74 now, but, I'd be on at least 16 commemorative plates. I'd still have a great hairline. I guess the answer's yes.

Q: Will Neelix ever stop tormenting Tuvok?
geordi1701

EP: Not until his attitude changes. Neelix cannot comprehend the Vulcan mind. It just doesn't make sense to him that a person couldn't smile or express joy in ways that most people do. I don't think its torment. It's this incredible belief that if he picks at his arm enough, we'll see the REAL Tuvok, who is really Wink Martindale.

Q: Who are your influences in acting?
Morn3421

BP: Buddy Hackett and Jonathan Harris.

EP: Donald Pleasance, Allistare Sim, Ester Williams, Gean-Louis Trintingaunt. (sp?)

EP: and Bob Picardo.

Q: Robert, I understand that you originally auditioned for the Neelix role?
geordi1701

BP: We each auditioned for the others' role and didn't get it.

But, I suppose we'd be in different places on the commemorative plates.

I'd like to thank Mr. Picardo and Mr. Phillips for joining us here tonight. Good luck with your future projects.

EP: Thank you. It was a pleasure.

BP: Thanks a lot, we had a great time. Hope you don't mind that we had a little fun with the questions, but we're dull when we're serious.