Did you prefer playing Data or Lore?
(edit: fixed)
You mean, "did" I prefer playing Data or Lore? I enjoyed both. Seriously. They both presented different challenges.
I loved that somehow when playing those roles, you managed to make the characters so identical, especially when Lore was pretending to be Data, yet there was some indescribable element that made it so I knew which one you were playing at all times.
Thanks. That's what I was shooting for and it's rewarding to know it worked.
Hi Brent! Thanks for sparing us some of your time!
I'm always curious about people's awareness of the memes surrounding them online. So I'd like to ask if you have ever seen Happy in Paraguay or heard The Picard Song. I'm aware you're rather well known for your impression of Patrick so I imagine it would be very handy to be able to recite some of the Picard Song from memory.
Thank you once again for dropping by and answering our questions!
P.S. I think you would have been fantastic in Rampart.
No, sorry, I've never seen either of them. But, I have seen "Schlindler's List".
How about Data Raps?
The scary thing is it actually sounds pretty good.
Pretty cute. But, there's a genuine rapper, English I believe, I don't know his name, that does this much better than me.
I have a million things I could say to you, Brent.
[in asphyxiated whisper] reeeleeeaaasssse meeeeee
5.a. Would you ever consider marrying me?
You're welcome. Measure of a Man. Sleep. Sleep. Probably not, but never say never.
1.) What is your favorite sci-fi movie?
2.) As I age, I also watch icons from my childhood such as yourself age as well, and it's somewhat surreal. Have you experienced anything similar with any of your own mentors or icons as they aged, and what has it been like?
3.) And more importantly, can we expect you to put out a new album?
Blade Runner. Thank you, but I think I've aged like most humans. I don't find it surreal. It happens to almost everyone. Except Joan Rivers. Doubt I'll do another album. Loved doing them, but too difficult to recoup. Takes too much time and energy to sell the damn things.
When playing Data on such a constant basis did you ever dream of electric sheep?
No, I dreamt about Michelle Pfeiffer in those days.
Has your role in Star Trek as Data affected your real life relationships? I have always been curious if you ever acted emotionless off the set after 8 years of a wonderful performance.
I'm sure it has in someways, but I'm so emotionally repressed I've never noticed it.
I just want to know if you remember my sister and I. We met you at the Albuquerque Comic Con in January. We were the twins. My sister already had the insignia tattooed on her chest and then asked you to sign above it and got it filled in as a tattoo.
Edit: Here is a picture of it. And one with the man himself.
Of course I remember you...well, not you, but your sister. Not sure I ultimately felt okay about that. But, hey, it's her chest.
Sir, you're my absolute hero. You know that. ;-) Many thanks for all your great performances. You're a wonderful actor and singer! A question about Fresh Hell. Are you already working on Fresh Hell season 3?
We're discussing Season 3 and trying to figure out where to go with it. We have lots of ideas. It'll probably be a while before we post it. We have to write it, shoot it, edit it, etc... But thanks for mentioning it. Hope you've enjoyed it so far.
If you had the opportunity to take on any other career field aside from acting, which would you choose?
Diplomacy.
Hi Brent! I've always been a huge fan of you and Star Trek ever since TNG aired the first time in UK/Sweden. ST/TNG has had a big impact in my life, such as in science and ethics etc.
Q1. Your many years in TNG (+ films), did they in anyway shape you as a person/human?
Q2. Before TNG, did you have any interest in science/Sci-fi? After TNG?
Q3. Do you ever watch old episodes of TNG or any of the films?
Thanks for doing this IAmA!
That's a lot of questions. But, I don't really think I've changed much since before I did the show. Others may disagree. I really wasn't much interested in science or sci-fi other than the odd movie I enjoyed. No, I've never watched the show since I did it.
How difficult was it getting into character as Data, having to mimic his automatonic movements and nuances? What about having to relate to a character that has no human feelings?
