The party was held at the elegant and trendy Mondrian hotel, on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles.
Suren Seron: Welcome everyone to tonight's chat! Guests are starting to arrive right now at the ST:DS9 series final wrap party. As we have a chance to interview them, questions and answers will be posted as soon as they arrive.
Alexander Siddig, Nana Visitor, Peter Lauritson, Tiny Ron, Rene Auberjonois, Ira Steven Behr, Dan Curry, David Stipes, and Karen Westerfields have all arrived. We had some rain earlier, but it seems to have gone away as the stars are arriving.
STC: Hi everyone. We're here live at the party.
Suren Seron: Majel Barrett Roddenberry, Armin Shimerman, Bill Gocke, Eugene Roddenberry Jr., Chase Masterson, and Joe Longo have all just arrived.
STC: Eugene Roddenberry, Jr. just stopped by. Bob O'Reilly is here We're seeing the whole universe of DS9 stars and guest stars here tonight. Andy Robinson (Garak) is here. We're here LIVE at the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine wrap party. The guests are outside on the patio. It is a cool but pleasant evening here in Los Angeles. This hotel has a great view of Hollywood. Marc Alaimo is here. They're all greeting each other, hugs and kisses everywhere. Very Hollywood.
We're waiting for our first guest...We have lots of questions for our guests, but we know our time with them will be limited. So don't be too disappointed if your question doesn't get asked.
Krash: Are any of the celebrities anxious to chat with fans tonight?
STC: I think we should get several folks to chat with us tonight. There certainly are a lot of folks here now.
Ben: Can you tell where you are at in Hollywood? and can I join you there?
STC: Very funny, Ben.
Ben: :)
STC: I don't think that would be a good idea, Ben. Too many fans here in L.A. might figure out where we are. Let me just say that we are at an elegant hotel with a beautiful bar and patio. It is just getting dark here now. Actually quite dark. In spite of the mild weather, there are space heaters set up outside to keep the guests warm. There is plenty of elegant food and drink available. THe arrivals are right outside our window, Terry Farrell is here.
Ben: Are there TV crews there filming the party for us fans to see at a later date?
Krash: What is the atmosphere there like. Are the cast members happy, sad?
STC: They're outside, so it's hard to tell. It looks like a festive environment. The folks do look pretty happy, though. People are still arriving. There are probably 200 people here.
Ben: Are there any members of the other Star Trek series there tonight?
STC: Well, Majel Barrett Roddenberry is here, and she's been in ALL the Star Trek series. Tiny Ron is here, and he has appeared on a couple of shows. Marc Alaimo appeared as the first Cardassian we ever saw, on a ST:TNG episode. Anybody remember which one? (episode, that is)
I don't think there is any other press here, by the way. startrek.com has the exclusive scoop... There is a photographer from Daily Variety here, so there might be photos in a day or two.
STC: Terry Farrell has joined us! Hi Terry! She's posing for a photo you'll see tomorrow! Terry is now starring on "Becker" Monday nights on CBS. She just stopped to talk to someone. We've been joined also by Mike Okuda and Denise Okuda.
Question: Terry, how has working on Star Trek affected your life?
Terry Farrell: I've somehow gained alien intelligence. And I'm much smarter now.
STC: Terry is being accosted by everyone who walks by. Now she's chatting wth Mike and Denise Okuda.
Q: If you got the call to be in a DS9 movie, what would you say?
TF: Let me read the script.
Q: Terry, What will be your favorite memory of working on this show? (thoughtful pause)
TF: The first time that I worked with Michael Dorn and I realized we just had natural chemistry.
Q: Now that the show is over, what are your immediate plans?
TF: The 2nd season of Becker, thank God, has been picked up for 22 episodes next year.
STC: "Becker" has been picked up for a new season! Terry is now greeting more well-wishers. Everyone is delighted to see her, as you can imagine.
Q: Terry, Is there a special out-take that you hope no one ever sees?
TF: Yeah!
Q: What is it?
TF: I'm not telling... it has to do with Michael Dorn... and I'm not telling. It had a lot to do with that comforter.... and that's all I'm saying.
Q: Who has influenced you, personally and professionally?
TF: I think knowing that my agent, Tim Angle and my manager, Rick Ax believe in my future as an actress has not only given me comfort, but courage to try new and different things. But ultimately, it's my family and my best friends that have really helped shaped me. And even the people that have done me wrong have helped shaped me into the person I am today and I have to thank them.
