Back to the Transcripts page
Transcript of the chat at startrek.com with Ethan Phillips on Thursday, February 4, 1999
Chat follows:
Ethan Phillips
"Neelix" on Star Trek: Voyager
February 4, 1999
Marc Wade:
Welcome to
STAR TREK:CONTINUUM. We are very pleased to bring you tonight's
exclusive chat with Ethan Phillips. Ethan plays
"Neelix" on "Star Trek: Voyager." Ethan is
also the co-author, with William J. Birnes, of "Star Trek
Cookbook" - a collection of recipes.
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 Ethan Phillips.
Ethan, on behalf of STAR TREK: CONTINUUM, I'd like to welcome you to our chat tonight.
Ethan Phillips:
Hi everybody.
How are you all?
Karen Smith
asks:
Do you like to
cook in real life? If so what is your favorite dish?
Ethan Phillips:
Karen, I enjoy
cooking and my favorite dish to make... is lamb casserole. I also
like to make Foul Madammas. A Lebanese bean dish. Foul Madammas
is Mool in my book.
Dr. McCoy asks:
When will the
Star Trek cookbook become available and will it include foods
from the other series as well?
Ethan Phillips:
The ST
cookbook will be available sometime in 2006... although there are
some limited copies available in bookstores now. You can also get
some in 1-800-TREKKER. But even more important, the store at
startrek.com. And also at Barnes and Noble, Amazon.com, Jack's
bookstore, Bob's bookstore, Tim's bookstore, and all the
bookstores in all the world.
Q420 asks:
Why was your
cameo in "Star Trek: First Contact" uncredited?
Ethan Phillips:
I felt that it
would be fun for the ST fans to see if they could figure out if
it was Mr. Neelix or not.
PSYCHO ZERO
asks:
Ethan, how
long does it take you to morph into Neelix? Does the make up
irratate you at all?
Ethan Phillips:
The Make-up is
very uncomfortable. Have you ever had a rubber bedsheet glued to
your head? Then have somebody paint it with latex? Then stick big
yellow plates in your eyes and dentures over your real teeth? And
say, "wear this for 21 hours." "And act,
too." But let me finish... I love the look of the make-up. I
love the illusion I love the fruit that startrek.com has provided
me.
Cebu Shan asks:
What is
Neelix's favorite thing to cook?
Ethan Phillips:
Neelix prefers
cooking either pleeka rind stew or he likes to make Andorian
sweet roots.
Shannon
Chenoweth asks:
So...What's in
this Trek cookbook? Recipes from the Delta Quadrant? (Oh no!
Kazon Krispies and Heart of Vadian Soup!!!) :@)
Ethan Phillips:
The cookbook
has recipes not only from the Delta Quadrant but also from the
other three series. So, we have Alpha Quadrant foods as well.
I've even thrown in some recipes from the rarely visited Beta
Quadrant... a recipe or two from the Lambda Quadrant, and also
the Omega Quadrant is featured.
Loveday asks:
How did you
gather the recipes for this book? Do you, yourself experiment
with various flavors and cooking techniques? If you could go
anywhere in the world for breakfast/lunch/dinner ($ & time no
object), where would you go?
Ethan Phillips:
We tested all
the recipes. The recipes are from family and friends. And a few
strangers. I'm not a real cook like my wife.
I miss my wife's cooking... as often as I can.
We've actually got a stove in our house that flushes.
I'm not kidding. We pray *after* we eat.
You ever heard of a soup fork?
I am so sick of cream of yesterday...
let me finish...
Well, heck, I guess I'd probably go to somewhere in the Antarctic, which is a place I've always wanted to go.
And I'd have bacon and eggs down there... and a free trip.
Javert asks:
Ethan, are the
recipes meant for a full crew or can they be scaled down for a
"close quarters" meal?
Ethan Phillips:
Close quarters
meal.
Chris Schwarz
asks:
Hi Ethan, I
just want to know what your favorite food is and when and where
can I get your new cook book+ the cost as well, please. Thanks!
Ethan Phillips:
My favorite
foods are Legumes, venison, cabbage, plums, blueberries, kale and
garlic. The book is 20.00 plus tax.
Marc Wade:
Ethan
Phillips' new "Star Trek Cookbook" is available at
bookstores everywhere. For a limited time - get a copy of
"Star Trek Cookbook" signed by Ethan Phillips today at
the chat - only in the Star Trek Store at www.startrek.com.