It wasn't any more or less difficult than any role. It's always a set of problems that need to be solved. But, once I kind of knew what I wanted to do with it, the whole process of getting into make-up each morning sort of catapulted me into character.
Would you say most trekkies are cool are are the stereotypical "in this episode you were wearing a blue hat in one scene and a red hat in the next scene"?
Any interesting experiences with fans?
I think most of the fans are cool. Every now and them someone will cross the line. But, they are all just people and I have a hard time commenting on "groups of people". Too many to mention here. Or type here.
Hello Mr. Spiner,
I, as well as others, have masturbated to images/thoughts of you on a regular basis.
How do you feel about that?
Are those signatures on the Fresh Hell tees washing machine-proof?
FRESH HELL: Will Dakota ever become less vapid?
Are you really as cocky as you seem or is that an act?
Do you really have brain sex with Gabrielle Chana?
Fresh Hell is pretty nice. Can't wait for the third season!
PS - Eff the Star Trek questions. A lot of them have been answered in previous interviews! Although...you were reaaaaallly hot as an android & I have cried every time I thought "you know who" was in danger of being disassembled or killed.
Sorry, multiple questions take a long time and I'd like to answer as many people as I can. So, I'll take your first question. I'm okay with people masturbating to images of me. I do the same thing.
Hey Brent, huge fan, I have some questions!
Can you stand cats after Spot?
Did you and Levar have a bromance off set?
what was your favourite thing to act in?
What is your favourite star trek episode?
Date or Lore?
Don't mind cats, at all. But, I'm really a dog person. Spot was a few nice cats who also happened to be the worst actors I've ever worked with.
I have fond memories of you in Night Court and you've obviously had quite the variety of roles. Which roles were (or are based on your current projects) the most challenging or fun for you to play?
I like comedy. I've always really just wanted to do that. But, careers have lives of their own. And I wind up doing a lot of things I'm not really that good at.
Did you...did you eat the Necco wafers?
I said, "Necco wafers" twenty seven years ago. I don't even remember saying it much less eating them. But, yes, I did.
First of all, you are my idol and a stellar actor!
Okay, I love the relationship between Data and Geordi in TNG. Were you guys good friends thus creating a natural chemistry between your characters? Are you guys still good friends?
You've accomplished a lot... but what's something you've always wanted to do or accomplish, but haven't yet?
One more TNG question: NEMESIS SPOILER: What would you have wanted Data to go on to do and accomplish had he not exploded in Nemesis?
Thanks a million!
I didn't know LeVar before ST. We became good friends as did the entire cast. We are still very close. All of us.
Oh boy! This is the one IAmA that I actually intended to be on time for. My dad and I have been huge fans of Star Trek The Next Generation for years. I've seen every episode. Data was easily one of my favorite characters throughout the entire series, if not my favorite. It would mean a lot to both of us if you could answer this!
Anyways, enough about that. My question is; What was it like in all that makeup for your character Data? How long did it take to put it on? Was it uncomfortable, or did you get used to it?
Thanks a lot! Again, huge fan!
The make-up was a nightmare. Particularly the contact lenses. Took an hour fifteen. That process was made very pleasurable by Michael Westmore, a genius and a very nice man.
Who hated the make-up chair more, you or Michael Dorn?
You'd have to ask him. I'd guess we both like the chair and hated the make-up.
Just wanted to say thank you for your work, and well, just being you.
Here's my question: Were you a Star Trek fan before you got your role as Data?
I watched the show when I was in college. Came home and watched it daily. 79 times.
On a day-to-day basis, what brings you the most joy and excitement?
That's easy. My son.
Hi Brent, I wanted to start by saying that The Next Generation is by far the best show I have ever watched, and Data is my favorite character. As for a question, did you base any of your portrayal of Data off of people with Autism? Thank you so much for doing an AMA.
No, I was unaware of it at the time. I have been subsequently made aware of the connection. Had I known, I might've pushed more in that direction, but then, it might've thrown things off. I'm very moved that kids with Autism have responded and related to the character.
I'm not very tall. Do you weigh more than me?
No, but I'm taller than you.
What's it like having your character in Independence Day compared to Steve Collins, who's on the NASA Curiosity team?
I think they compared him to me, didn't they? But, honored. As I'm sure he is.
Brent, my wife and I saw you as John Adams in "1776" on Broadway some years ago. It was a wonderful and heartfelt performance.
I did do a lot of reading about John Adams, and I visited Independence Hall. But, in general, acting is acting. It's just a question of size. You talk louder on stage.
For starters, Data is the best TV character of all time, IMHO. That said, do you ever feel like Data pigeonholed your acting career to some extent? It often seems like some very good actors are "cursed" by their quality work with a well known character.
Second question, how come Lore didn't have an evil goatee?
Thank you. I agree. I don't know, maybe. Do I think I've gotten to do everything I should have, or could have. No. But, I've gotten to do some really cool stuff, so I'm not bitching.
I absolutely loved Threshold and was sad to see it cancelled. I want to know so bad what was going to happen in the next season(s), especially the development of dr. Fenway. Could you tell me a little (or a lot!) about what was set to happen?
Thanks. I really enjoyed that show and was sad to see it cancelled. Particularly, since my character and Carla Gugino's character were going to wind up together. (In my dreams, again)
Have you thought about making an appearance on Community, since LeVar has established himself as a part of that world?
The people from "Community" called and checked my availability at one point. But, John Goodman got the part. I always lose parts to him. We're very alike.
Good evening Mr. Spiner! I'd like to say I really enjoy the work you do, your a great actor to watch.
Now, I have three two tough questions I would like to know:
P.S. Fresh Hell has been HILARIOUS.
That's only two questions. But, thanks, glad you enjoy it! I like "The Searchers" best, if I have to pick one. Don't know what my favorite book is. But, my favorite food is soup.
[deleted]
I'd like to but nothing has presented itself. I may do Brent Spiner is Patrick Stewart in "A Christmas Carol."
Hi Brent! I've been a massive Star Trek fan since I was about five years old and just wanted to say thanks for all the years of quality entertainment.
My question: Who would you pick to play Data in a TNG reboot?
Also, any plans for a return to The Big Bang Theory?
Are they doing a reboot? Don't know. May never happen. Maybe my son can do it when he's old enough.
My wife is to shy the ask this question so I will do it on her behalf:
why are you so awesome?
She knows. She's just pretending she doesn't know me.
What was your initial reaction to being told that you were going to die in Nemesis?
Also, will you be appearing at Star Trek London in October?
I wasn't told. John Logan, Rick Berman and I decided that would be an emotional ending to what were almost certain was our last film. And it was our last film. Yes, I plan to be there.
Hello, Brent! I'm the goofy fan who had been working on this portrait of you.
Someone suggested today that I greet you with a creepy fan vibe, and while I'm not, I wonder (other than this one) what is the most uncomfortable, creepy, or generally socially awkward fan situation you've experienced.
See you at Comic-Con Austin in October! <sinister laugh> (just kidding)
p.s. I love the new Fresh Hell series!
Wasn't able to pull it up. But, I love it. I really don't like thinking of things in that way. People do what they do. Everyone has their way of communicating and sometimes it's driven by love or hate or fear or kindness or meanness. Whatever. I don't want to ridicule someone's behavior. It's all pretty much okay with me. The only thing I don't condone is intentional cruelty.
"Hey I've been working on this portrait of you for the last 10 years, and this will probably be the only time ever that I will be able to show it to you, heres the link"
"Wasn't able to pull it up, but to answer your question...."
:(
Got to see it finally, commented above.
Hello, Brent! I'm the goofy fan who had been working on this portrait of you.
Someone suggested today that I greet you with a creepy fan vibe, and while I'm not, I wonder (other than this one) what is the most uncomfortable, creepy, or generally socially awkward fan situation you've experienced.
