Tim Russ, "Tuvok" from Star Trek: Voyager.

Question: Tim, what do you like to do in your spare time?

Tim Russ: I like to scuba dive and I play music whenever I get a chance. I have to be careful about hobbies because of injury?. I work out when I can and like astronomy.

Q: I am happy to see the inclusion of people of many cultures in the crew of Voyager. It makes me believe there may actually be a light at the end of the tunnel mankind now finds itself in. I remember Ms. Nichelle Nichols speaking at length about her meeting with Dr. Martin Luther King & the things he told her. My question, finally, is what is your view of the impact Star Trek: Voyager / Tuvok / Tim Russ has on the present social condition??

TR: I think television is a very pervasive, very powerful medium I would like to believe the character I play as an African-American has some influence with young people of all races. But it is hard to gauge.

Q: Do you think that our future will be just like the one that is shown on Star Trek?
Norm

TR: If we stay on the course that we are on now, and we are able to survive, our effects on this planet and ourselves, then perhaps we will achieve the ideals of what we portray on Star Trek but I think it will be long time before that happens.

Q: Hi Tim! What's the fastest animal on earth?
Russ

TR: Hi Russ, I believe its the cockroach. in relative speed.

Q: Did you really fire a wet spit ball in Kate Mulgrew's face late at night (or very early in the morning) during one of her close-up scenes and then post "moon" shots of yourself in your trailer?? Kate says yes -- what's your story??

TR: I would say that is probably accurate. It's an ongoing war.

Q: How was it working with George Takei? and How meticulous was the cast at recreating the "Star Trek VI" scenes?
UNH

TR: Working with George Takei was an extraordinary experience. He was very gracious and talented. And they were very meticulous in recreating the scenes from "Star Trek VI".

Q: One of the most intense and endearing episodes in Star Trek was Spock's role in "AMOK TIME". Has your eventual fate been written yet being that I do not recall any available Vulcan mates on Voyager? If this has already been worked out, I cant wait to see it.
Mjtmd

TR: There is a pon-farr episode in the works, however, there will be a twist.

Q: I'm only 14 but I still like the classic movies. I was wondering do you try to base your character on Mr. Spock (which I think is fine) or are you creating a whole new Vulcan character?
Brad

TR: The foundation for my character was based on Spock's character, but through the help of the writers and myself we are forging an individual character.

Q: Out of all the captains in the Star Trek shows Captain Janeway is my favorite. What is it like to work with her?
Johnny

TR: Kate who?

Q: AM CURIOUS, GIVEN YOUR INTENSE LOGICAL MIND, WHAT IS YOUR THOUGHT ON THE NOTION THAT THE CAPTAIN AND CHAKOTAY NEED TO SPICE IT UP A LITTLE?
princess pooh

TR: I think its interesting to see how the stories manipulate the characters. Normally it's the other way around.

Q: Did you enjoy being a military brat? What kinds of things do you remember about Turkey (I spent 2 years there)? Did you live any other interesting places?
Teresa

TR: I did not enjoy the lifestyle I had in the military. Having to move every couple of years because you would lose the friends that you made every time.

Q: How tall are you?
Rich

TR: 6'.

Q: How does it feel to be apart of almost every single Trek?
Dave

TR: I feel very very lucky. I was always a fan of the Original Series, and as an actor when I first moved to Los Angeles I wanted a role in one of the "Star Trek" features.

Q: Does your role as Tuvok get boring because the role hardly ever calls for emotions to be stressed, so one would assume it to be boring.
CAPTAINSULU

TR: No, its not playing the character that would be considered routine, it is the work schedule that would be considered routine

Q: Hello Tim, Love your work! Knowing that you were runner-up for the role of Geordi La Forge on Star Trek: The Next Generation, If you had your choice of characters would you have played La Forge or Tuvok?
Brad

TR: Given the choice between Geordi and Tuvok
I would choose Janeway...
... no, Tuvok.

