Cirroc
Lofton
"Jake Sisko" on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
1/14/99
Marc Wade:
Welcome to
STAR TREK: CONTINUUM. We are very pleased to bring you tonight's
exclusive chat with Cirroc Lofton. Cirroc has played "Jake
Sisko" on "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" since the
show began, and is now in his seventh season as that character.
We are coming to you LIVE from the offices of Paramount Digital Entertainment at Paramount Studios in Hollywood. Your host for tonight's chat is Guy Vardaman, Senior Producer for STAR TREK: CONTINUUM. Jackie Edwards is typing for Cirroc Lofton. Cirroc, on behalf of STAR TREK: CONTINUUM, I'd like to welcome you to our chat tonight.
Cirroc Lofton:
Thank you very
much everybody. I'm glad to be here.
Marc Wade:
We're taking a
photo of Cirroc, so you can see that he's really here with us.
The photo will appear on your chat Web page in a few minutes.
Carlos asks:
What are your
plans after the end of DS9?
Cirroc Lofton:
At the end of
DS9, I plan to, like most actors, look for another job. I prefer
to work in comedy... a comedy series or sitcom. I'd also like to
expand on my music. I've been writing rap music for about 7 years
and I've written for various people... and I'd like to end up
writing for myself and come up with an album. I can't sing,
though, at all. I write lyrics. Music lyrics must like Tupac
Shakur or Notorious BIG.
tirano@startrekmail.com
asks:
Were you a fan
of Star Trek before you started playing Jake Sisko?
Cirroc Lofton:
I was a fan of
the original Star Trek series. I watched it late night on channel
13 during my summer break at school. I thought it was probably
the next best/eerie show next to Twilight Zone, which is my
favorite show of all time.
Littledemon
asks:
I haven't seen
a totally Jake episode in a long time, and (I mean no offense) it
seems like your character is just following the lead of the
others. Are there any big Jake stories left?
Cirroc Lofton:
I have no
idea. It's not up to me, it's up to Ira Behr the most powerful
and Rick Berman, the omnipotent.
Alisha asks:
Did you ever
go to a public school? And if so, do you miss it?
Cirroc Lofton:
I went to
public school all my life. Started out at Bancroft Jr. High
School, and from there I went to Fairfax High, and now I'm at
UCLA. I'm glad I did go to public school as well as work at the
same time because it helped me become a more well-rounded person.
I haven't been sheltered in the Hollywood life-style.
I did have some schooling on the set. I had a tutor, when I did work, and that made it a lot easier because I was able to focus one on one with a teacher who knew pretty much about every subject.
Laurence Deam
asks:
How did you
get into acting for Star Trek: DS9? And what was it like the
first day on the set?
Cirroc Lofton:
I got into
acting when I was about 10 years old. I was discovered by a
photographer at a local park. I started out doing commercials. My
first interview was for a Army commercial, which I got. So that
launched this career that I have. From then I went on to audition
for ST:DS9 and it started out being 200 kids at least that I saw.
From the first audition I made it to the 2nd cut, which was about
50 kids. From the 2nd cut was the 3rd audition which brought it
down to 7-10. Then eventually it got down to 3 kids that they had
and the 2 other kids kinda looked the same. I was taller and just
different looking. I thought I wouldn't get it because I looked
different. I figured I wouldn't get the job. But I eventually got
the call which was on my 14th birthday, August 7th, they called
me up and said, you got the job. Actually, how was it like on the
first day, it was like... I didn't know anything. I didn't think
the spin-off would be as big as the original. We didn't think it
would last through the first season. We were surprised and
shocked that it's lasted this long.
Chris asks:
Hi Cirroc, I
think that Jake Sisko is one of the cooliest characters on DS9.
Do you think you'll make future appearances on other ST shows
after DS9 ends?
Cirroc Lofton:
I don't know
that they'll have any other shows other than the one they have
now, which is Voyager, and that Voyager would be compatible. As
far as going into movies, that's up to Rick Berman and whether he
decides to make a DS9 movie. There's a million rumors floating
around. I've heard them. I've started a couple... that they might
have another spin-off with ST cadets. And that I'd be a part of
it. Of course, no one of any influence has said it, so it doesn't
hold much merit.
Captain Lareenz
asks:
I know Jake
Sisko is 18 but I was wondering how old you are.
Cirroc Lofton:
I'm 20 years
old. My fake ID says otherwise.
CaneAdiss asks:
At any time
was there doubt that your character was going to be brought over
into a following season (did you ever worry about your character
getting killed off)?
Cirroc Lofton:
There was, at
the beginning of this last season, probably the closest I've come
to realizing that I might not come back. That's when I had the
opportunity to work on another show... It ended up not going
through and I committed the last season of Star Trek.
James Gockel
asks:
I have been a
fan of yours ever since I saw you on the first Deep Space Nine.
When ever i see your face I see a Baseball Player, do you like
baseball out of your acting career ?
Cirroc Lofton:
So you're the
fan.... Yes, I do enjoy playing baseball. I love hitting,
although I'm not very good, but I love it. I play shortstop. But
basketball is my first love.
Michael Jordan
asks:
How do you
feel about me retiring from basketball?
Cirroc Lofton:
Look, Mike, I
feel as though you made the right decision, much like Seinfeld
did, and that's going out on top and with a bang. Our last
memories of you will be good ones. From your biggest fan.
David asks:
What do you
think about the shortened NBA season? Are you still going to be a
fan?
Cirroc Lofton:
Yes, I'll
still be a fan. Even though some of the players may not be the
most friendly. I believe there's a big future for basketball
because people like Michael Jordan and Doctor J have really paved
the way for an incredibly new level of play. More highlights to
come... but no more Jordans.
scott asks:
Did the cast
get together for Christmas?
Cirroc Lofton:
The cast
didn't get together socially for Christmas. We sent each other
cards. But for the most part, I don't see anyone outside of
Paramount besides Avery Brooks.
Trekdel50 asks:
what do you
think will happen to Jake and crew in the final episode?
Cirroc Lofton:
I think Capt.
Sisko will temporarily retire and Jake will move with him back to
Earth. And Michael Dorn will spin off into another series.
A6AOF4 asks:
Being an
important actor in Star Trek, does Paramount ever give you star
trek gifts or merchandise?
Cirroc Lofton:
Too rarely.
Unlike the other cast members, I actually like the gifts that we
get. But we don't get enough jackets, hats, posters or action
figures. Namely mine. And a million dollars goes to the person
that can find my cardboard standee.
Marc Wade:
(just kidding
- there isn't one)
schooler40
asks:
Cirroc,
appreciate you taking a time for these questions. Curious to know
if you will be donning a directors hat soon? Seems the actors of
the Star Trek universe (FRAKES, BURTON, SHATNER, McFADDEN, NIMOY,
BROOKS, etc.) sit in the director's chair.
Cirroc Lofton:
Yes I'd like
to eventually get into directing. I think trying to direct now
would be a little premature. I know I have enough people behind
me that would be supportive if I really truly wanted to direct an
episode. But I want to be taken seriously and also have the right
experience and knowledge so that I can be credible. If I direct I
want to know what I'm doing. Of course, I could be a producer,
because I don't think you need any credentials for that.
Dee Fallen
asks:
Having such an
extended career in television at such a young age , how has this
affected your own educational and career goals. Were it not for
Star Trek would be goals have been all that different?
Cirroc Lofton:
My goals would
be very different. I wanted to be a pediatrician for the longest
time and now I've completely changed my future prospects and have
decided to venture into cinematography, directing and further
extend my acting career.
C.J. Seabron
(Heavenly) asks:
Hi, Cirroc
(Jake); Has becoming a member of the Star Trek family increased
your interest in the advancement of space travel or researching
the possibilities of it? Or does it remain purely fiction (ie:
just a job.)?
Cirroc Lofton:
I haven't
really gained any more interest in the space program.
Tacky Trekkie
asks:
What really
happens when you go into those holosuites in Quark's?
Cirroc Lofton:
We're in a
room that's not even decorated anything like what you see on TV.
It's all special effects. Of course, there is an X-rated program
that I have not visited yet. I'm old enough... but not ready.
Chad Jessop
asks:
Have you been
asked for any movie roles lately?
Cirroc Lofton:
Yes, because I
have such a really difficult work schedule, it's hard to predict
when I'd be open to film.
Brendan Tedford
asks:
Do You Know
Any Other Movie Stars?
Cirroc Lofton:
No, I pretty
much hang out with all the TV stars. We're in the TV Star Club.
The Movie Star Club comes later in your life. I know Shaq and
Kobe Bryant.
Kyew asks:
Do you feel
that there is any significance in your being the youngest Trek
regular ever?
Cirroc Lofton:
I just try to
be real as to how a kid would really behave in a situation. Which
is why I'm not a problem solver, I'm more of a problem maker. I'm
just going through life like a kid would, except I'm in outer
space. Of course I found out that being the youngest means being
the least paid, too. So I'm hoping that on my next job I'm the
oldest... Nickelodeon or something.
lilac asks:
Hi Cirroc, you
are getting to be quite the hunk!!!.
Cirroc Lofton:
Thank you!
Hope you visit the set sometime soon. (If you're a woman.)
Rdakin asks:
When Mr. Dorn
joined the cast of DS9, where you personally ever intimidated by
him?
