Tim Russ
"Tuvok" on Star Trek: Voyager
April 8, 1999

Marc Wade:
Welcome to STAR TREK: CONTINUUM. We're glad you've joined us today for our chat with Tim Russ, "Tuvok" on "Star Trek: Voyager."

Welcome, Tim! Thanks for joining us.

Tim Russ:
My pleasure.

Marc Wade:
Our first question...

Danny from Australia asks:
Do you wear a toupee when you are on set and if so how has it changed your social life?

Tim Russ:
No I do not wear a toupee on the set. ... but sometimes when I'm behind my console I just have shorts on... no pants, just shorts on... but you can't see it.

debra asks:
Hello. I really don't have any pressing questions that I'm just dying to know the answers to but I do have a comment about the show. First let me say that without doubt Voyager is by far the best of the ST series, at least in my humble opinion.

Tim Russ:
Thank you.

Azira asks:
Are you planning on appearing on any comedy series as a guest star?

Tim Russ:
I already have appeared on several but they were before Voyager. And I would like to do more. Hanging with Mr. Cooper... Two Fresh Prince episodes... and a Murphy Brown.

Vulcan asks:
What was it like doing an episode of Fresh Prince?

Tim Russ:
Doing the episode of Fresh Prince was a blast. Everyone who works on that show was wonderful. Very easy and a lot of fun.

Danny from Australia asks:
Is Tuvok an easy character for you to portray, being emotionless and all?

Tim Russ:
Actually Tuvok is a very easy character to portray. There are elements of that character in myself and physically it is very easy to play.

Brian(Australia) asks:
First let me tell you that you play your character very well, it can't be easy to play someone with no emotion. second if you can answer a question, whats it like to develop the type of friendships that you must on a show like voyager?

Tim Russ:
It's a very strange relationship because you work very closely with these people for a number of years and then... when the job is over, you more than likely won't see them again. We don't hang around socially... very much at all. I do get together with Ethan Phillips once in a while.

funman asks:
do you share the vulcans personality?

Tim Russ:
I do share some of the character traits of Vulcans. I do believe in approaching things logically and efficiently.

Ruzena, Czech Republic asks:
In the Czech dubbing, Tuvok's voice was changed and it does not fit to your "vulcanese" face any longer. Why there does not exist a rule not to change dubbing, or does it?

Tim Russ:
Once the show has been completed, here at the studio and is sold... overseas, it is completely out of out hands. That is the responsibility of the distributors in each country. I have seen only one other version of my character... dubbed, and that was in Germany... and it was very strange to see me with someone else's voice coming out of my mouth. But these actors are hired to replace the dialogue very quickly and inexpensively... they do no spend a great deal of time on the artistic aspect of portraying these characters.

Captain MM Huber asks:
Hi Tim. You have a wonderfull singing voice. Any chance of your doing a CD some time of your favorite tunes?

Tim Russ:
As a matter of fact, I have a CD... I just completed about 2 months ago... The information about the CD can be found on the Star Trek Continuum website. It's a four song CD and sells for $8.00

Marc Wade:
His music CD, "Only a Dream in Rio" is available to U.S. residents by mail.

Tim Russ:
I hope you like it.

Marc Wade:
Send $10 ($8 for CD, $2 for shipping) to:
Insiders CD, P.O. Box 8248, Long Beach, CA 90808
Please allow three weeks for delivery.

Korach asks:
Do you ever find yourself back "in character" when you are away from the studio? i.e., do you ever look seriously at a waitress and say something like, "logic dictates that this should be included with the meal" etc etc.

Tim Russ:
No, as a matter of fact, when I leave the studio I LEAVE the studio.

Hopium asks:
Have you ever been tempted just to say "Live long and prosper" to any attacking life form?

Tim Russ:
If I was being attacked, I would say any number of things that might get myself out of trouble. "Live Long and Prosper" probably would not come to mind.

Jeff asks:
Do you ever feel that Tuvok is somewhat ignored by the the writers in favor of other characters like Seven of Nine?