Q: Please tell us all of the parts you have played in ST.
Leah

TR: It started with a terrorist (Starship Mine, Star Trek: The Next Generation) Klingon in Invasive Procedures (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine)
tactical officer on Enterprise-B in "Star Trek: Generations"
Tuvok on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Tuvok on Voyager.
That's Tuvok in the alternate universe.

Q: With the many different Star Trek shows, what do you think makes your show and character stand out from the other Series?
Jay

TR: I would say the size and diversity of the cast and the fact that we are lost in the Delta Quadrant Out of contact with the Federation.

Q: When you see yourself on television (if you watch Star Trek: Voyager) are you surprised how you look as a Vulcan?
Tom

TR: No, I'm not surprised at all.
when you see yourself on a regular basis, you get used to it.

Q: What do we have to do to keep Star Trek: Voyager alive!
Christopher

TR: Keep watching and writing.

Q: How did you manage to balance the block of the cathera with your eyes closed in the episode "Flashback?"
Gene

TR: About six takes.

Q: Tim, you have appeared with all four captains, Kirk , Picard, Sisko and Janeway as well as being a main cast member and are certainly an integral part of Trek, but what I have always wanted to ask you was what was it like to stand on the same bridge with Bill Shatner as Kirk in the scene from "Generations".
Barry

TR: That was a major thrill. Again, because I was a fan of the original series

Q: What are the sets like?
Travis

TR: If you were standing on the bridge of Voyager, you would think it could fly.

Q: How have you, Tim, added to the persona of the character, Tuvok?
Diane

TR: Generally, most actors are cast based on their personality. There is some of Tuvok in me and some of me in Tuvok.

Q: Do you like playing aVulcan? Is it hard when there is a dramatic scene?
Meg

TR: It is difficult sometimes when playing a scene opposite another actor who is showing hostility toward you or compassion because the tendency is to react as a human being would react. So sometimes I have to catch myself.

Q: I remember Tuvok holding the rank of Lieutenant Commander in the pilot of Voyager. Why is he now a lieutenant, Mr. Russ.
Eric

TR: Two reasons: Because Chakotay was chosen as second-in-command it would be a little crowded in the Lieutenant Commander dept. and second, the character was demoted after his actions in Prime Factors.

Q: What are the filming hours?
Meg

TR: If I work first thing Monday morning my call is 5:45 am. and the average day is 12 hours.

Q: Tim, did you ever expect to be such an important part of Star Trek after being narrowly beaten by LeVar Burton for the role of La Forge?
Barry

TR: No, I had no idea what was going to happen from month to month

Q: The intermeshing of your character and Nelix into Tuvix was quite a provocative moral and ethical problem which was faced by the crew. How did it affect you, the actor, to see your character combined with another?
Glenn

TR: I had the week off. I thought the physical appearance of the character was amazing and the actor's portrayal was excellent.

Q: How has your life changed since you got the part of Tuvok?
Benjamin

TR: Now I have to do this web site stuff. I'm a little busier now than I used to be.

Q: In "The Swarm" it looked like Tuvok wanted to warn Capt. Janeway about how dangerous it would be to cross through "Swarm space" and yet he said nothing. Was there originally an objection in the script? If not, don't you find it odd that the Security Chief would not object?
Brice

TR: He did advise against it in the briefing room and I did ask the producers for more of an objection. I thought the character should have been in on devising the flight plan through that part of space.

Q: Is there good chemistry on the set...with the members of the cast?
Lynn

TR: There is excellent chemistry between us we all get along with each other sometimes too well to the irritation of the directors.

Q: Are you married? Do you have kids? Do you have a computer with Internet access and a e-mail address?
Iceman54

TR: No, I am not married, I do not have any kids that I know of and I do have a computer, but I don't have an e-mail address yet.

Q: Did you ever star in any motion pictures?
CyberPaul

TR: Yes, I worked on a number of motion pictures over the last 12 years "Eve of Destruction", "Fire with Fire", "Bird, Pulse", "Crossroads".

Q: Hey Tim, I was in the Theater Dept. with you at St. Edward's in Austin, TX. Glad to see you're doing well. Will you ever go back to do a play there?
Debbie

TR: It's good to hear from you, Debbie. I may be in contact with the theater dept. at St. Edwards in the next few months. If you'd like to reach me, you can contact me through Paramount.

Q: I was just wondering if you are into computers at all and if so, what do you like to do? Thanks.
Eric

TR: I do own a Mac and I enjoy flight simulators

Q: Do you have a joystick?
Enrico

TR: I beg your pardon? Yeah, I do have a joystick.

Q: Tim, would you like to see Star Trek: Voyager continue as a series of feature films, following the run of the TV show?
Serge

TR: I would enjoy working on a Voyager feature, especially if I am unemployed at the time.

Q: I don't think I've never seen your credits as director of any Star Trek episode and many cast members (especially the ones from Star Trek: The Next Generation) are directing episodes these days. Are you thinking of directing?
Cinder

TR: I have been in the voluntary director's internship program through the show for the past year and a half.

Q: Have you starred in any Broadway plays? What was your education like in terms of acting?
Frank

TR: I had a lead role in "Dream Girls" at the Schubert Theater here in Los Angeles I studied acting for 5 years before moving to LA and have taken workshops since arriving.

Q: What did you do on your summer vacation? I heard you were working on a movie?
Morn421

TR: My partner and I, Nate Thomas, produced a feature film called "East of Hope Street" this past summer. Hopefully, it will be out spring of next year.

Q: Star Trek has changed noticeably since the "passing of the torch" from Roddenberry to Berman, Piller, and Taylor. In your opinion, has Star Trek improved as a result?

TR: I feel that the basic principles of Star Trek and some of the details have remained intact. The flavor of the shows have changed based on the circumstances of the ship.

Q: What character were you in Crossroads?
Mark

TR: Robert Johnson.

Q: Since being in Star Trek: Voyager have women come up to you and ask you out on a date?
Greg

TR: No, but I've had a lot of attention from small farm animals.

Q: Tim, we met you at a convention in Pa we found you funny and entertaining do you plan to be attending any other conventions soon?.
Mike

TR: Right now, Denver 9/28 and 9/29 andHunt Valley, Maryland, 10/5.

Q: Did you get to play guitar in Crossroads?
Mark

TR: Yes, I did. I played slide guitar.

Q: How old were you when you started acting?
Seb

TR: I was 17 when I started acting.

Q: Thank you for participating in this exchange!
Rob

Q: Did you have to fight your way into Star Trek, or did they come to you?
Mark

TR: It was entirely by chance. I was simply called in for an audition.

Q: What is Robert Beltran like? I have heard that he flubs lines a lot, is that true?
Josh

TR: In order to mess up a line you have to have it memorized to begin with. There are days when Robert has difficulty remembering his lines, but then we all have those days.

Q: Are you friends with any one cast member more then the others?
Chris

TR: I hang out with Ethan Phillips on occasion, believe it or not. Because Ethan has no friends.

Q: When you say a lot of "techno-babble" do you have any idea what it means?
Enrico

TR: Some of the techno-babble is vaguely based on physics. It is easier to recognize it than it is to say it.

Q: Do people recognize you in public as being on Star Trek?
Monica

TR: I am very often recognized as being on Star Trek: Voyager.

Q: Do you enjoy going on the Internet?

TR: It is the first time that I have done it. I find it fascinating that I am able to speak to so many people at once.

Q: Are you getting tired of all the Trek Technical questions and the story explanations asked of you?
Brad

TR: It is part of the job.

Q: Which actor is the weakest in playing their character, I mean are there any stragglers?
Arthur

TR: All of the cast members are very strong actors except Ethan Phillips.