See you at Comic-Con Austin in October! <sinister laugh> (just kidding)
p.s. I love the new Fresh Hell series!
[Got to see it] I think it's very nicely done. The artist is obviously very talented. But, I have to say, much like I don't enjoy watching myself on film, i don't particularly relish seeing pictures of myself. I think it's more for other people's enjoyment. However, congratulations to the artist.
Can you explain Data's feelings towards Tasha? (Because that skanky bitch did totally not deserve him!)
Was sci-fi a target genre for you when you got into acting, or did it just end up working out that way?
BTW - loved you for years. It always makes me happy when I encounter your talent. Thanks!
I think I've answered the sci-fi thing. Tasha...she was a hot human. Thanks for your kind words.
Do you have any plans to work on anything Star Trek related in the future?
Nope, no plans. But,then, that was never in my control. Still isn't.
Which Data is your favorite, with or without the emotion chip?
I like all of the Data, with or without.
Who has had the biggest, or most important influence on your life?
My biggest influence was my teacher, Cecil Pickett. He taught me in both high school and college. He gave me an awareness and a confidence that I had something to offer. Nothing better than having a great teacher come into your life.
What is it like being a part of Warehouse 13?
I loved doing Warehouse 13. Great show runner, producer, writer Jack Kenny. Great cast. And much fun hanging with my long time buddy, Saul Rubinek. All in all, a great experience. And they paid me.
[deleted]
Yeah. It felt that way to us, too. I think that's part of the wonderful irony of me playing these scenes with Saul. Fact is, we're very good friends. Have been since 1978. We did a play in NY together with Maury Chaikin, Mandy Patinkin, and Diane Wiest. It was an amazing show called, "Leave it to Beaver is Dead".
Dear Mr. Spiner, I wanted to thank you for "speaking" with us today. As cheesy as it may sound, it's an honor. I grew up watching you on TNG with my Dad.
What are your some of your proudest moments and what are some moments you wish you could revisit?
I've never really experienced being particularly proud of anything. I've enjoyed doing a lot of things. I'm happy for the opportunities I've been given. I'd like to do it all again. Well, the good things.
What other former cast members can we expect in Fresh Hell? Maybe John Larroquette, Richard Moll, Harry Anderson?
I'd love to have any of them on the show. Wish Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau were still here to do it. Actully, I just wish they were still here. I don't know yet. Do you think I could get any viewers if Will Smith was on?
Brent, great job landing the Mars Rover! My question is- will you come to my 21st birthday party? Also, great Conan impression!
No, I won't be there. I'll send a card. Thanks, on second thought, maybe my work as Conan makes me proud.
[deleted]
The proctologist.
So I've heard rumors that certain guest stars on ST:TNG were... perhaps less than pleasant. Without naming names - but perhaps a hint only true basement-dwellers like me would decipher - could you relate any stories regarding any disagreeable actors?
The only one I can remember is Laurence Tierney. When he arrived at the gate, he drove through the electronic arm and broke it. I was constantly afraid he was going to hit me. But, I was thrilled to work with him, and he was awfully talented.
Hi! I met you at the Phoenix com-icon back in May, chatted with you for a bit, but I couldn't help but sense that it was kinda like the scene from A Christmas Story where the kid meets his hero and just doesn't know what to say.
You kinda spend the whole time cracking jokes at my expense, but it's all good. :D Anyway, is there anything in particular you like to talk about when fan meet you? Anything to avoid, or topics which are good so that we get the most out of meeting you?
Sorry if I said anything to hurt your feelings. That's never my goal. I hope to amuse, that's all. But, no, anyone can say or ask anything they want when you meet me. Well, except for you.
All of your responses should be in the form of a gif.
Seriously though, you are awesome.
What is the most fun project that you have worked on?
My most fun job was "Out To Sea". Unbelievable working with all of those giants. Unforgettable.
Before you started playing Data in TNG, did you have any idea how big it would become? How did the role change you as a person?
No I really didn't. Gene said it would change everything in my life but I didn't really think so. But it was a nice surprise. And certainly made a lot of things easier in my life.
Hi Mr. Spiner! I'm aspiring porn actor seeking acting advice. I have particularly pendulous balls. My balls hang really low. I'm afraid I might lose jobs because the actual penetration is obscured by my very heavy balls. So... can you help me with that? I just thought there might be some scrotum-tightening exercises we could do.
Just kidding, I just really like your webseries. What's your favorite part of making it?
PS downvoters, it's a quote from Fresh Hell.
Try clothespins.
Everything about it is fun. I work with some great people. Chris Ellis who directs is a brilliant comic mind and Harry Hannigan who writes the show is a genius. I laugh out loud when I read his scripts. The cast is terrific, everyone of them and the crew has been stellar.
Hi Brent!
Not a question here. Just wanted to say TNG was my favorite show during my mid teens, and you were my favorite actor on the show.
Thanks. I really do appreciate that.
Why did you have to be such a dick to Sheldon Cooper?
I take direction well.
(page 4)
Question (duckspunk):
Hi Mr. Spiner! I'm aspiring porn actor seeking acting advice. I have particularly pendulous balls. My balls hang really low. I'm afraid I might lose jobs because the actual penetration is obscured by my very heavy balls. So... can you help me with that? I just thought there might be some scrotum-tightening exercises we could do.
Just kidding, I just really like your webseries. What's your favorite part of making it?
PS downvoters, it's a quote from Fresh Hell.
Answer (BSPINER):
Try clothespins.
Everything about it is fun. I work with some great people. Chris Ellis who directs is a brilliant comic mind and Harry Hannigan who writes the show is a genius. I laugh out loud when I read his scripts. The cast is terrific, everyone of them and the crew has been stellar.
Question (dylyn):
"Hey I've been working on this portrait of you for the last 10 years, and this will probably be the only time ever that I will be able to show it to you, heres the link"
"Wasn't able to pull it up, but to answer your question...."
:(
Answer (BSPINER):
Got to see it finally, commented above.
Question (Data_):
Hi Brent.
In your recent interview for the TNG Blu-Rays you described your audition process for TNG. You said how you almost walked out of the audition because they wanted you to play Data as 'robotic', and you prepared to play him as 'kind of like a person'. This is how we see Data in the first two seasons - even smiling occasionally, like when lifting Wesley out of the water in 'Encouter at Farpoint'. Starting from season 3, he became much more robotic. Was this your idea or did the producers/writers feel he should be a lot less human?
Also, exactly how awesome is it to walk around on the Enterprise? :)
Answer (BSPINER):
Really? I didn't see it that way. I don't think I became more robotic at all. I think we continued to see Data trying on the faces and elements of humanity. But, I haven't gone back and watched the show. I've only ever seen about twenty episodes, so maybe you know better than me. Seriously.
Question (s0apscum):
Hello, Brent! I'm the goofy fan who had been working on this portrait of you.
Someone suggested today that I greet you with a creepy fan vibe, and while I'm not, I wonder (other than this one) what is the most uncomfortable, creepy, or generally socially awkward fan situation you've experienced.
See you at Comic-Con Austin in October! <sinister laugh> (just kidding)
p.s. I love the new Fresh Hell series!
Answer (BSPINER):
[Got to see it] I think it's very nicely done. The artist is obviously very talented. But, I have to say, much like I don't enjoy watching myself on film, i don't particularly relish seeing pictures of myself. I think it's more for other people's enjoyment. However, congratulations to the artist.
Question (beevbo):
Who hated the make-up chair more, you or Michael Dorn?
Answer (BSPINER):
You'd have to ask him. I'd guess we both like the chair and hated the make-up.
Question (GoramNerfherder):
I loved that somehow when playing those roles, you managed to make the characters so identical, especially when Lore was pretending to be Data, yet there was some indescribable element that made it so I knew which one you were playing at all times.
Answer (BSPINER):
Thanks. That's what I was shooting for and it's rewarding to know it worked.
Question (GoldenSoapbox):
I find it somewhat amusing watching the show this season as you torment him over the astrolabe. It's seems like payback for the time he kidnapped you on TNG.
*edited because I honestly thought they were saying astral lathe. TIL!
Answer (BSPINER):
Yeah. It felt that way to us, too. I think that's part of the wonderful irony of me playing these scenes with Saul. Fact is, we're very good friends. Have been since 1978. We did a play in NY together with Maury Chaikin, Mandy Patinkin, and Diane Wiest. It was an amazing show called, "Leave it to Beaver is Dead".
Question (fyen):
1.)So if you still remember could you tell what's the story behind Data's Life Forms song? Who did come up with that and how?
2.)Tell us the funniest anecdote about you and someone from TNG?
3.) Did any scientific/metaphysical topic that come up in an TNG episode caught your attention for a longer period of time?
Answer (BSPINER):
Brannon Braga and Ron Moore wrote the script for the movie, and they wrote a stage direction "Data sings" and the lines, "Life forms, you tiny little life forms, etc..." That's exactly what it said. So, I just came up with a little melody and enhanced it a little bit.
Question (Gizardmeat):
Did you ever find it uncomfortable being that close to Frakes' meat and potatoes?
Answer (BSPINER):
Well, the meat was a little discomforting, but I never had a problem with the potatoes.
Question (purplepleeb):
This is from my brother:
Can you still and do you do your fake Data laugh? heh heh heh heh heh heh heh heh heh heh heh http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMWoaHyIKMs
Answer (BSPINER):
Yes, but only when John DeLancey whispers funny things in my ear.
More on the way tomorrow, I promise!
Ok. Not entirely sure this will get seen, seeing as you are getting 9 posts a minute but I wanted to ask a few questions.
How did you decide on all the voices you did in Star Trek? Obviously Lore and Data spoke differently, but was it directed to you "You need to sound this way" or was it a free choice? I mean, both are even different from your natural speaking voice... How did you do a voice for seven years? (Granted, I haven't compared first season Data voice with last, but I can't think of any time it seemed off.)
I could probably ask six hundred other questions but you likely don't have time to answer only my six hundred. I will let others ask the other 598. Thank you very much.
Edit: Fuck the self-promoters that have gone through and downvoted everyone. Upvotes for all. Shame on you.
First of all, thanks for waiting so long. And for everyone else, it may take me a while to answer all of these.
But...no one ever told me how to speak or for that matter how to play anything. The producers and directors were very good about leaving us to our own devices. But, honestly, I can't remember how I decided to speak. I think it just sort of came to me in the auditions. And, since it worked well enough to get me the job, it stuck.
How do you feel about the direction JJ Abrams took Star Trek?
I'm not particularly philosophical about it. I enjoyed the movie. I thought the kids (young actors) did great jobs on bringing those characters back to life. But, I really didn't analyze it. I just watched it, ate my popcorn, and had a good time.
Hi Brent.
In your recent interview for the TNG Blu-Rays you described your audition process for TNG. You said how you almost walked out of the audition because they wanted you to play Data as 'robotic', and you prepared to play him as 'kind of like a person'. This is how we see Data in the first two seasons - even smiling occasionally, like when lifting Wesley out of the water in 'Encouter at Farpoint'. Starting from season 3, he became much more robotic. Was this your idea or did the producers/writers feel he should be a lot less human?
Also, exactly how awesome is it to walk around on the Enterprise? :)
Really? I didn't see it that way. I don't think I became more robotic at all. I think we continued to see Data trying on the faces and elements of humanity. But, I haven't gone back and watched the show. I've only ever seen about twenty episodes, so maybe you know better than me. Seriously.
1.)So if you still remember could you tell what's the story behind Data's Life Forms song? Who did come up with that and how?
2.)Tell us the funniest anecdote about you and someone from TNG?
3.) Did any scientific/metaphysical topic that come up in an TNG episode caught your attention for a longer period of time?
