Question: Did you start acting in school? If so then how long did you do it, what was the favorite thing you did, and who/what encouraged you to endure the acting career?
Robert

GW: Yes I did start acting in college. I probably took classes and did a lot of theater for about five years... before I started acting professionally. My first inspiration was an acting teacher in college named Jenny Roundtree. I'd say the most challenging thing was a play called "Porcelain". The most difficult thing I have done since was... the pilot for Star Trek: Voyager. It was a long shoot. It went on for 31 days to shoot and it was a great adventure to me.

Q: What is the working atmosphere like on the set? Does every one get along, play jokes?
Laney

GW: The longer that we're there on set, the funnier the atmosphere becomes. Humorous, funny. At the end of a very long day, that's when we're at our best when it comes to our senses of humor. We all have a great sense of humor and get along very well for an ensemble cast.

Q: Are you doing any cons over the summer, and if so, where?
sd1GWAPES

GW: I'm doing something later in the summer, I think in July, In San Francisco. I think May 23rd I'll be doing an autograph signing at Cape Canaveral in Florida. That's about it for now.

Q: I saw the latest episode and am happy that they Kim feel confident to express his opinion will we see more of the new Ensign Kim?
CoolJ

GW: Definitely. I've always talked about how Ensign Kim has been a great role to play... he has book smarts but he doesn't have the various on the job experience. As the seasons progress, it's a natural progression for Kim to become a more mature and heroic character.

Q: Do you have any new projects we should know about?
Leonard

GW: I did a cameo in an independent film that I shot last Saturday. The film is tentatively titled ... "Auteur Theory." It's a film about young student independent film makers successfully screening their films at a film festivals. I play one of the young directors. It's a film within a film. I also act within the film that I'm filming in the film. I play God in the film that my character is filming. It's an interesting cameo role. A film that I did about a year and a half ago, "Hundred Percent as been doing the film festival circuit. It played at the LA Independent film festival in April and also it is opening the Asian American film Festival, May 14th. For those that are out there, it will be at the DGA May 14th at 7:30. There's a reception with the cast to follow and the Mayor will also be there. For further information, the phone number for Visual Communication is: 213-680-4462.

(The Web site for the film is vc.apanet.org/~viscom)

GW: I play an up and coming Asian American actor in the film.

Q: I saw 'hundred percent' at LAIFF...very good. Has other viewers liked it too?
sd1GWAPES

GW: We haven't heard about any awards yet, but we've gotten a lot of people come up to us after the screenings... and congratulate us and give us their support.

Q: Who do you feel your biggest role model is?
Jason

GW: Probably my parents.

Q: To Garret Wang I know TPTB want a Kim/Seven relationship. But there's a big group of fans who support very strongly a Torres and Kim relationship and who think Paris is all wrong for her. How do you feel about this?
Sonia

GW: Kim is not a picky guy. Either Torres or Seven will do fine. You know how long we've been out in the Delta Quadrant? My girlfriend back on Earth is probably already married.

Q: Is Garrett Wang your given name or just and identity developed for stage?
Odonna

GW: Garrett Richard Wang is my full name, but I did think of changing my last name... to Wayne... I don't know why, it seems that Hollywood tends to hire the less ethnic. But my parents would have killed me.

Q: Hi, Garret.Can we hope for a Janeway/Chakotay relationship?
Macy

GW: You can hope, but I think the writers will probably stick with one relationship at a time. Otherwise you'd have a soap opera.

Q: how did you come to audition for the role of Harry Kim and in what way do you think the "Star Trek experience" has made an impact on your career?
Lisa

GW: I got a call from my agent telling me I had an audition for the new Star Trek series... and he thought I would be perfect for the role. Unfortunately, it took Paramount six auditions in a two month period to believe that I was perfect for the role, too. The experience has been a classroom for me. I've developed a better understanding of the whole process of how to make a television show. Which will serve me in the future when I develop my own projects.

Q: I heard that you might be directing some Star Trek episodes soon. Is this true?

GW: Nothing soon, but I hope to be given the chance to direct an episode during the sixth season.

Q: What has been the greatest benefit to you from being on the cast of ST:Voy
Dave

GW: I got a discount on slate tiles for my house. The salesperson was an avid fan.

Q: You are clearly of Asian descent, what is you National Heritage?
Just Joe

GW: I was born here in California but my parents were born in China. So I'm Chinese American.

Q: Is there an aspect of you that is Harry Kim or is it the other way around?
DThelen

GW: In the beginning, I had to create Harry from parts of Garrett. But now, I've been doing it so long that I often feel that I am created from Harry.

Q: I know a couple of years ago you were in New York for a convention. How was it like to be in New York? How were the fans?
Orion

GW: I've been to New York several times. At one point I was dating a woman who was living in New York... I think New York is a fabulous city and the fans at that particular convention were great. As they are everywhere.

Q: What was it like in those big spacesuit like costumes in the last episode?
Guy Gizmo

GW: Extremely hard to move around in. And the helmets kept fogging up. And you can't hear each other speak when you're wearing the helmet.

Q: Alot of the other actors to portray characters thru out the years in Star Trek have had other great talents, Nichel Nichols sang, Gates McFadden, danced , as well as many others with various talents not usually used during filmimg of an episode. Do you have a hidden talent like that, and if so what is it?
Mark

GW: I think my hidden talents are drawing and writing.

Q: Out of curiousity, do you have a Chinese name that your parents gave you? If so, what is it and it's meaning?
Kat

GW: My Chinese-given name is Wang (pronounced Wong) Yi (pronounced ee) Chung (pronounced jahn)

(Garrett is now drawing the symbols for his Chinese name...we'll scan it and put it in the chat for you).

The art that's on screen right now for some of you... shows the characters in my Chinese name. The last part of the name is the meaning. My name in Chinese means "One who is admired by many." A very fitting name for an actor. Also very prophetic. In fact, my grandfather, who named me, also named my father and all his brothers and each of them ended up in a career which reflected the meaning of their names.

Q: Were you a fan of Star Trek before getting the role of Harry Kim?
CMillan

(Garrett is now posing for another photo - look for it in your Web browser in a few minutes)

GW: I watched the original show but I never really got into Next Generation. When Next Generation first came on, the day I decided to watch the show, an episode called, "Code of Honor" came on. I've been told by several insiders that this episode is considered one of the worst Next Generation episodes ever made. I definitely thought it was a weak episode when I watched it. That was my first impression of TNG, unfortunately. Three months later I decided to give Next Gen another chance and flipped on my TV once again... and lo and behold it was a rerun of Code of Honor. This is entirely true that a year and a half later, I tried to watch Next Gen and Code of Honor came on a third time. I never watched it again. I took it as a sign from above.

Q: can you settle a running argument for us? So you drink Coke, Pepsi, or water more?
GWAPES

GW: Actually, my favorite drink is Ginger Ale.

Q: There's been some indication of an attraction between Harry and Seven. Is this going anywhere?
"Mrs. Kim"

GW: Are you jealous Mrs. Kim? I think the only way for the Harry/Seven relationship to progress is for Seven to grow as a human being and return the respect that Harry gives her.

Q: Will you be playing on Voyager For The Rest Of The Series?
Brad

GW: Yes. I've been given the advice to never leave the cast of a TV show before the end of its run... by a couple of influential people.

Q: What do you think of the convention setups and how they are run?
Laney

GW: Overall, they're run fairly well but convention promoters must never lose sight of making their conventions an enjoyable experiences for the fan.

Q: My daughter Aimee is a very big fan of Harry Kim. She would like to know if Garrett plays the clarinet in real life or if only his character does?
eks

GW: I did not know how to play clarinet before I started acting on Star Trek: Voyager. But they hired a coach... to give me a crash course on playing the clarinet. If time permits I would like to pursue it on a more complex level.

Q: Hi Garrett. Do you know when "Hundred Percent" will be available to general screening? I've heard about this film for 5 months and I'm just dying to see it.
Richard

GW: We're still looking for a distributor at this point so no solid date as of yet.

Q: You're still an Ensign, any chance of a promotion?
BeruLars

GW: I think Ensign Kim's promotion is LONG overdue. Let's face it, Kim has endured the most torture, probing, death of any Star Trek: Voyager character. The least Janeway can do is promote him. Actually one day on the set... I walked up to Kate (Mulgrew) and asked her, "When are you going to give me a promotion?" She said, "I know, I know."