Cirroc Lofton:
Never. First
of all, we hardly worked together and I was happy to see him on
the show. If it would do anything for the ratings, it would only
make us all more successful.
Gealef Edo
asks:
What do you
admire most about Avery Brooks?
Cirroc Lofton:
There's no one
thing. He's just like my father in real life. He's my role model.
My mentor. An all-around guy I look up to.
Kyle M. asks:
Do you feel
that the experiance you have had working on DS9 has helped you in
the knowledge of the growing technology that humans discover
every day?
Cirroc Lofton:
I believe
because we're on the cutting edge of technology in everything we
do, even as far as creating the idea of a replimat or a
transporter puts me at the forefront of technology. A lot of the
things that ST has created has ended up being more and more a
reality. If the cell phones get any small, we won't be able to
talk and listen at the same time.
Charles asks:
Mr. Lofton,
what is it like working with your new co-star, Nicole deBoer?
Cirroc Lofton:
Nicole is a
sweet girl from Canada. She's Canadian so she's got that niceness
about her. She hasn't been corrupted by LA yet. But I'm hoping to
eventually get her into that.
larryt asks:
It appears
that every actor listed in the opening credits on both series
will always have at least one line to say per episode except Jake
who we may not see for months at a time. Is there a reason for
this? Did you tick someone off?
Cirroc Lofton:
I really don't
think that Jake's role is big enough to be in every episode as of
yet. Simply because he's not in Starfleet yet so he can't really
be in the 'war' episodes. Except as a reporter which would get
boring and repetitive after two or three episodes. I'm kind of
glad that Jake's not in every episode because it means I can have
a life outside of the set and because I leave the audience
wanting more.
some guy by the
lake asks:
how much time
takes place between the taping of an episode and its airing?
Cirroc Lofton:
About two
months after it's filmed. It goes through a process of adding
special effects and all the post production work which includes
voice over and editing.
Taylor asks:
What are some
of your interests besides acting? Are you interested in going in
to outer space?
Cirroc Lofton:
My interests
are basketball and video games. I'm a fan of Playstation games
such as Blitz '99 and NBA Live '99 and ALL the Streetfighter
games.
FADM Evans
asks:
Do you think
Guy is doing a good job screening the questions?
Cirroc Lofton:
Yeah, Guy's
doing a great job Ladies and Gentlemen!
Solicitor asks:
Is it possible
to view the filming of an episode of DS9?
Cirroc Lofton:
No, DS9 has
been a closed set as long as I can remember.
Suck-cut asks:
Are you going
to be shaving your head and going cue-ball as Avery Brooks has
done?
Cirroc Lofton:
Actually, I
wanted to have my head shaved one step above bald so that it
would be really close, but, Avery beat me to it and Rick doesn't
want to have two bald guys on one show.
Chad Jessop
asks:
Do enough
people know who you are that you can't go out in public anymore
without being recognized?
Cirroc Lofton:
No. Only if
I'm at a Star Trek convention.
The Kicka asks:
So you believe
that it's Jake's responsiblity to give Nog a swift kick in the
butt now and again? Or does it work the other way around?
Cirroc Lofton:
I think it
works the other way around. I think Nog's become the father
figure. The reformed brat. And now he's really trying to set Jake
straight.
Doc Spock asks:
Seven of Nine
or Ezri Dax? Which do you prefer?
Cirroc Lofton:
Seven of Nine
is what I want.
Ken asks:
How does it
feel to be a part of such an ongoing tradition that has spawned
over the past 30 years?
Cirroc Lofton:
It feels great
that I'm part of a handful of regular castmembers on such a
popular show. I'm grateful and looking forward to a prosperous
future.
cornchic asks:
Hi, I'm a huge
fan of yours. And you're very funny... so, let us all know, are
you available?
Cirroc Lofton:
Yes, Jake is
single. He's not seeing anyone right now. And he is taking
requests. Cirroc, too.
Marc Wade:
Cirroc, thank
you very much for joining us here tonight.
Cirroc Lofton:
Bye guys,
thanks for hanging out with me.
Marc Wade:
And thank you
all very much for participating in tonight's Special Event. We're
all looking forward to the seeing more of your outstanding work
on the exciting final season of "Star Trek: Deep Space
Nine"! Check Viewing Stations in STAR TREK: CONTINUUM for
the day and time and channel in your area.
We always have
interesting chats coming up:
- Ethan Phillips - Thursday, January 21 at 6:30 PM (PT) / 9:30 PM
(ET)
- Kate Mulgrew - watch for announcement!
- Nicole de Boer - watch for announcement!
- Tim Russ - watch for announcement!
For more information, visit www.startrek.com.
Copyright (C) 1999 by Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved.