Hello, Mr. Dorn. Can you tell us what steps need to be done to get the Star Trek back on our TVs?
Yes.
CBS / Paramount needs to know they can make a pile of money with the series.
And that is part of the reason for the mini-muffins, and the online and social media platforms that are abuzz with the show, is to let them see there is a groundswell of activity, specifically designed to bring Worf back to television.
So please get involved with our campaign. Every little bit helps. The hashtag is #wewantworf
Part of making a pile of money is putting out a quality product.
Depending on whom you ask, the quality of ST spin-offs has been uneven since TNG/DS9. With so many groundbreaking, must-see shows on broadcast and cable in the past decade, how do we ensure this Worf series will receive the treatment it deserves?
One of the reasons that I wanted to come back and do this was to have a fair amount of control.
And being a fan of the original, being a fan of Gene Roddenberry, being a fan of science fiction, I have a grasp on what fans want to see, what the public wants to see, and also I wanted to go back to what made the show what it is - not just our show, but the show in general. And that is the stories. Going back to really great stories about the human condition, about what's going on in our lives right now that everybody can identify with, and bringing it back to more stories, great special effects, and (especially with Worf) action.
Klingon inspired mini muffins. Trying to wrap my head around that. Do they have nails in them?
Yes, they do.
Rusty nails.
To you, does this mean more self-contained stories (like TOS and TNG) or more story arcs (like DS9 and on)?
To me, Trek was more fun when I could just watch an episode and everything was wrapped up. Granted, this could have more to do with the fact that TNG hit me in my formative years, but I still go back and watch TNG on Netflix and BBC America and it is easily my favorite Trek to this day. I may be in the minority, but I'd like to see a return to that somewhat simpler story telling method.
Well, I think we're going to have an overall arc, which is more Worf trying to find his way in the universe, and that will be the overlying arc. Within that arc, we're going to have a lot of stories. But they will all deal with that particular arc. But you HAVE to have stories tie up. You have to have them wrap up. So that people can watch the show, get the message, and go on with the rest of their lives.
Enough with the Federation. That angle is played out.
Lets see a Klingon soap opera. Lets see the most interesting non human race do what they do best, have ego's, faults and tear shit up.
Okay.
Hi Michael. I'm a big fan of Star Trek and the Worf character. I have a few questions I'm hoping you'll answer:
Can you tell us your favorite episode in TNG?
Who was the actor/actress you performed best with on TNG or DS9?
Is there any future for Worf's character? We'd love a new series.
Can you describe what would be the best day in Worf's life?
I have two favorite ones. One is "The Drumhead," and the other is "The Offspring."
Well, on TNG, it was Marina Sirtis, who played Counsellor Troi, and on Deep Space Nine, it was Terry Farrell.
I'd say yes, there is. If there's going to be any new Star Trek on television, I think that Worf has the best chance.
The best day in Worf's life?
When he got married to Jadzia.
Hello Mr. Dorn. I've been a fan for years. My wife and I loved your performance in DS9. You were one of the most interesting and compelling characters. We always loved your episodes.
If you had to fight the Dominion today, and you got to assemble the dream team to take them on from all Star Trek history, who would be on your team?
Also, what is your opinion about what Klingons represented on Star Trek?
Oh gosh. Probably Captain Picard... Data...Odo...and Major Kira...and I think that's enough.
Well, in the original episode, the Klingons were the Russians. That's what they represented. And as we discovered over the years, the enemy is really within. It's not the Russians. The enemy was really within us, ourselves, and that's what Gene wanted to say when he had a Klingon on the bridge of the Enterprise.
Hi Michael! Among your other work, I loved your guest appearances on Regular Show. What was your experience like working on that?
Very strange.
I didn't understand what I was doing, while I was doing it? And when I saw the show.
What was your favourite Star Trek episode/movie that you worked on?
There were two favorites, absolute favorites - the movies was "First Contact," that was my favorite Star Trek movie that I worked on. On the TV show, there were 2 episodes of Deep Space Nine that were my favorites - one was "Once More Into the Breach," and "Soldiers of the Empire." The movie I thought was the best Star Trek movie that was made. And I love Star Trek. I'm definitely a big fan of all the movies, but that was my favorite. And "Once More Into The Breach" was a wonderful episode about a Klingon Warrior, and a wonderful actor that I know, John Colicos, he's not with us anymore, but he was wonderful in that show. And it was an honor, a great episode, and I absolutely loved it. But those episodes from Deep Space really showed the Klingons to their fullest.
How long did it take to put the face of Worf on? Did you have to put it every day on anew or did you sometimes sleep with it on?
Oh no, it was every day a new face.
And just so you know - we added up that I did a thousand makeups.
Mm-hmm!
It took three hours.
Hi, Michael! Thanks for doing the AMA!
With so many seasons and episodes between TNG and DS9, Worf is certainly one of the - if not the most - established and explored trek characters. I’ve always enjoyed his expanding depth and charter quirks that you and the writers brought to him over so much screen time. Thanks for bringing the son of Mogh to life.
What do you think you’d absolutely need for a Captain Worf show to make sense/be appealing to you as an actor, or to continue to make Worf interesting as a character?
Thanks!
EDIT to get to the point quicker.
Well, go to this link and your questions will be answered.
Three Questions.
1: What was working on The Next Generation like compared to Deep Space Nine?
2: Do you like Deep Space Nine or The Next Generation more?
3: What are your thoughts on the Star Trek fanbase in general?
Thanks for doing the AMA, trekkies like me appreciate it a lot!
1.) Next Generation was like going to high school every day. There was a lot of good work, but we had a HUGE amount of fun. Deep Space was a quiet, serious set to work on. Until I got there.
2.) That's not a good question? It's a good question, but I don't think of it as liking one more than the other. They're two different shows. And Next Generation was the first show, the first spin-off. We were sort of the trailblazers, so we were a tight group because we had to be. Deep Space Nine was a different group altogether. But I enjoyed it because the character was explored even more than on Next Generation.
3.) I've always loved them. I've thought of them as loyal, and they're loyal to this day. 2012 was our 25th anniversary from when we started The Next Generation, and it was like it's never been gone. The crowds were huge. And even up until last year, when we were doing the reunion shows, the crowds were humongous. So I think they're probably the loyalest fans ever.
How is the Worf TV show progressing?
When would it take place in Worf's timeline and would any other Trek veterans return?
I hope the TV show works out! I loved Worf on TNG (and I'm watching DS9 now) so I'd love to see a show focusing on him. I'd like for there to be some classic Trek in 2016 personally, not just a reboot movie.
1.) Slowly but surely.
2.) In the timeline, it would be after Deep Space Nine. We don't want to put a particular date or time on it, but it would take place after Deep Space Nine. And there's always going to be room for the Star Trek veterans to make an appearance. Plus if I don't bring them into the show, they will kill me.
Hi Michael! In what phase are your plans for the new Star Trek series? And what ideas you have in mind for it?
The script is done. We've talked to CBS / Paramount, and they haven't said no. So that's a victory in itself.
I think it would spoil it to share now. But don't worry, they will be out very soon.
Dear Mr. Dorn,
I have 3 questions (one from me and two from my Dad).
My question is this: You participated in the production of two audiotapes: Conversational Klingon and Power Klingon, but you were given almost no dialogue in Klingon (most of it being supplied by Marc Okrand). How did you feel about this?
My Dad's questions:
Which is your favorite episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, and why? And
You're a pilot, but while acting on The Next Generation, you weren't allowed to fly--how did you feel about having to (temporarily) give that up?
Qapla'!
I feel fine.
chuckles
It was - we were doing the show at the time, and to actually learn all of that Klingon was very time consuming. But I thought that what they did with it was actually very funny.
1.) Well, the one I love the best is "The Drumhead" which, once again, is a story-driven episode where we are on a witchhunt, and it turns from just a "trying to find out who sabotaged the warp drive" into dragging an officer's name through the mud unnecessarily. And it was wonderful performances. Jean Simmons, the wonderful actress, was in it, and it was powerful.
And it had one of the best-shot endings of any show.
2.) I hated it. I was gonna quit the show. (Not really).
I feel fine.
chuckles
It was - we were doing the show at the time, and to actually learn all of that Klingon was very time consuming. But I thought that what they did with it was actually very funny.
1.) Well, the one I love the best is "The Drumhead" which, once again, is a story-driven episode where we are on a witchhunt, and it turns from just a "trying to find out who sabotaged the warp drive" into dragging an officer's name through the mud unnecessarily. And it was wonderful performances. Jean Simmons, the wonderful actress, was in it, and it was powerful.
And it had one of the best-shot endings of any show.
2.) I hated it. I was gonna quit the show. (Not really).
And down the hall, to the left!
Hi Michael! I've got three questions for you:
1) What is the best part about being an actor? 2) How much of you and your personality went into playing Worf? 3) What's the favorite thing you've been part of as a professional and why was it DS9?
1.) The art of it. I consider acting an art. And the creating of characters is exciting. Also, going to work and having something different to do every day is the best part.
2.) Very little. I do share his honor, and loyalty. But I'm not exactly gruff and surly.
3.) Um, I think it had to be Deep Space Nine.
Hi Michael!! SO EXCITED.
You've been doing conventions for so many years now. I love watching you, you always seem so serene and calm in the midst of the craziness that is Marina and Patrick and Brent and co. (Is that an act or a coping mechanism?)
Is there any story that you still love to tell, every time you're asked, every chance you get? If so, which one?
(If not, what often asked question would you like to replace and what would you like to be asked instead?)
No, that is not a coping mechanism or an act, that is really who I am.
I've been (not to get too woo-woo-woo about it) but I've been on a spiritual journey for many, many years. And it's helped with acting, with life, with everything. And so it's not an act.
Oh gosh. There's so many. Just say that there are so many stories. I can't think of one in particular!
As far as questions, they always want me to say this one line that Worf always says, which is "I'm not a merry man."
And I'd like to replace that with "How was your day?"
Hai there!
Do you ever look at/post in the Star Trek subreddit?
This is my first time on reddit.
Which Star Trek cast member were you closest to?
Marina.
Hello Worf
What was your favourite episode of Star Trek: TNG or Deep Space 9?
What was your favourite role that wasn't Star Trek?
Who was the worst actor you ever had to work with?
Who was the best actor you ever had to work with?
If you did bring back Star Trek, would you be captain Worf? What would your ship be?
My favorite up to this point was the reoccurring role I have on CASTLE as the psychiatrist.
The worst actor, no comment. The best actor? I worked with Dennis Hopper. And he was reallyreally good.
It wouldn't be Captain Worf. But I would be Worf. It would be on a Klingon ship. And it would be a Bird of Prey.
How was your cooperation with Seth MacFarlane?
Wonderful. Seth is a big fan of the show, and he's a good guy.
Hi Michael!
What were the differences in group dynamics between casts on TNG and DS9? I thought i read somewhere that there was a lot more goofing around on TNG.
What do you like/dislike about the reboot films?
Since we were all together, and we started together, and there was nothing else on television like it, we were all basically very close, and for some reason, the cast is STILL very close. Deep Space Nine was a group of very talented actors whom I get along with extremely well, but they weren't - for some reason, their chemistry was on-camera, not off-camera, which is normal, I mean, that is the normal thing. Our show was the exception to the rule - usually you come in, do your work, and go home. But we enjoyed each other very much, so we spent more time with each other than with our respective family members.
From watching various episodes of various Star Trek series, it is clear many actors playing Klingons had no idea how to properly speak tlhIngan Hol (Klingon). Were you or any of the main cast given lessons by Okrand or others on how to speak the language, or was it entirely self-taught?
It was entirely self-taught. And we had one rule, when it came to alien languages, which is: Whoever said it first, that's how you say it for the rest of the episode.
Did you ever feel like Worf was written too two dimensional in many TNG episodes? Even some DS9 episodes feel like the writers had the mantra "Worf is always wrong." Do you feel like the character can help overcome many of the stereotypes faced by African-American males?
I don't think they are related. I think that the fans can put anything they want to the characters. But the African-American experience in the United States is much different than Worf's experience.
Would you be interested in bringing Worf back if it were as part of an animated series or web series?
No. Only live-action.
Everyone talks about how musical everyone on TNG was. It looks like Frakes would always sing "Volare". Did anyone else have theme songs or songs they typically sang? What were they for the different cast members, or (if none) what should they be?
Oh gosh. What can you say to a question like that?
Jonathan was the only one that had a repertoire of songs. The rest of us were not quite as enthusiastic about our singing ability as he was.
If it was Marina, I'd say "The Bitch Is Back." Patrick, I think, would be "I've gotta be King." That's not really a song, but...that's it. That's all I can come up with.
Which Star Trek series did you enjoy more to work on?
Did any work on Star Trek help in Mass Effect?
Would a Krogan or a Klingon win in a fight?
I loved them both, but each was different. I loved The Next Generation, because they were my friends and we were close, but I loved Deep Space because it was really good work. And Worf became a major character in that show.
No, video games - the voiceover work is totally different. It's just acting. There wasn't anything specific to that that made it easier or harder. Just acting.
Klingon would win.
Could you monologue a scene where you kill Patrick Stewart in his throne?
If not, alternate question: What's the most creative thing you used to kill Patrick Stewart?
I can't monologue it. But my most favorite item that I used was a banana.
Hi! Long time Trekker here.
Do you have any good stories of people coming up to you and describing Worf as an inspiration to them?
Oh yes. One guy in Las Vegas, who was dressed in full Klingon makeup and costume, said that I saved his life.
And I said "Why? Why do you say that?"
And he said that he'd gotten to a point in his life where he was doing so many drugs that he had lost his job, he'd lost his family, his home, everything. And at his lowest point he started watching the show, and he took from the character this sense of honor, of loyalty, of stick-to-it-iveness, and somehow he said after he watched the show, and he identified with Worf, that he got his life together. He's got a great job, he's got a great family, and he's back.
And that was incredibly moving. And I'm very happy for that.
I tried to tell him "Look, I appreciate that this character had something to do with it, but you have to realize that came ALL from you. Never forget that."
Oh yes. One guy in Las Vegas, who was dressed in full Klingon makeup and costume, said that I saved his life.
And I said "Why? Why do you say that?"
And he said that he'd gotten to a point in his life where he was doing so many drugs that he had lost his job, he'd lost his family, his home, everything. And at his lowest point he started watching the show, and he took from the character this sense of honor, of loyalty, of stick-to-it-iveness, and somehow he said after he watched the show, and he identified with Worf, that he got his life together. He's got a great job, he's got a great family, and he's back.
And that was incredibly moving. And I'm very happy for that.
I tried to tell him "Look, I appreciate that this character had something to do with it, but you have to realize that came ALL from you. Never forget that."
It was a great moment. A great moment.
What was kissing Terry Farrell like on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine? I always thought Terry was so beautiful.
It was one of the best perks of working on Star Trek. Terry and I were great friends before she got on the show, and it was very interesting to kiss your friend like that, and you know, I think we both kind've after the first kiss we looked at each other like Huh!
Would you bring back any old the composers from past series to perform on the new series?
I hope so. My favorite was Dennis McCarthy. And hopefully, he would be available to do it. He's just amazingly wonderful. And he created the Worf theme song! It was kind of cool, because every time Worf came on in the latter episodes, you heard this theme, you know? Especially in "First Contact," when he shows up on the bridge, you hear his theme. So hopefully he will, hopefully he's available.
Do you share any of the beliefs that Worf lives by?
Oh yeah. I think the whole honor and loyalty. But more than that, it's the idea of always learning. Always taking the best from your shipmates, and your experiences, and incorporating them in your life. But also being true to the journey inside, to YOUR gut reactions. Worf is always - no matter what people say - he has always done what he wanted to do. He's always been a character that, while everybody says he should do this, he does it kind of on his own.
What's the best lie that you could tell about any or all of your favorite cast members? (especially Brent or Marina).
Well, a fake story... not really, no.
Do you like Game of Thrones? Did you like performance of Alexander Siddig in the last season?
I didn't watch Game of Thrones. I'm a little prudish, because when it first came on, it seemed like it's soft porn. But Alexander is a wonderful actor, and a good guy. But I have not watched Game of Thrones.
Did they polish Patrick Stewart's head between takes?
That's not nice.
Hi Mr. Dorn. I read you are an accomplished jet pilot. Is it difficult landing a military jet trainer IFR or with substantial crosswind? Seems like the delay of turbine engines would make it difficult.
It was not difficult landing. In fact, the T33, which is an older airplane, it was the lag time for the jet that was significant, but I had great instructors that taught me how to negate that problem. But with the F86, it was not that difficult to land IFR.