Brannon Braga and Ron Moore wrote the script for the movie, and they wrote a stage direction "Data sings" and the lines, "Life forms, you tiny little life forms, etc..." That's exactly what it said. So, I just came up with a little melody and enhanced it a little bit.
Did you ever find it uncomfortable being that close to Frakes' meat and potatoes?
Well, the meat was a little discomforting, but I never had a problem with the potatoes.
This is from my brother:
Can you still and do you do your fake Data laugh? heh heh heh heh heh heh heh heh heh heh heh http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMWoaHyIKMs
Yes, but only when John DeLancey whispers funny things in my ear.
Was there a different "feel" between TNG and Enterprise (where you acted in the role of Dr. Arik Soong)?
How frequently do you make it back to Houston?
Not really. I worked with most of the same crew who did our show, and David Livingston and LeVar directed two of the three episodes. It was more like going home again. Eat your heart out Thomas Wolfe.
Favourite Shakespearian play?
I'm particularly fond of "Twelfth Night", "Merchant of Venice", "Midsummer". Probably because I've done productions of those. But, you can't beat the Bard.
I doubt this will be seen, but I enjoyed watching the recording of the original Broadway production of Sunday In The Park With George and I was wondering if you would be able to share some memories of what that groundbreaking production was like.
As you can imagine, it was awesome working with Sondheim. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to work with him and know him a little. Actually, while I was doing the show, I was too intimidated to really talk to him much. But a few years ago he came to LA to work with my pal, John Logan on "Sweeney Todd" and I went to lunch with them. We had a great conversation and I think both of us ended up wondering why we hadn't spoken much all those years before. I didn't have much faith in the show during previews and the audience was walking out in droves. Then, opening night Frank Rich of the NYTimes wrote a love note to the show, and the audience was on their feet at every performance that followed. Wonderful cast to work with. Bernadette is a dream.
Thanks for coming on doing this, Brent. Data was the first Star Trek character I really enjoyed as a kid and it's cool to be able to ask you questions now.
will we see LeVar Burton again in Fresh Hell ?
I hope so. He was great, wasn't he. I have a feeling we'll be seeing him again in the show. Certainly, as long as my character needs money.
Mr Spiner, thanks for doing this AMA.
Are there any upcoming or ongoing projects (other than Fresh Hell) that you'd like to share?
Sometimes actors get pigeonholed into one role and hate it (Like Bill Shatner with Kirk) - do you get tired of people quoting lines from your characters Data/Lore? Is there another character(s) from your career of which you are particularly proud?
And lastly, not a question but a comment - I love the sense of humor that you convey through your roles. Sometimes it is very subtle but there are not many actors (I can think of only a handful) that are able to deliver comedic value to their role through such minimalist expression (facial expression, inflection and intonation, timing). Thanks again for doing this AMA, and have a great day!
Bullet #1 - Yes, I'm currently doing an arc on "Warehouse 13". A very clever show. I don't like to promote too much (other than Fresh Hell. I think it's fun when you don't know I'm in something and I pop up.
I have a portrait of Data in full color tattooed on my upper thigh. I have had a few women extreme surprised to see your face, if ya know what I mean -_^ . How do you feel about the tattoos you undoubtedly see of yourself on random strangers, and do you have any good stories about them?
EDIT: http://a2.ec-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/11/00b4f42896fe0a0f2f6330deced8616d/l.jpg
It looks exactly like me. In fact I have it on my right buttock.
I've heard some actors talk about how they will make up different historical/personality aspects of a character they play to help them get into character more and that often these aspects never come up in the actual show. Is there anything about Data that even avid fans wouldn't know?
I doubt it. Though, I think there are a few things they could tell me.
I shall try not to fan girl squeal. Though I've been enjoying your acting since the days of Night Court.. Like so many others here.. ha!
It's great to see you on Warehouse 13 too, especially with Saul Rubinek. You two had great chemistry back in that ye ol' TNG episode, so seeing it again has been a real treat!