JanaK asks:
How did the
cookbook come about?
Ethan Phillips:
For a couple
of years everytime I went to a convention at least 20 or 30
people suggest I write a cookbook. And it has always been in the
back of my mind. I met Bill Birnes, the author of many
cookbooks... and he said, it would be fun to do this. And we just
started messing around with ideas and this is what popped out. I
wrote all of the Voyager sections, and anything to do with our
crew. I wrote all the introductions, as well. Bill has an
encylopedic knowledge of Star Trek and is responsible for the
sections on TNG, DS9 and TOS. But I helped him write all the
intro gags and stories.
Young Worf from
Hanover asks:
If Neelix
became a cannibal which one of the crew members would he eat
first?
Ethan Phillips:
Seven of Nine.
Next question.
The Harry Kim
Fan Club asks:
Is it true
that Neelix has a nude scene in an upcoming episode?
Ethan Phillips:
Six nude
scenes. No, it's not true. Unless the visual effects guys did
something I don't know about.
The Rose asks:
Hey Ethan! How
are you? Love Neelix! Will Neelix be getting another love
interest anytime soon?
Ethan Phillips:
Rose, I don't
think so. It would be fun to have another love interest, but it's
difficult since Neelix is tri-genital.
cutie pie asks:
Mr. Phillips,
I am 10 years old, but I am most likely much taller than you. Is
there something wrong with me?
Ethan Phillips:
No, there's
something wrong with me!
Joyce from
Pennsylvania asks:
All of us fans
out here in the great state would like to know which Voyager
members are still single so that we'll know who to hope for.
Ethan Phillips:
Joyce: Tim
Russ, Bob Beltran, Garrett Wang.
Syl and Ben
Frier asks:
We caught a
glimpse of you on our recent trip to Paramount, and you were in
make-up but not costume. Is it usual for you to have to walk
around the lot in full make-up?
Ethan Phillips:
I usually
don't leave the area around the stage when I'm in make-up. Any
time I move in make-up I get very hot so I try and just stay as
close as I can to where the work is.
Robert Cartman
asks:
When Neelix is
cooking up a new recipe for the crew to "enjoy" ,it
always has it's roots in his peoples history or been a family
dish. Now that Voyager is so far from Talax, how can the required
ingredients be available?
Ethan Phillips:
Neelix
orbit-prima dehydrated and de-nitrogenated a huge supply of
ingredients from Talax. And stored them on his vessel, which is
parked on Voyager. He just accesses these goodies. Plus he grows
things in the hydroponics lab and there's the replicator.
Loveday asks:
If you could
invite any person to dinner - past or present - who would it be
and why?
Ethan Phillips:
I'd invite
Judi Dench because I think she's the greatest living actor... I'd
invite my wife, because I love her... I'd invite Meyer Babba and
ask him if he's really the Avatar. I'd invite Bob Dylan and ask
him to sing Ballad in Plain D.... That's all I can think of.
One asks:
I enjoy your
work on Voyager and I have seen you in other movies (i.e.
ST:First Contact, Green Card?) do you prefer acting in movies or
in TV series?
Ethan Phillips:
Thank you very
much. I prefer stage... theatre work. Because I get to do my own
close-ups and my own editing. The pay isn't very good, the last
time I did a play, I went to cash the check and the teller said,
"how do you want that? Heads or tails?"
trekker26 asks:
I heard that
there was a fire on the set of Voyager,if there was such an
accident,have they been fully repaired yet?, if not when are they
expected to be complete?
Ethan Phillips:
Dear Trekker
26 (Do you know Trekker 19?) The fire indeed occurred. It was a
lamp that blew on stage 8. Quite a bit of damage, all repaired as
of now, no injuries. The sprinklers that kicked on did most of
the damage.
Karen Smith
asks:
Does Neelix
miss Kes?
Ethan Phillips:
Dear Karen,
yes, I miss Kes. But, what are you gonna do? She's a higher form
of life now. And I'm glad that she's found her space.
Derek asks:
What kind of
outtakes do you guys produce on Voyager? I'd love to see some!
Ethan Phillips:
So would we.
We do very funny bloopers. One day last year at the end of a very
hot summer workday I had sweated so much that when I was yelling
at Capt. Janeway my make-up blew off my face, as if somebody had
flayed me. Simultaneously my teeth popped out. I was coming apart
at the seams. Literally. Very funny stuff happens, but the studio
has a policy not to release bloopers any more.