Q: What will you miss the most about working on this show?
TF: Well, I've already missed my worm for a year... I'm a rather selfish person... and I don't like sharing my worm with just anyone. But I would have to say I will miss sounding so intelligent on a daily basis. And being a great pilot.
Q: What do you think of the job Nicole de Boer has done with the Dax character?
TF: I have no idea because I have been so busy doing Becker... and trying to fend off Ted Danson lovingly harrassing me...
awwwwww, come on! Like a big brother, that I haven't had time to see the show.
STC: (be sure to watch Terry Farrell on "Becker" every Monday night on CBS!)
Q: How does it feel do be playing a role in normal clothes and without spots?
TF: There's no doubt I will never miss 4:00 am... but there is something to be said for wearing a uniform every day and knowing what to expect. But, I'm in a coosh job for an actor where my longest day is tape night. Otherwise, I know this hurts... but my average day is about 6 to 8 hours long. So please don't feel bad for me... I'm so happy. And I had the honor of being Dax for six years, and no one can take that away from me.
Q: How do we contact you now that you're not on DS9? For fan mail, etc.
TF: Same address at Paramount, only c/o Becker. 5555 Melrose Avenue,
Los Angeles, CA 90038
The more you write, hopefully, the more I'll be in it. And thank you ahead of time. But please don't write to my agency. That's a dead end.
Q: Is there a prop or a set piece from the show that you'd like to take home with you?
TF: I already have my first season boots. Let's face it, where am I going to wear the uniform?
Q: What would you like to have done on this show that you never got a chance to do?
TF: Have a battle in the holosuite with Capt. Sisko. I never did. I miss the interaction with Avery that started in the pilot but didn't continue. I liked that sexual tension. It was interesting...
Q: Will you be attending conventions in the future?
TF: I've been asked for Europe but they always want to know a year in advance... And that's too far away for me to know. But I haven't been asked in America. I'm hoping that people assume that I'm just too busy... but I'd like to be asked.
STC: (Michael Westmore, Jr. has just stopped by)
Q: What experience did you draw upon when creating your character?
TF: In the very beginning they didn't know what they wanted exactly and I didn't know what to do. So I tried several different things but ultimately with each twist they gave me in the character it gave me more opportunity to draw from different people in my life and the confidence to play her.
Q: Sitcom production or hour-long drama - which do you prefer?
TF: Completely different... I wouldn't know how to pick a favorite. I do miss drama though, as much fun as comedy is.
Q: When you're on the "Becker" set, playing "Reggie", does "Jadzia" ever sneak her way into your performance?
TF: Why would Dax stay in the Bronx? I don't think Dax would even bother getting upset with Becker... she'd be gone. She's 350 years old... why would she put up with something like that? She'd avoid him.
Q: "Reggie" or "Jadzia" - which is more like your personality?
TF: Each of them is a different part of me. I obviously know Dax much better than I know Reggie... and God willing, I'll get to know Reggie as well as I know Dax.
STC: Jeffrey Coombs and Max Grodenchik have stopped by to say Hi to Terry.
Q: Will there ever be a romantic development between Reggie and Becker?
TF: If you write in and complain long and hard enough... I'm sure they still won't listen. They told me yes, but I don't know.
STC: Terry is chatting with Max and Lolita Fatjo, script coordinator
Q: Do you ever surf the Internet? Any sites you've seen that you liked and want to mention?
TF: I haven't had time forever to ... and I need a new computer.
Q: Now that you have some free time, are you going to go stand in line for the Star Wars movie?
TF: Oh God yeah!!! Are you kidding me. George Lucas is SciFi... pardon me Mr. Berman... but I LOVE Star Wars.
I would like to say, as always.... Thank you so much for your support. God bless each and every one of you. And come with me onward and upward.
STC: And thank you, Terry, for stopping to chat with us. Now go join the party!
Terry is saying her goodbyes.
Bob Gillan is here. Bob is the assistant script coordinator on DS9 and wrote "Our Man Bashir" - the spy episode.
Q: What can you tell us about the final episode? Does the series end with a bang?
Bob Gillan: Yeah, the series has an amazing revelation that nobody is every going to be expecting. But of course, it's not the station blows up or anything. We actually end up with... nobody's going to close the door on DS9... It's going to be open for whatever comes in the future... with lots of nudity... to hell with syndication. What are they going to do? Take us off the air?