Tim Russ:
In the past two seasons, since 7 of 9 has joined the cast many of us have taken a back seat to storylines involving 7 of 9. Because the studio and networks want to promote the character as being new and exciting she is a dynamic and powerful character and is quite a benefit to us in that part of space.

TuvokFan asks:
Can we expect any more Tuvok episodes before the end of this season?

Tim Russ:
No, I will be involved, along with the rest of the characters, in the last couple of episodes. But not featured.

Curious asks:
How difficult is it to keep a straight face while playing the part of Tuvok?

Tim Russ:
That depends on who I'm working with. If it's Robert Duncan McNeill or Ethan Phillips, it can be very difficult. As those two goof off quite a bit. And I'm sure they would say the same thing about me.

asks:
When does shooting the current season end, and next seasons schedule begin?

Tim Russ:
The current season is over now and the new season begins in June, the first week.

cyberboy asks:
How does your personality and Tuvok's differ? How did you prepare for your role as a Vulcan to make your character unique from Spock's character?

Tim Russ:
I approached Tuvok's character on the basis that he is full Vulcan. Whereas Spock was half Vulcan and therefore had to prove something to others and himself. Tuvok does not have to prove that he is Vulcan, therefore his approach to being Vulcan is much more relaxed. I think you will notice when I portray this character that he tends to reflect a little more emotion than Spock did. On those occasions when he is irritated or curious or when he's trying to understand the human condition, and I think you will see by the end of this season that he tends to have a bit of a sense of humor.

Jeb asks:
What's been your favorite episode to do?

Tim Russ:
My favorite episode to do was "Future's End, I and II" because we were on location in the city of Los Angeles with beautiful weather and I was able to wear casual clothes. And because I wore a cap, I didn't have to put the ears on. Which took less time in the make-up chair in the morning. It was a lot of fun.

Snow White asks:
Hi Tim: You do great work. Are you related to the company that makes the stuffed animals? - RUSS

Tim Russ:
I have no relation to the company that makes the stuffed animals, but I wish I did.

Christina asks:
HI!!!! I an 15 and am very interested in starting a career in acting for three reasons, 1: i am good at it , 2: i love it and 3: it never gets boring Do you think i could ever get a role on Voyager. If not, where do you suggest i start?

Tim Russ:
First of all, I don't want you to run away from home under any circumstances until you're old enough. Acting is a very difficult career to pursue, there are no guarantees and there is no security. You have to be very very serious about it. You have to study very hard. You have to be persistent and patient. Beyond that, there is a degree of luck as well as talent. If you decide to do so, I wish you all the best.

Big Larry asks:
Tim, I live just outside Lafayette, Louisiana, and we don't get UPN here. Do you happen to know if Voyager is on any channel here?

Tim Russ:
As a matter of fact, Larry, it's on Wednesday night at 10:00 pm on KADN channel 15.

T'Pel asks:
I heard on the internet that recently Robbie McNeill had a little accident on the set where he almost set himself on fire with a prop? Did that really happen?

Tim Russ:
Yes, it did. It was a jet pack strapped to his back during the "Chaotica" episode. The special effects coordinator has often singed us in striving to create excitement in the scenes. Robbie is fine, but he will be, I'm sure, a little more wary about doing that bit again.

I think his words were "Never Again"

Anelia asks:
HI, i was just wondering are you planning to direct Voyager in the future. i really enjoyed the way you handled Living Witness

Tim Russ:
I certainly hope to have the opportunity to direct another show. Perhaps next season or the following season. It all depends on the availability of slots.

Anamika asks:
What's your favorite part about being Tuvok?

Tim Russ:
My favorite aspect of playing Tuvok is being able to contrast moments with human beings. Being that his character does not portray emotional moments the same way that humans do, it's wonderful to use him as a foil.

Martin Norton asks:
Do you find that playing a character whom has to shield his emotions from others physically as well as mentally draining?

Tim Russ:
From an acting standpoint, not being able to display emotion can sometimes be creatively static. On the other hand, it can be a challenge to express the way I feel at such a subtle level. It is also tricky to maintain that facade when faced with an emotional response from another character.

Boomer asks:
Is Tuvok going to have another romantic interest any time soon?

Tim Russ:
Is that on the set or off the set? Within the show, I have no idea. It's entirely up to the writers.

Gabriel asks:
Do the writers take turns with which character has the biggest part in an episode?

Tim Russ:
What they'll do, sometimes at the beginning of the season is they'll put out a notice to potential writers and people who want to pitch ideas that they are looking for stories for certain characters and they will otherwise simply choose storylines and characters based on which characters work the best for those storylines.

Triton asks:
Hello Tim! Great work on the show. We Love You! How does your family feel about you being a world wide celebrity?

Tim Russ:
My family has been the most supportive of what I have done up to and including Voyager. Of course they were very excited that I was a part of this show and they have also helped me, for example, by managing my fan club.

Leo asks:
Do you have any children? If so, how many?

Tim Russ:
I do have a daughter who is four weeks old. Her name is Madison.

3 of 5 asks:
How do you feel about the cancelation of DS9? Do you think it will affect Voyager in any way?

Tim Russ:
I think a lot of the focus from the studios, networks and fans will be on our show as a result of DS9's cancellation. Each one of these shows is planned to go a certain number of years and ours will probably run about the same time. I think it's probably a good idea for the shows to end their run when they are the strongest.

Ven asks:
Do you practice meditation techniques like Tuvok or is that something you only do for the show? If you do what types of meditation to you practice?

Tim Russ:
The only meditation I take part in would be the hours I spend on the flight simulator. I fly computer flight simulators on my Macintosh computer. For example FA18 Hornet, A10 Cuba, and occasionally I fly on-line.

Shannondoah asks:
Do you or does anyone else have a nickname on the set?

Tim Russ:
Garrett gets called "GW." They have called me "Tripod" before, and we've called Robbie "Gas Bag" on occasion. But that's about it.

Blaze asks:
On behalf of Trekkies everywhere, I just wanted to say thank you for doing this. WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!

Tim Russ:
Thank you very much.

Blaze asks:
Are the sets as big as they seem and how many are there?

Tim Russ:
The sets are pretty big. And they are built solid and look very real, close up. There are times when I walk on to our secondary stages and am amazed at how realistic some of the alien ships and laboratories, etc. look and feel. The people in construction on this show are the best. And these sets are built in less than one week.

JWeis asks:
What are some of the pranks that have happened on Voyager? Is there one person who gets picked on the most?

Tim Russ:
Actually, there is a small square hole near the stage entrance and close to the floor. Sometimes the wardrobe person, whose name is Matt, and I, will put a dollar bill on the floor right near the hole and when somebody reaches for it, we stick our stand through the hole and grab them. Scares the hell out of them.

MJMiller asks:
Who has been the best guest star to work with?

Tim Russ:
The most interesting guest star I worked with was Brad Dourif. I was a major fan of his from Dune and Exorcist III.

Jess6 asks:
Have you been to Star Trek: The Experience? If so, how did you think of it...and if not are you planning to go?

Tim Russ:
I have been to the experience and it was a kick. I think they have one of the best motion simulator presentations around. The segment before the ride itself is as interesting and fun as the ride itself.

Theta asks:
How long does it take for Tuvok to wear out a pair of ears?

Tim Russ:
My make-up artist, Jim, will use my ears about three times before he throws them away.

110331 asks:
What has been the biggest challenge you've faced in your life?

Tim Russ:
I would say being a father for the first time.

Jane o.t. Jungle asks:
How come you guys never type your own answers?

Tim Russ:
You wouldn't want to see my typing.

Marc Wade:
Because Jackie does such a great job for us!

Oceania asks:
Who do you think is the funniest person on Voyager?

Tim Russ:
The funniest person on Voyager is probably Ethan Phillips. He will stop the action on the set to reel off a number of jokes back to back.

Kathryn asks:
Does it ever get confusing to have all those people named Robert?

Tim Russ:
Since the first day we have established the names for the "Roberts". So, Robert Duncan McNeill is Robbie, Robert Picardo is Bob, and Robert Beltran is Robert.

Tommy Moberg, Sweden asks:
In the 4th season episode Demon, we saw and heard Vorik use the phrase "lose our cool". Can you imagine Tuvok using such funny phrases? Perhaps he could learn from Mr Paris?

Tim Russ:
The phrase "lose our cool" was probably in quotes in the script. So he was probably playing on the statement.

Barry Donovan asks:
Did you ever expect Voyager to last as long as it has?

Tim Russ:
Given the number of times we have been blasted in space by every other alien you would think we would be dead by now. But that is the magic of Star Trek.

Tia Kuran asks:
Tim, how was it that you got picked for the part? You do a super job at playing the part. I just wanted to know how they went about picking you out of how many there probably was.

Tim Russ:
Rick Berman was interested in having me read for this part the entire time the show was in development. Because I had worked on several of the other shows, including the feature, "Generations". The rest is a result of being right for the part.

Gordon Pendarvis asks:
Will Voyager get Home this year?

Tim Russ:
We are all wondering if Voyager will get home this year. Again, it is up to the writers.

Richard Freitag asks:
To Tim, How's your music going and what's it like working with Jeri Ryan?

Tim Russ:
Working with Jeri is great. She has a sense of humor and is easy to work with. Musically, I will be performing with Neil Norman and his Cosmic Orchestra at the Grand Slam in Pasadena, [California] 8:00 PM the night of the 24th of April. And I will be performing with his band in a number of other places in the future. There may be also a 2nd CD project produced by his company. At the Grand Slam, tentatively scheduled there will be, Roxann, Robbie, Bob Picardo and Garrett performing musically on stage as well.

SeVeN asks:
Do you like wearing your Star Fleet uniform?

Tim Russ:
As a matter of fact, I don't like wearing my Starfleet uniform because it's not that comfortable. My fellow cast members will tell you that I spend most of my time in slippers and a robe on the set.

CAPTAIN of VOYAGER asks:
7 of 9 is a wonderful character, but KES was always one of my two favorites on Voyager.(along with Tuvok). Do you still keep in contact with Jennifer Lien, who played Kes? I wonder what she's doing now.

Tim Russ:
Occasionally I do get in touch with Jennifer. Right now she is doing voice-overs for animation projects.

Joseph Clift asks:
Hello from the UK. Tim, do you see yourself staying on Voyager until the end of the show (whenever that may be), and are you happy with your character at present ?

Tim Russ:
I certainly hope I'm on the show until the end. Yes, I am fairly pleased with the character at present. What makes it interesting for me are the choices for the stories.

Bekki asks:
i was just wondering how you get your Vulcan ears done. Do you shave yours off and stick fakes ones on? By the way,Tuvok is my best character in Voyager and he isn't going to depress me by being killed or anything is he?

Tim Russ:
I do not have to shave my ears. I simply put ear tips over my own ears. As far as my brows, I do have to shave the corners of them and I do lay over a lace piece.

Vek asks:
How do you believe that STV has helped and hindered your career. And love your character.

Tim Russ:
I think playing this character has certainly helped my career in that it has established me as a name within the Industry. It is possible that when the show is over, it may or may not be difficult for me to get work on other television shows because of the relationship to the character. Any future emotionless characters with pointed ears, I will be a shoe-in for.

some guy by the lake asks:
How much do you actors make an episode? If you can't tell us, why not?

Tim Russ:
Actually, I pay them to work on the show. And it costs me a fortune.

aspire asks:
do you think trekkies are crazy?

Tim Russ:
Not anymore than the baseball fans I see in the stands who have painted half their bodies in stripes and the other half in checks and wear huge hats with horns and stand there screaming for 9 innings.

Paige from NC asks:
Hi Tim, I really enjoy your work, both acting and your musical talent. Will you at any later time do anything muscial in a voyager episode?

Tim Russ:
Whether I play or sing in the future depends on the writers.

Fleet Adm Janeway asks:
Mr. Russ, two questions if you will. Is Kathryn leaving, and when is she leaving? How will the show go on with her gone? Thank you for your time.

Tim Russ:
As far as I know, right now, Kate is not leaving.

Danielle :-) asks:
Hello Mr. Russ My question for you is that I was wondering if you had a fan club web page? if you do may I plaese have the address.

Tim Russ:
No, we don't have a fanclub web page. You have to go to startrek.com

Guy Vardaman:
:)

Fredrik_Carlsson asks:
How much corridors/rooms are built on the Voyager set? Do they re-use the same set for the different characters quarters?

Tim Russ:
The corridors are actually pretty long and there are several room that we use for quarters. Once I was walking down the corridor in a scene and during one of the takes I began walking and realized I was walking the wrong direction. I almost bumped into the camera dolly from behind when I was supposed to be in front of it. They were expecting to see me come around the other direction. It was very embarressing.

Chuck asks:
Tim, Do you find the challenges of portraying a Vulcan in the 90's are more diffuicult than Leonard Nimoy had in the 60's and has his "Spock" character influenced your "Tuvok" character in any way? Thank you. Chuck, Brownsville,TX

Tim Russ:
I don't think it's any more difficult to portray Tuvok now than it was for Nimoy to portray Spock then. Leonard had the freedom, also the difficulty, of having to blaze the trail for this character. For me, the difficulty is keeping him unique and seperate from Spock's character.

Cooter asks:
Did you enjoy working with the DS9 folks in the alt-universe episode?

Tim Russ:
I certainly did enjoy working with the DS9 cast during "Through the Looking Glass"... I thought it was a brilliant idea to place my character on that show in that circumstance.

Speaking of that episode.... there was a subtle difference with my character, physically, which if anyone can identify it.... send in your guess with your CD order and I'll autograph it for you.

Marc Wade:
His music CD, "Only a Dream in Rio" is available to U.S. residents by mail. Send $10 ($8 for CD, $2 for shipping) to: Insiders CD, P.O. Box 8248, Long Beach, CA 90808 Please allow three weeks for delivery. This offer is only good until May 1st, 1999.

Barson asks:
Have you ever discussed the difficulties of playing an unemotional character with the great Leonard Nimoy?

Tim Russ:
I only spoke to Leonard very briefly during an awards show the first year of Voyager. I have not spoken to him since that time, so we never really discussed my playing this character.

Brannon Braga asks:
So how do you think our scripts have been this season?

Tim Russ:
When we DO get our scripts, which could be any time during the shooting of an episode, we usually look forward to about 52 revisions and rewrites. But that is because Brannon takes a personal interest in maintaining a high standard for the show. Such as "Favorite Son"

Ensign Max asks:
I was wondering are there any characters (not actors) which you don't particularly like or annoy you.

Tim Russ:
I did not like the Kazon. How could you like any race of beings who can travel in starships and can't figure out how to manufacture water? And who have no concept of how to wear their hair.

JERI'sWYNN asks:
I had the opportunity of having dinner with Roxann in a convention. She mentioned that she'll be directing the first few episodes of next season. What do you think of them?

Tim Russ:
You must be from the future because I haven't seen them yet.

ARE YOU READY? asks:
When did you find out you were talented in music??

Tim Russ:
The best indicator of whether or not one is talented, musically is if other musicians enjoy playing with you. I started playing guitar when I was 15.

josie asks:
Do you feel that people still measure Tuvok by Spock or do you feel that Tuvok has set his own standard?

Tim Russ:
I think people will always compare Tuvok with Spock because of the legacy left behind by Spock's character. I do believe that there is a difference between the two of us, as I mentioned before, Tuvok is full Vulcan. He does not have to prove that he is Vulcan.

Captain Tuvok asks:
When you had a guest role in the TNG episode, Starship Mine, You had a brief scene with Patrick Stewart (Capt. Picard). Did you get to talk with him when the show wasn't filming? What is Patrick Stewart really like?

Tim Russ:
I did have the opportunity to talk to Patrick while working on Starship Mine and he was very interesting to talk to. We discussed social issues, the differences between our two countries, and a little about the business. He was very easy to work with and I was very proud to have the opportunity to work on a Star Trek show.

RavyenDarkrose asks:
How did you feel when you found out a borg was going to become part of the crew?

Tim Russ:
I thought that it would be an amazing idea, actually, given the fact that they have traditionally been our enemies I was curious to see how that character has fit in.

RavynDarkrose asks:
I know a lot of celebrities don't respond to their fans..i was wondering if you respond to your fan mail and if you had an email address?

Tim Russ:
I do respond to all of my fanmail. I do not have an e-mail address at this time.

Pamela (stargazr) asks:
Hello, I am a big Voyager fan even if I do have to have my friends tape it for me because I can't get it. Mr. Beltran said that you had the most annoying things you did on the stage and that the rest of the cast agreed. What is it you do?

Tim Russ:
Look for me to divulge that at the conventions.

Dark Helmet asks:
Tim, was that you in the movie Space Balls, "combing" the desert?

Tim Russ:
Yes, it was. And it was about a thousand degrees out there in the desert. But working with Mel Brooks was a blast and he was the nicest director I've worked with. I was very lucky to have only that one line that I had to say, remain in the movie.

Mark Walters asks:
Tim, what sort of music do you sing? Rock/pop?

Tim Russ:
The type of music I play is all of the above. Everything from R&B to Jazz to Rock. The more variety the better. Some of the songs on the CD include works by James Taylor, Billy Joel, Randy Newman and Mark Knopfler.

Meeka asks:
Because of the serious nature of your character,do you sometimes just for no reason ever just start laughing uncontrollably on the set?

Tim Russ:
No, it all depends on who I'm working with. That is usually when I end up losing it.

James Chen asks:
How did your constant moving when you were young affect you now?

Tim Russ:
In fact, many military dependents end up going into show business. Partly because the lifestyle of uncertainty, having to adapt, having to move quickly and at the last minute, having to become self-sufficient and independent, all contribute surviving in this business.

DaveJ_ asks:
Tim, what would be the one piece of advice you'd give to your fans? Thanks

Tim Russ:
The piece of advice I would give my fans would be to understand that there is a difference between Tim Russ and Tuvok. That Voyager, in its stories, in its production, in its concepts and ideas are part of a television show, and there are certain things that on occasion that have to be sacrificed in order to make a show. So you must be patient with all of us. As you watch these episodes, and understand that there are a lot of people contributing to the final product and that they are doing their best.

mrpink asks:
Did they make you raise one eyebrow for your audition? - lol

Tim Russ:
They didn't make me raise my eyebrow during my audition... but I did it anyway.

Capt. Amway asks:
Do you hear better with the ears on?

Tim Russ:
No, I do not hear better with the ears on.

MusicFan asks:
Where can I buy your music CD?

Tim Russ:
Check the transcript of this chat. We mentioned it earlier.

Dukat asks:
You had a role in Star Trek: Generations as the Enterprise-B bridge transporter officer. Was that Tuvok earlier in his career, or did you just get the part?

Tim Russ:
That character was an entirely separate character.

Ensign Max asks:
Would you rather do a different sort of television show like a sitcom if you had a choice or rather stay within the sci-fi field?

Tim Russ:
I would enjoy doing a sitcom a great deal because usually you can perform in front of a live audience. That response is what actors feed on.

Jess6 asks:
Do you believe that someday the world will be similar to Star Trek that the world would be more peaceful and such?

Tim Russ:
I do believe that our society will be very different four centuries from now. I would hope that we have learned something by that time. It will up to us ... to make it so.

Marc Wade:
Thank you very much, Tim, for taking the time to chat with us today.

Tim Russ:
Again, my pleasure.

Marc Wade:
We're all looking forward to the rest of this season of "Star Trek: Voyager." To find out when "Star Trek: Voyager" is on the air in your area, check "Viewing Stations" in "Earth Support" of STAR TREK: CONTINUUM.