Ok ok there's a question here, I promise! How fun was it to do voice acting for Disney and being Puck? And were you sad to see Gargoyles get cancelled?
(Edit: I lexdysic'ed a word)
Voice acting is always fun. You don't have to shave and you get to wear your own clothes. Was Gargoyles cancelled? I never saw it. I assumed it was still on and they fired me.
Brent, are you familiar with Gail Chord Schuler, a schizophrenic youtube vlogger who thinks you are one of her lovers (along with Hugh Jackman and Vlad Putin) and allies against a vast jesuit conspiracy?
Yes, I've been aware of her for about 22 years. I've never met her or spoken to her and I don't really want to. But, I don't think mocking her or making fun of her is a very cool thing to do. She obviously has some serious problems with reality. I wish her well, and hope that she will one day be able to live in the real world rather than her imagination. I hope those close to her are helping her find the road to a healthy life.
Hey Brent!
Thank you so much for doing this AMA.
My father's a huge fan of yours ( he proudly showcases his signed photo of you he has in his man-cave in the basement, which is where he has all of his servers / PCs ) and always sings your "life forms" song when he talks about air-heads he has to deal with being an IT manager. Seriously, his favorite character of any movie / series is Data, and that's right above Marvin the Martian!
Again, thank you for making my dad always laugh.
My questions for you are:
- Any movie roles in the near future?
- Why did Data always have a cat?
- If you have to go back in time when you started your Star Trek carrier and tell yourself one thing, what would it be?
- What was Sir John Patrick Stewart like off-set back when you started?
- If you had to choose, which episode of Star Trek was your favorite?
- What's your favorite beer (if you drink) ?
Thanks!!!
Thanks, and thanks to your Dad.
[Last question on your list] - I don't drink much, but when I do I like a nice dry Martini. Potocki Vodka or Beefeater Gin. With an olive and a twist. I call it the the Dickens Martini. Get it? Olive Twist?
I remember reading an article sometime wayy back about your stance on vaccinations. Something about inferring that you were against vaccinating, care to clarify? (Say it isn't so.)
I'm not against vaccinating. My son goes to a pediatrician who is a very fine Dr. and doesn't believe in rampant vaccination. If it's needed, he vaccinates. But, he doesn't believe in giving vaccinations for diseases that don't exist in this country. He's very pro vaccination for areas where those diseases are prevalent.
BSPINER:
Had to pee in the sink. Thanks to Mike for helping me.
ಠ_ಠ
LOL
Mike says, "Some antics with semantics, here."
Oh hell, had the biggest crush on you growing up...kinda still do :) anyway....er...well to be honest i just want to gush about how great you are and stuff. Bit of a crap comment really
Not at all. In fact, this was my favorite comment of all. Go on...
I heard your Patrick Stewart impression on YouTube, and it's amazingly good. Now it has me wondering... On those episodes of TNG where Data mimics Picard's voice, is that you or were those lines dubbed?
Thanks. It pales next to Dave Thomas' Bob Hope impression, but I think it's pretty good. No, Patrick looped his lines.
Hey Brent. I love you work! Two questions:
If you ever redo Ol' Yellow Eyes, could you put Blue Skies on it? Or if not maybe make a single of Blue Skies, because you have an awesome voice.
Is there any way I could get my hands on Rent Control? If you have that movie, maybe you could upload it somewhere. That would be great!
Thank you!
Hi Brent! Big fan here, thanks for doing this AMA
Who of the TNG cast was the most fun off-set?
Does it annoy you that Patrick (Stewart) seems to look younger in some of his recent roles than in TNG?
I'm also a big Enterprise fan and loved seeing you playing Dr Arik Soong. there was a lot of negativity directed at Enterprise, how do you feel about that?
[third bullet] I don't feel anything about that. People like what they like. I think it was getting better all the time and would've ultimately been great. It takes a while for shows to find their footing. But, we've all been subject to premature cancellation.