STC: Thanks Bob!
Folks are starting to come into this room, as it's getting cool outside on the patio. Lots of noise and folks around.
Max Grodenchik has joined us! Max played "Rom" - Quark's brother.
Q: Now that the show is over, what are your immediate plans?
Max Grodenchik: Ha ha ha ha ha...... Immediate plans are to be grateful that I had 7 years of employment and to boldly go into unemployment where many have gone before. I would say, cry a lot and see if anybody wants to hire a Ferengi. Tell them I already have the teeth. I have no idea what the future holds... and I just worked in the future.
STC: Michael Westmore gave him the teeth - no expense involved there.
MG: We're doing a convention cruise this summer and one in Manchester. We're going to be riding the express of the DS9 final episodes. I could tell you what happens, but I'd have to shoot you.
STC: Big convention in Pasadena, CA this weekend. Max will be on stage Sunday with Aron Eisenberg and Armin Shimerman.
MG: And to think, we're all Ferengi and we took such different paths... Nog joined StarFleet.... Rom went on to work on a Bajoran Freighter and Quark hasn't changed a bit. He went full circle. He went from being a Ferengi capitalist to being a... well, I can't say. You'll see Quark nude!!!!!
I do want to thank all the fans who are friends of the Ferengi and of DS9.... and who said nice things about us. I thank everybody for watching.
STC: (Max is speaking very fast, and Jackie is working to keep up) (I see producer/writer Hans Beimler)
MG: If there ever was a show that had its fan to thank, it's Star Trek. Because "Star Trek" was off the air until fans wrote in and got it put back.
Q: Was the filming of the last episode an emotional experience for you?
MG: Yeah, I cried. I did cry and Ira made a wonderful, very nice speech at the final lunch we had together... he made a speech and it made me cry.... He said we was very proud of the job we'd done, that DS9 would stand the test of time... and I couldn't stop crying. We shot after lunch and it was very difficult.
At the end of the day, our first AD announced that for Avery Brooks... she usually says, that's a wrap for Avery Brooks... now it was "a wrap and good bye." And then everyone else... Extremely emotional and I'm still feeling it...
STC: Max had to go. Thanks very much! Rick Berman is making a speech outside right now, and folks have stepped outside to listen.
Sara Fletcher: Hi! I'm Sara. Star Trek is the coolest show in the whole world. Earth: Final Conflict...tune in. Rod Roddenberry is here with me...you girls are so jealous. So is Carl Iskandar.
STC: Hello again. Sara just stopped by to say Hello. She's here with Rod Roddenberry (Eugene, Jr.) Rod will join us for a moment.
Q: How do you feel about how ST:DS9 furthered your father's vision of Star Trek?
Rod Roddenberry: I'm not really sure, I haven't watched the entire series. however based on what I've seen I've enjoyed the episodes and I think they're doing a very good job or portraying the Gene Roddenberry philosophy.
Q: Do you think the future will be like the one depicted on Star Trek?
RR: I hope.
Q: What was your favorite episode of DS9?
RR: I'm sorry I'm not versed enough to give that a fair answer. I can do TNG though...
Q: Do you have anything in the works that we should watch for?
RR: Currently working on Earth: Final Conflict, entering it's 3rd season...
Q: Is there a web site for Earth Final Conflict?
RR: Please come and see philosophysphere.com for... just visit it.
Q: And isn't there a site called Roddenberry.com?
RR: Yes there is a site called that and it's currently under construction... being completely redone off-line... we hope to not only contribute to what Startrek.com has, but include some of the original notes, concepts and ideas that Gene Roddenberry had throughout his career. It'll be ready in 2-3 weeks. Tune in. www.roddenberry.com There will also be cool Star Trek merchandise...soon.
Q: What is the future of "Earth: Final Conflict"?
RR: I know for a fact that things will improve with age.
Q: So it's been picked up?
RR: It's been picked up for two more seasons... we've got a new writing staff.... tune in.
STC: Very exciting! We'll be looking forward to it.
Q: Do you have an e-mail address where fans can write to you?
RR: ewr@philosophysphere.com Send me the possitive comments... send me the negative comments... I'm eager to learn... Rod says... bye!
STC: Thanks Rod!
STC: Nicole de Boer has joined us here! Nicole looks beautiful tonight.
Q: Now that the show is over, what are your immediate plans?
Nicole de Boer: My immediate plans are to hopefully get another job. I'm going to do a couple of conventions... one in England next week. And then I have to buy a new car.
Q: What will be your favorite memory of working on this show?
NDB: Kissing Michael Dorn. Oh no, wait! Kissing Sid too Oh no, wait! Kissing Nana too!
Q: Was the filming of the last episode an emotional experience for you?
NDB: The last episode was very emotional, especially on the last day... I couldn't believe that a season had gone by already. I realized all the people I'd grown close to must be feeling it much more because they'd been doing it 7 years. I cried.
STC: (Aron Eisenberg just stopped by to give us all a hard time)
Q: Is there a special out-take that you hope no one ever sees?
NDB: I can't say... it's too long.
Q: What would you like to have done on this show that you never got a chance to do?
NDB: Have a really big big fight scene. I saw an old episode the other day where they had a big fight scene and it was really cool. Everybody was involved. Well, I did knock down a Jem H'adar... but it was only one and very boring.
Q: What can you tell us about the final episode? Does the series end with a bang?
NDB: I can't tell you anything about the final episode, sillies. Yes, BANG! BANG! BANG!
Q: If you got the call to be in a DS9 movie, what would you say?
NDB: It depends on who called me. I would definitely consider it, yes.
Q: Do you wish that DS9 could have continued for another season or more?
NDB: Sure, that would be nice, but I'm of the belief that everything happens for a reason, so I'm very happy with what I got.
Q: Who has influenced you, personally and professionally?
NDB: Personally, my mother and my grandmother. Professionally, it's a mixture of a lot of people.
STC: Thanks, Nicole!
We're now going to chat with Aron Eisenberg. He played "Nog" - Rom's son - on DS9. He's talking technical stuff (software and things) with Jamal Green, Production Coordinator for ST:C.
Majel Barrett Roddenberry just stopped by.
Majel Barrett Roddenberry: I'm having a great time tonight... sad to see the end of DS9... Since Earth: Final Conflict has been picked up for two more years, at least I'm not out of a job. And I've still got Voyager, and I've got "Starship" with Mainframe.
STC: "Starship" is a new animated series created by Gene Roddenberry.
Majel is now going to sit down with us for a moment. Aron has graciously stepped aside to allow Majel to chat with us. Have you heard Aron's voice on our site every day? Majel is posing for a photo for us.
Q: Majel - What can you tell us about the final episode?
MBR: I didn't even know it had been filmed yet!
;)
Q: Do you feel that DS9 followed the direction that Gene set for Star Trek?
MBR: I think they're entirely different and come out of the minds of two different people. I feel it was done to its capacity very well. Very exciting, and probably not the way Gene would have done it at all. But Viva le difference. I think Rick Berman did a fantastic job.
Q: Do you think the future will be like the one depicted on Star Trek?
MBR: That would be wishful thinking. However, in reality, I don't believe even Gene thought that. He was just hoping that somehow we could take parts of Star Trek that we believe in and make this a kinder, better more gentle world.
Q: Will we ever see Lwaxana Troi again?
MBR: Sadly, I'm afraid not. However, perhaps not her, but this particular year on Earth: Final Conflict the part of Belman is going to be expanded to where she's not just a surgeon who sticks needles into guys but she has bought Flat Planet Cafe and is running it. In a very flamboyant manner.
Q: What will be your favorite memory of working on Star Trek?
MBR: It would have to be, number one, the original pilot. The part of Number One. And number two, just the thrill of getting on the spaceship and not knowing where the hell we were going and then 35 years later, finding out where we'd been.
Q: Would you appear as a character on a Voyager episode if the occasion arose?
MBR: In a heartbeat.
Q: Do you have an e-mail address where fans can write to you?
MBR: Absolutely. stinfo@roddenberry.com Go to Roddenberry.com - it's listed there.
Q: Do you have a computer? Do you surf the Internet?
MBR: I'm still looking for the on/off button...
Q: What experiences did you draw upon when creating your characters?
MBR: This is a true story... Gene came home one day, and said, "I have a great part for you" You don't have to act.
STC: LOL
MBR: It's true. That absolutely happened. And actually, in defense of him, he really meant the character to be the Auntie Mame of the galaxy. That's what he meant. But where it went was the mother from Hell.