Shannon C.
asks:
How can I get
on Voyager? I would love to work with such a distinguished bunch
of actors!
Ethan Phillips:
Not a problem.
Are you an actor? If so, move to LA, get an agent, have the agent
submit you for an audition on Voyager, and impress them enough
for them to hire you. See you next week!
Carlo asks:
What's it like
being an alien travelling through space?
Ethan Phillips:
Carlo, it's
lonely, exciting, frightening, filled with discovery and hope.
Captain Proton
:@) asks:
Will Neelix
ever participate in a chapter of Tom's holo-program, Captain
Proton?
Ethan Phillips:
There's a
possibility. I'd love that. Just to work with the Delaney
sisters.
Shannon
Chenoweth asks:
Hey Ethan! Any
plans for Q to return on VOY?
Ethan Phillips:
Not that I
know of. If a story presents itself, I'm sure they wouldn't
hesitate.
borg_99 asks:
What was it
like working with Jeri Ryan? She is so attractive!:)
Ethan Phillips:
What do you
mean 'was'? I'm still working with her. I'm not unlikely to be
dissatisfied, nor I shouldn't suspect that I couldn't rediscover
any meaning in such a wonderful actor as Jeri. It's a thrill, not
only to work with her, to know her, but to be near her.
AGP asks:
What's you're
favorite Star Trek food?
Ethan Phillips:
My favorite ST
food is the turkey burger at the commissary. My favorite food on
the set are the kiwis. My favorite food in my cookbook is
anything with meat.
Your Biggest
Fan asks:
I will be
seeing you in April at the Novacon 9 convention in Tyson's
Corner, VA. Any chance I could get a picture with you?
Ethan Phillips:
You certainly
can. I look forward to it.
|_DATA_| asks:
How's it like
being everyones favorite Talaxian? also I just wanted to say
great cookbook.
Ethan Phillips:
I'm the only
Talaxian who has a heart this big. That's why I'm well liked.
There are fans that don't like Neelix and you know what I say to
them? !@#$%%^!!!!!!
Greg Mcleish
asks:
Was it fun
working with Levar Burton in timeless
Ethan Phillips:
Yes, LeVar is
a phenomenal director and a pleasure to work with. We just
finished a show with Robbie McNeil (directing) He is turning out
to be exceptional in that department. But honestly, every
director I work with I find professional and gifted.
Cpt Mitchell
asks:
Are you really
bald like in star trek first contact?
Ethan Phillips:
No, I have my
hair plucked for a character look. I actually have a thick mane.
I look like Fabio.
Carleton Rutter
asks:
Is there any
side of Neelix's character that you would like to see developed?
Ethan Phillips:
I'd like them
to explore his sexuality...
Tommy Rizzuto
asks:
How does it
feel to be perhaps the cutest, fuzziest alien Star Trek has ever
seen?
Ethan Phillips:
Cuter than a
Tribble? It feels fine.
Startrekgi
asks:
Hello Ethan,
Do you and Rene (Odo) ever get together and reminice about your
"Benson" days? Neelix is a great character, keep up the
good work.
Ethan Phillips:
Thank you,
sir. Yes, Rene and I occasionally get together for dinner. And
Benson comes up every now and then. The two of us think it's
funny we both ended up on Star Trek in rubber.
Copperhead
asks:
Is it hard to
watch Tim Russ play as Tuvok all the time and not laugh at him?
Do you think that you could manage the part?
Ethan Phillips:
I think Tim
has the most difficult role on the show. He has the smallest
emotional band within which to work. And yet manages to convey
with great depth a wide range of emotion.
Bethany asks:
What is it
like working with Kate Mulgrew? How do i get a hold of a fan club
address for the entire crew? Can you give me your fan club
address and Kate Mulgrews? Will you yourself write back?
Ethan Phillips:
All of us can
be reached at Paramount/ c/o Voyager/ 5555 Melrose/ Hollywood CA
90038 Kate is terrific to work with. I will send a picture. I
answer all my fan mail.
Rod asks:
Is it true
that Janeway (Mulgrew) wants to leave the show,? If so, why?
Ethan Phillips:
That's a
rumor. And not true. As far as I know it was started by Genevieve
Bujold.