Q: How do you feel about Star Trek's ethical and moral messages? Do you like being part of a subtly political show?
Ryan

TR: Those types of questions are what separate Star Trek from Baywatch.

Q: Do the actors have any say in the writing of the show? Can you make modifications in the script?
John

TR: We sometimes will ask the producers/writers for changes in dialogue or in character motivation

Quite often they give us those changes.

Q: Hi Mr. Russ I've heard you have a great singing voice. What kind of songs do you sing, and do you write them?
Connie

TR: I prefer Armenian folk songs. Just kidding.

Actually, I play jazz standards and pop standards... I don't play any of my own material right now.

Q: Do you feel that Star Trek will be around for the foreseeable future? Indefinitely?
Rich

TR: That all depends on the audience.

Q: In the Original Series, there was tendency to try to make Spock more human. How would you react if they try to "humanize" Tuvok?
Chris

TR: They have been trying to humanize Tuvok since the first year.

Q: Are any of the actors romantically involved with each other off stage?
Arthur

TR: Ethan Phillips has been romantically involved with himself.

Q: Tim, the Internet is obviously the way we're going to interact in the future. Do you think that isolated bursts of communication are desirable, compared to face-to-face conversation? Do you think the Internet will be a positive influence on human communication?
Ryan

TR: I couldn't say whether it will be a positive influence or not. I think its just another step in the evolutionary process of communication.

Q: I think I saw you on Family Matters once, was that you???
Himanshu

TR: Yeah, that was me.

Q: Do you think there is life on other planets?
John

TR: Yes, I do. The question is, what kind?

Q: What do you personally think of Star Trek compared to other sci-fi shows and movies???
Himanshu

TR: Star Trek as a series is unique. I think what distinguishes Star Trek from the average sci-fi are the messages.

Q: Tim, that little room you're in looks pretty hellish. Have you been forced into this or do you like chatting with the fans?
Ryan

TR: They threatened to fire me from the show if I didn't do the chat. I'm in fact strapped to the chair so I can't leave.

Q: how do the instrument panels/screen actually work/light up. Are they computer generated for film or are they computers operating in real time?
Mark

TR: The consoles on the ship are not computer generated. They are computer controlled and whatever we do, we can't touch the red button.

Q: I know it must be hard to keep such a straight, passive face all the time. Do you ever just crack up? How do you keep your focus?
Andrew

TR: It is particularly difficult to keep a straight face when working with Ethan Phillips.

Q: What was it like working with the original female captain slated to play the role of Captain Kate (her name escapes me)?
Genvieve Bujold

TR: The first captain was a method actress who had difficulty finding the character of Janeway. She was very quiet and kept to herself.

Q: Hey Tim, what's in the Thermos?
Bobo the Clown

TR: That's not a thermos. That's my joystick.

Q: I live in Sac. and when this show started I kept getting calls from people asking if I was related to Tim Russ. Has this been a problem for your family?
Darryl

TR: Being related to me was a problem before Star Trek: Voyager.

Q: Is it true that Robert ( Tom Paris) nickname is Mr. Fluffy?

TR: It was particularly true the first season. And I can't remember why we called him that.

Q: What was your thoughts on your first day on the Star Trek Voyager set?
Jacob

TR: There was a degree of anxiety on my part because I was...concerned about the producers liking what they saw on film.

Q: Is there any other show you would like to make a guest appearance on?
Chris Roy

TR: I would enjoy doing a voice on the Simpsons. I recently voiced a character on the new Saturday morning Spider Man series.

Q: What's the best part of being in Star Trek: Voyager, and the worst?
Michael

TR: The best part of it is that you feel as if you were part of a family and it is a steady gig... the worst part is that I have to work with Ethan Phillips.

We'd like to thank Tim Russ for taking the time from his very busy schedule to chat with us today. Any last things you'd like to mention?

TR: I occasionally appear at Common Grounds as part of a trio. They are located in Northridge, CA near Reseda and Nordhoff.

I will be appearing there November 3rd.