Hi Michael. Huge fan here!
How was it reprising your role as Worf for Star Trek Online?
And what are your views on the new Abram's films and your hope for Star Trek in the future (if you have any)?
It was really wonderful. Because the story and the dialogue that they wrote for me was really good.
I think JJ has done an exceptional job of re-inventing the franchise, and also bringing in new fans that weren't fans of the original or Next Generation or all the spinoffs. I've always said there's always going to be room for Star Trek in movies or television. So that's my hope for the future.
Thanks for taking the time to do this AMA!
1.) DS9 did some fabulous "one-off" episodes in the later seasons, my favorite of which was Far Beyond the Stars. What was your feeling (or the cast and crew's in general) about going in to film that day, with the makeup and setting being so different from the usual?
2.) Why's everyone so down on Klingon opera?!
1.) It was very interesting for me, just because - it was a wonderful episode - but for me, it was seeing the actors out of makeup. Because you forget how really wonderful they are as actors, outside of Star Trek. Seven years on a show behind makeup, you begin to see them do one thing. BUT every actor on the show, I was re-blown away again by how good they were.
2.) Because they don't understand it.
Hi Michael,
My good friend John insists you came to his house to film a gardening show in Chico, Ca and jumped on a trampoline with him. His mom says this is not true, but he refuses to believe her. Can you set the story straight? This would have been about 20 years ago.
I've never been to Chico, California in my life.
You've said you think you've spent over 3000 hours in make up. What was your thought process while you sat there?
I was the smartest person for those 11 years in Los Angeles, because while they did the makeup, I read the LA TIMES from cover-to-cover, and did the crossword puzzle.
Hi Michael! What was your reaction to the episode of South Park with you in it?
I absolutely loved it.
I'm a big fan of South Park, and I was totally blind-sided when I was watching the episode - which was a funny episode - but what really blew me away was that my character in the show was wearing a shirt that said "Pasadena City College."
And that's where I went to junior college.
I absolutely loved it.
I'm a big fan of South Park, and I was totally blind-sided when I was watching the episode - which was a funny episode - but what really blew me away was that my character in the show was wearing a shirt that said "Pasadena City College."
And that's where I went to junior college.
It was great.
What did you have for breakfast?
What did I have for breakfast?
I'm a vegan, so I had fake coffee and toast.
I hear your voice in cartoons CONSTANTLY! What animated project did you enjoy the most?
There was one I did for three years called I.M. WEASEL.
That was my favorite.
What would be your go-to programs for the holodeck?
It would have to be Top Gun.
Mr Dorn, as others have said, Thanks very much - this is a treat!
Which do you feel was a more worthy opponent for the Klingon Empire: the Dominion or the Cardassian Union?
Also, other questions have alluded to a proposed series with Worf in command of a vessel. Who would you want as your crew? What sort of vessel (Klingon Warbird vs. Federation Cruiser) would you prefer?
Finally, a request: all other series except what was then called Enterprise followed two conventions. First naming (Star Trek: Setting Name) and second theme music (orchestral, non-voiced). If there is a new series, naming it "Star Trek: [TBD]" and choosing orchestral music would bring a welcome continuity for those Star Trek fans who care about such things as continuity.
Neither.
Neither!
I think probably the one that came to my mind is the Jem'Hadar.
They're pretty macho, in terms of they're big, they're strong, and they have one thing, which is battle, and killing. That's pretty romantic to Worf.
There's one called the Bortas. And the crew would be made up of Klingons and Starfleet.
And it will be the same thing the original Star Trek did. Hopefully we'll have our own brand-new theme song. And it will be a Worf voiceover - just like Space: The Final Frontier, that whole thing.
Which Star Trek villain is your favourite?
Oh my gosh! I'd have to say Khan. He was great.
Big fan, Michael. You played a role in Adventure Time not that long ago, a show which has been host to a few different Star Trek alumni. Can you tell us how you got involved in the show? Did Jonathan Frakes, Marina Sirtis, and LeVar Burton take parts on the show because they were following your lead?
Nope! I'm sorry, but it's not very interesting. They called my agent, they said "would you be interested," I said "yes," they hired me, and I went there, did the job, and came home.
Mr. Dorn, are you a fan of Star Wars?
Yes, I am. Very much.