Q: referring to and earlier ques.: what is your favorite medium in drawing? pastels, pencils, charcoal?
Odonna

GW: I like all mediums. Watercolors are especially cool to work with.

Q: What is your favorite sci-fi movie?
Jo

GW: I have many favorites. My first Sci Fi movie ever was Star Wars. But since then many other Sci Fi films have entertained me. I liked Wrath of Khan, Aliens, Logan's Run... The Last Starfighter, that was fun... Battle Beyond the Stars.

Q: What about the rumour that the show will be returning to Federation space next season?
BeruLars

GW: Not as far as I know.

Q: Which cast member do you think is the most fun on the set?
Nik_L

GW: They are all fun in their own special way but I have the most laughs with Beltran. He is truly a funny guy.

Q: Do you think the Asian-conservative mindset will, indeed, be Westernized eventually?
George

GW: I think it will come to an equilibrium with eastern and western cultures affecting each other.

Q: Are you doing your own typing or dictating?
Tony

(Garrett is answering your questions, and Jackie Edwards is typing for him.)

Q: What kind of music do you like listening to?
tonedeaf

GW: I like listening to artists from every genre of music from country to metal. But I have been listening to a lot of "House" "Ambient" and "Electronica"

Q: Double down on Eleven?
Lucky

GW: Always.

Q: Do old star trek: TNG members crash the paramount lot from time to time?
Funkmaster Flex

GW: Only when they're directing a Star Trek: Voyager episode.

Q: You act with Tom Paris on the show like you're real good friends. How about off the stage?
NJA:Prometheus

GW: He's (Robbie) a very witty person. We get along well. But we don't really hang out that much because most of his time off the set is devoted to his growing family.

Q: So what's this "Running Guy" -thing that you and Robert Duncan McNeill do that we've heard about?
DThelen

GW: You have to see it to understand it. I'll show you at a convention if you remember to ask me.

Q: Do you read and respond to all your fan mail?
Can we get an autographed picture of you?
Richard

GW: I try to. I will warn you, I am months behind in dealing with all the fan mail. But please send a stamped, self-addressed envelope (9x12) to:
Garrett Wang
c/o Paramount Studios
5555 Melrose Ave, Cooper Building
Los Angeles, CA 90038

Q: How did you like the opening of the Star Trek experence?
Sara

GW: I think it's great that Vegas finally has an attraction which is futuristic. You can find practically every other motif going on; Roman, Egyptian, Medieval, etc. Until now, there was nothing based on the future. I think it would be a great trip for any family that loves Star Trek.

Q: How is the Chinese community viewing your performance on this show?
Dave

GW: They all ask me "Why do you have a Korean last name?" LOL.

Q: Are you thinking about a family of your own someday?
sp8472

GW: Why? Are you offering me one?

Q: What is it like to be a part of the Voyager crew? Which roll would you like to play other than your own?
Commander T Smith

GW: If I was given the chance to play another role other than my own on Star Trek: Voyager, I would choose to be The Captain. Being on the Star Trek: Voyager crew there's always a sense of excitement because we're constantly coming upon uncharted territory.

Q: Is Jeri Ryan taller than you?
Dave

GW: No, she is not. I think I've got about four inches on her.

Q: Do you have a significant other and do you ever go to the Pacific Northwest?
Andrea

GW: Yes, I have a significant other. Her name is Danielle. We've been dating for almost a year and a half. Yes, I have several relatives who live in Seattle, so I've made the trek up there quite often.

Q: Can you give any advice to up an coming performers?
Jeannette

GW: If you don't live in New York or Los Angeles, try to take all the acting classes that you can in your home town. Also, try to perform in stage plays and most importantly, get a job and save enough money to last for a year or longer, for when you move to either New York or Los Angeles to pursue your dream.

Q: What is one word that describes you?
Brendan

GW: Passionate.

Q: In school, what type of student were you-- class clown, the jock, nerd or just taking up space?
WrathofLil

GW: Probably a combination of all four.

Q: I am 7 years old -- I was wondering if you knew what the Voyager ship is made of?
Joey

GW: Chocolate.

Q: I heard a rumor that you would show up to the set with a different woman every day. Is there any truth to this rumor?
Jason

GW: You are referring to Robert Beltran's comments about me in People Magazine. You must understand that the printed word is often taken out of context. That's Beltran's exaggerated sense of humor coming out.

Q: Hi, Mr. Wang! I'm wondering, between the Voyager's cast members, who messes up with their lines the most?
Orion

GW: Beltran. Hands down.

Q: What are the three things you would bring with you if you were trapped on a desert island?
Brendan

GW: Danielle. Fishing pole. Water purification tablets.

Q: When is your birthday? What screen credits do you hold?
JOSIE

GW: December 15th and my credits are on STARTREK.COM.

(You can find a bio for Garrett along with his screen credits in the Cast section of Earth Support)

Q: I was born in the year of the Pig, what is your year?
BB

GW: Monkey.

Q: Do you have any brothers or sisters? If so, are they older or younger?
Clueless101

GW: I have one younger sister, Laura, who works for a bank.

Q: how do you like the Voyager uniforms?
un

GW: Too tight when you're sitting. Too hot in the summer. And very unforgiving.

Q: Your bio says you lived in Tennessee. Which part? (I'm near Nashville in a town called Murfreesboro.)
ShawnPH

GW: I've been there. I lived in Memphis. Actually, Cordova, just outside of Memphis.

Q: did you ever get the chance to meet Gene Rodenberry?
mcnabb

GW: Unfortunately, no.

Q: What is it like for you to be playing one of the youngest and cutest (handsomest too!) characters on Star trek Voyager? Is it everything you hoped for?
StoneAmber

GW: Thank you for your compliments. I've had a blast working on "Star Trek: Voyager."

Q: Now that you are fairly well known, can you safely go out without being hounded by fans?
Dave

GW: For the most part I can go anywhere without being hounded too badly. But on days where I want to be anonymous, I wear a baseball cap.

Q: You seem to be in quite good shape, What type of exercise regimen to you do?
Matt Collins

GW: You must need glasses. Actually I've just restarted my workout regimen. I mix free weights and aerobic exercises.

Q: Are you married ;)
Stephanie

GW: No, not yet.

Q: What haven't you done that you would like to do now in your present career? Whether it's in Voyager or not.
Rigel 106

GW: I'd like to write a screenplay. I'd also like to write an episode of Star Trek: Voyager. That would be fun.

Q: Do you like Shakespeare?
Clueless101

GW: Yes.

Q: Have you seen Star Trek:First Contact?
Taso

GW: Yes, several times.

Q: Who do you think are the coolest Trek villians?
Nik_L

GW: The Vidiians were pretty vicious.

Q: You say they direct shows. How many has Jonathan Frakes done?
Dave

GW: Jonathan Frakes directed eight Star Trek: The Next Generation episodes and three each of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Star Trek: Voyager.

Q: Do you like comic books and if so what are your favorites?
Jo

GW: I used to collect comic books when I was younger and back then my favorite comics included: The X-Men, Daredevil, Powerman and Iron Fist. But now I've turned my interests toward Japanese animation.

Q: It mentions in your bio that you majored in Asian Studies in college. What did you originally plan to do for a career before the "acting bug" got you?
Ben and Syl

GW: I was planning to go to medical school. I finally decided that that decision was not mine but heavily influenced by my parents.

Q: Hi Garrett--I was wondering if you could tell us about the charities that you support? The names and what they do is fine...thank you!
CaptKate

GW: American Cancer Society.

Q: The original cast and TNG cast have both done movies for the big screen, any chance of a Voyager movie any time soon?
Tony

GW: Probably not any time soon because the Star Trek: The Next Generation cast still have a lot of years left. But I do think that a good idea for a Star Trek: Voyager film would be getting back to the Alpha Quadrant.

Q: Do you speak any chinese? If so, mandarin or cantonese?
JeannieGWAPES

GW: I speak Mandarin Chinese.

Q: Did Jeri Ryan talk of her experiences here in the live chat, and, if so, did that influence your decision to join us?
MrBen

GW: Jeri did not influence me to come in and chat. I have owed a chat to the Continuum for as long as man has walked this Earth.