STC: Thank you, Majel, for chatting with us. The speeches have finished outside and the party is in full swing. Avery Brooks made a very eloquent speech, but the party is now getting so loud that this chat is short-lived. We can barely hear the guests speaking. It makes it hard to type. We were thrilled to speak to Terry Farrell at length. Larry Nemecek is here...
Larry Nemecek: Jimmy Darren was here and sang live with the band. It's been very nice. Lots of folks and food. There were so many people invited that we were worried about a "mob scene" - but everybody's having a good time. Other press and media are keeping a low profile. People that have left the show have come back. Robert Hewitt Wolfe was here, he wrote for the show the first 5 years. General mood is very upbeat, more of a celebration than a passing. There are actors talking to writers, crew talking to producers, these people have been together for 7 years and no matter what their station on the show, they're all getting along well.
People who haven't attended DS9 season-ending wrap parties in the past have chosen to attend this one because it's the final one. Herman Zimmerman (Art Director) is here, along with the Okudas and Jim Van Over. Star Trek: The Magazine is represented here, as well as Star Trek Communicator, the official fan club magazine. I talked to David Livingston, the director. He's working on a small film about swing dancers and their dance teacher. All the visual effects guys are here, but Dan Curry, David Stipes, Gary Hutzel are not wrapped yet -- they have another month of work to finish the final episodes!
Robert O'Reilly has joined us. (Robert played "Gowron" on ST:TNG and ST:DS9)
Q: What can you tell us about the final episode? Does the series end with a bang?
Robert O'Reilly: It ended with a Bang. Never a whimper.
Q: What was your favorite episode of DS9?
ROR: I was in it for 10 seconds... Badda Bing Badda Bang. I just loved Avery singing on stage and then having a full shot of him. Well directed. Well written. Oceans 11 all the way.
Q: If you got the call to be in a DS9 movie, what would you say?
ROR: Where's the make-up trailer?
Q: What will be your favorite memory of working on Star Trek?
ROR: Really, the most memorable moments I have to say is working with the two captains. Not because they're captains, but they're real kings in my book. Both of them. As actors and as people.
Q: Is there a special out-take that you hope no one ever sees?
ROR: Yeah, I'm sure my teeth being spit out... that's one of them. And falling through a doorstep... A very Klingon Leader of Great Importance falling on his face. And of course my old favorite is turning my head quickly and getting a mouthful of hair.
Q: Was the filming of the last episode an emotional experience for you?
ROR: Yes and no. I really, as an actor, I always feel that ST won't end, so it's not that. It's that this show has ended. But that's okay, we're in the history books.
Q: Now that you have some free time, are you going to go stand in line for the Star Wars movie?
ROR: No... I'm going to change diapers with my triplets. Nukneh y'all.
STC: Thanks Robert! We're now taking his photo.
Jeffrey Coombs is here. and Marc Alaimo. Jeffrey will chat with us for a moment. Jeffrey Coombs played "Brunt" and "Weyoun" on DS9.
Q: Now that the show is over, what are your immediate plans?
Jeffrey Coombs: Well I did a movie called House on Haunted Hill... a remake of an old Vincent Price movie... that will come out this summer. My wife is expecting our 2nd child. So that's where my focus is at this minute.
Q: What would you like to have done on this show that you never got a chance to do?
JC: I would have liked to have had a scene simply where Weyoun is walking down the hall and passes Brunt... and they stop... turn around... look at each other... and then turn back and leave.
Q: Is there a prop or a set piece from the show that you'd like to take home with you?
JC: Actually, I got to take home Weyoun's eyes. My contact lenses... Otherwise, no not really.
Q: How has working on Star Trek changed your life?
JC: Immeasurably. Probably in ways I can't even calculate at this point. It's certainly afforded me exposure to the sci fi fan base and given me an ability to create a character from the beginning to the end with Weyoun. Having a period of time where I have the room to just create something that has never been before.
Q: Is there a special out-take that you hope no one ever sees?
JC: Oh God yes! Whenever Weyoun has to address the Nation... these episodes haven't come up yet. It's the hardest thing in the world to look into a camera and deliver a speech. It completely surprised me how hard it is... after years of not looking at the camera... to confront the camera... it was hard.
My love to all the Star Trek fans out there.
STC: Thank you, Jeffrey for chatting with us.
The noise is far too loud here -- we can't continue anymore. Thanks to everyone for attending our chat tonight.