Tsi-Puff asks:
I have really
enjoyed listening to you in the Alien Voices productions. Will we
be seeing you in any more of them soon?
Ethan Phillips:
I hope so. It
looks like they're going to be doing films. I'd love to be
involved in that. Of course, they'd have to pay me a lot of
money.
Co Patrick
asks:
I'live in
sweden and i wonder where i can get "Star trek cook
book" any were near here?
Ethan Phillips:
I would say
internet... Amazon.com
infinity asks:
What kind of
kid were you in school..shrimp,class clown,jerk,etc.
Ethan Phillips:
I was a jerky
shrimpy clown.
Ashliegh Roze
asks:
Where were you
born?
Ethan Phillips:
I was born in
a hospital in Long Island.
Commander
Dmitri asks:
What's the
little slit on Neelix's nose for?
Ethan Phillips:
It is a
Talaxian anus. No seriously...
it's for Delta Quadrant credit cards. You slide it through.
compman asks:
Are you ever
going to to some directing on Voyager?
Ethan Phillips:
No, I'm never
going to direct because I can't deal with the stress.
Nightlyte asks:
I am a huge
fan of Nelix and of your self. I was at the Royal Albert Hall
convention when you were there with Robert Picardo.you looked
very nervous, do you still get nervous now? By the way you were
both very funny.
Ethan Phillips:
I still get
nervous. Doesn't everyone? It's okay though, I like myself. I'm
not nervous now. Are you nervous? I hope not. Not fun to be
nervous. Not fun.
Rob McDonald
asks:
Mr. Phillips:
I was wondering if you did a film back in I think '84, called
Critters?
Ethan Phillips:
Yes I did do
Critters. Makes me nervous just to think about it.
Josh Watson
asks:
What has been
your favorite experience in the world of Star Trek thus far?
Ethan Phillips:
Doing these
chats. And eating this wonderful fruit. Meeting the fans.
Removing the make-up at the end of the day. Making a living as an
actor. Pretending I'm an alien. It's all good.
Johnathan asks:
How do they
get your face to do that? What are you exactly?
Ethan Phillips:
It's rubber.
I'm a Talaxian. All Talaxians wear rubber glued to their heads.
As soon as they wake up in the morning they apply foam rubber and
paint to their faces. It's a Talaxian thing. Apparently.
Achaea asks:
What
characters from other television shows have you made a conscious
effort to assimilate into the character of Neelix?
Ethan Phillips:
Norman Fell's
Mr. Roper from Three's Company... and Jamie Farr's Klinger from
M*A*S*H.
NinTova asks:
I was just
wondering if you found it less difficult or more difficult to
play a character based on a species never played before. Do you
find it less restraining to act a character type that has not
been labeled or clearly marked in actions?
Ethan Phillips:
Yes and no.
Riker's Beard
asks:
Who inspires
you?
Ethan Phillips:
I would say
that Shakespeare inspires me... Jerzy Grotowski.... Meryl
Streep.... Tim Russ... Bob Picardo... Armin Shimerman....
toni from
montreal canada asks:
ethan I bought
your cookbook and its wonderful but why there is two different
recipes for yridian brandy and blood wine
Ethan Phillips:
The reason for
that is very difficult to explain right now. But they're similar
beverages as can be seen from the things. I want to thank you all
for your interest in my cookbook. Whether you buy it or not,
borrow it and read it because it's a lot of fun.
Marc Wade:
Ethan, thank
you very much for joining us here tonight.
Ethan Phillips:
See you all
soon. I'll be back to chat again. Maybe tomorrow.
Marc Wade:
And thank you
all very much for participating in tonight's Special Event.
Ethan Phillips' new "Star Trek Cookbook" is available at bookstores everywhere. For a limited time - get a copy of "Star Trek Cookbook" signed by Ethan Phillips today at the chat - only in the Star Trek Store at www.startrek.com.
Remember to watch
Star Trek: Voyager on UPN every Wednesday night. Check Viewing
Stations in STAR TREK: CONTINUUM for the day and time and channel
in your area. We have even more great chats coming up:
- Jeri Ryan ("Seven of Nine" on "Star Trek:
Voyager") - next Thursday!
- Richard D. James (Production Designer, ST:TNG and ST:VOY) -
Feb. 25
- Robert Beltran ("Chakotay" on "Star Trek:
Voyager") - March 4
For more information, visit www.startrek.com.
Copyright (c) 1999 by Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved.