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Ask Wil Wheaton Anything
Wil Wheaton [IMDB] is our latest interview victim. Best known here as Wesley Crusher on TNG, Wil has a history doing movies both good (Stand by Me) and, uh, otherwise (see his FAQ). His movie
"The Good Things" just won the grand prize at the 27th Festival of American Cinema at Deuville. His currrent project is "Jane White Is Sick & Twisted". Post your questions for him here, one per post, and we'll forward a few of the highest rated ones to Wil.
When you were on the set of TNG did you ever find yourself running into the automatic doors when there was no one there to open them for you? How about at your house or other places? Was this a problem for any of the other cast members? Did you ever find yourself going to grocery stores and running in and out of the doors just to make you feel better?
So, uh, Beverly Crusher, Troi or Yar?
Why all this Wil Wheaton stuff everywhere all of a sudden? I never knew this guy's name until a couple weeks ago, and now I see it all over the place. Was this a carefully planned attempt to distance himself from the "Wesley must die!" movement, or is this just another case of the media picking someone to hype for no apparent reason? Or is he being recognized for his accomplishments or some other seemingly obvious reason?
Wil Wheaton recently did a very funny short interview over at BBSpot.
john
Having portrayed one of, if not THE most hated character from TNG, do you regret taking the role? Are you irritated by how they handled your character?
You see, without that little doohicky, the universe stops.
http://propheteer.org
But I have to say that was the best, most interesting and most funny celebrity site, I've ever seen. :)
Do you thing the Python programming-language is Sixty Feet of Pure Terror, too? (I mean, this is Slashdot, afterall!)
How many actors have you heard of that took the time to code their own site in php?
Oh, I'm supposed to ask a question...Hmmm...ok: Wil, vi or emacs?
^_^
NetInfo connection failed for server 127.0.0.1/local
In your FAQ, there is a question about Ashley Judd:
"Is it true that you were really Ashley Judd's first onscreen kiss, and you ruined her for the rest of her life?"
To which you reply:
"Yep. It is 100% true. Ashley Judd played Robin Lefler, in the episode "The Game", and Uncle Willie went to bootytown"
Now, let's be clear here. You "knew" her in a biblical sense?
Seeing as how she is one of the most attractive and emotional actresses in Hollywood, what was the experience like back then?
Just wanted some clarification..
GPL'd web-based tradewars themed space game
Thanks, I enjoy alot of your work.
Wil,
I loved the TNG Marathon played on TNN..the first time I ever watched the network for more than 15 seconds. The character segments in between were great too, but why on Earth did they make all of you run on that stupid treadmill? It was so distracting...and watching Michael Dorn get out of breathe wasn't exactly funny.
Favorite
Will you be in any future Star Trek movies? Why or Why not?
Thanks Ahead.
LP
His website uses php instead of asp. That's worth at least ten additional cool points, and considering the reputation the poor guy has, that's really something.
As one of the ultra-rare individuals who actually really enjoyed your character, I have had some questions over the years.
Questions like:
Did you ever get to see Marina Sirtis (Deanna Troy) nude?
Was there any behind the scenes booty-calls between cast members that you are comfortable releasing?
How difficult is it for a new actor to get a recurring role on a Star Trek series 'generally'?
More importantly to me..
Would you ever do a movie with Bruce Campbell? If so, have you let him and his people know?
And finally,
I know you were happy to leave the show, and I am glad you retained your integrity and ability to do what you wanted. However, I have often wondered, did you like the WAY you were written off the show?
GPL'd web-based tradewars themed space game
After getting your fingers burned with the abortive Sandman project in conjunction with Roger Avery, are there are other superhero projects you would consider taking on?
We all can look up your various roles on the web. What kind of roles people attempt to cast you for? Are there any movies that you especially would like to have been in, or possibly in the future?
This sig isn't original enough, it's time to come up with something witty...
As you mentioned on your FAQ page, the Wesley Crusher character from TNG was target of some not very complementary jokes. But are there any Wesley Crusher jokes that you liked ?
your site is php. you have a thinkgeek banner and many other geek cues. do you consider youself one of the unwashed masses? do you think you're a geek? --in the good sense =]
we speak the way we breathe --Fugazi
Here is the cache of Wil's FAQ:
w ww.wilwheaton.net/faq.htm+wil+wheaton+faq&hl=en&st art=1
http://www.google.com/search?q=cache:fW2sjIXa3m4:
Its karma-whorific.
I liked your brief appearance in the Sprite commercial
Don't blame me - I voted for Howard Dean. http://dean2004.blogspot.com
Jason Alexander once said in an interview that every single episode he did as George on Seinfeld made it harder and harder for him to be marketable in showbiz as any other sort of character. Given that most people know you as Welsey Crusher, do you ever worry about it? If that's a problem, how does an actor break out of it?
--------
Bleah! Heh heh heh... BLEAH BLEAH!!! Ha ha ha ha...
How does it feel to have wilwheaton.net slashdotted? But seriously, would you ever, ever, ever do a Star Trek anything again, even if its just 10 seconds to get shot to make sure you'll never appear again? Not sure how you'd get written back in though.
Wil -- I see you are an IDS user for all your photo displaying needs. Do you recommend it for others, and what features do you like most about this and other open source products?
It always fascinates me, the hatred male trekkies have towards Wil Wheatons character. Now I think I understand why: I watched TNG during my early teens and I always envied his character, I would have killed to be in his characters situation! And I think thats where all this hatred comes from. Instead of looking like a dweeb, they express distaste for him. Also he basically portrayed most of our lives: An above average male teenager who was never appreciated for his abilites by his role models (Especially Picard). This kind of reminds me a bit of the whole Jar Jar thing...
If you're not man enough to admit your envy, then please don't try to satisfy your ego by expressing hate.
To Wes: Great job on TNG....wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors.
Kaypro...
Eddy.WriteLinux.Com
Don't waste our time with questions that are already answered in Wil's FAQ.
Simple question: were you expecting your site to get slashdotted when details of this interview were posted?
"The invisible and the non-existent look very much alike." -- Delos B. McKown
how the hell did they get you to wear that grey thing on TNG? i hope you got a lot of cash for that.
Did the nick name Wuss-ley hurt you personally? If not, can you maybe recommend one that would?
Krispy Cream is people
On your homepage you mention that you once worked for NewTek during their development or initial release of the Video Toaster. I've always been curious to know how you got the job there and what you exactly did for them? Did you ever own an Amiga prior to working at NewTek?
Since your site seems to be suffering for the "slashdot effect" what kind of connection do you have?? ;-)
Fighting for peace is like fucking for virginity
Do you still use the Newtek Video Toaster for your video productions?
Did anyone warn Wil of the consequences of accepting an interview request from Slashdot?
I'm curious about the Star Trek fan circuit - convention appearances and all. Do you actually make some decent money on them or is it more of a favor to the fans? Does Paramount ever pressure the actors to attend events to promote the franchise? And is there a camaraderie between actors from different series, people who otherwise haven't worked with each other?
Personally I liked the cameo in The Outer Limits episode, albiet he was typecast as a scared newbie cadet. Was it "The Lighthorsemen" or "The light army"?
When did you first hear of the classic usenet group, alt.ensign.wesley.crusher.die.die.die, and what was your reaction?
I'm not a smorgasbord.
Obviously, whoever modded this as "flamebait" has never seen an episode of Star Trek with this guy in it.
You worked at the animation software shop NewTek
for a while. What did you do there? Do you thing you'll get back into tech again someday?
I found Wil's Filmography
I thought you might be interested... it is quite impressive actually
Fighting for peace is like fucking for virginity
Wil,
You have made comments to the effect of poo-poo'ing celebrity opinions about issues in general. Yet in your blogs, you spend a lot of time discussing politics, and you make no bones about which side of the isle you favor. As someone in the public spotlight - and especially as someone in the geek spotlight (being a celeb that has your own self-coded web site) - do you consider it a duty of sorts to be an activist? Does being a celeb bring any more responsibility over the common, first-amendment-empowered citizen in voicing your opinion? Also, do you feel that you have qualities above and beyond other Hollywood celebrities that makes it important that you share your feelings?
Thanks,
dk
Acts 17:28, "For in Him we live, and move, and have our being."
Need I point out that, when Wesley Crusher(TM) left us, he was well on his way to godhood? Time and space are merely useful abstractions to the WesleyGod. All the WesleyGod must do is ponder the possibility of travelling backwards in time, and it shall be so.
Another possibility would be to write him in as his own ancestor. ST has stooped to doing that on a couple of occasions before.
Come back, Wil! The galaxy needs you!
You want the truthiness? You can't handle the truthiness!
I've always wanted to know whether or not Wil was even asked to do an episode of Star Trek Voyager. That series could have used a good episode about the Traveler and Wesley. I would think the idea could have popped up in some writers' heads.
You seem to know a lot about music. How big is your collection? What are your favorite bands? What is Radio Free Burrito and what do you think of broadcasting live?
How to Download YouTube Videos
My question: Do you remember who won the contest? Was he/she cool? Did he/she actually make it into an episode?
"Bloody marvelous."
You've played one of the most despised characters in the history of science fiction; do you have any advice for Jar Jar as to how he should handle the rancor of obnoxious fans?
BTW, congrats on moving beyond Wesley and having what looks like an interesting career. In the end, you've done better than some other cast members of ST:TNG! At least you're not narrating alien autopsy videos... ;)
All about me
What is your platform of choice (yes I see your site uses PHP, good job!)? Are you religious about that like the rest of us?
You seem to be a pretty talented person. What made you choose acting as a career? Ever had any regrets?
... about the SSSCA, and the DMCA, how do you, as a producer, view these ideas of 'media industry law' as we have come to call it?
What are your opinions, agreements, and disagreements with these bills that are passed?
Many people have compared Wesley Crusher to Adric on the Dr. Who. In both cases, the character was reviled because of the way the writers handled him. What are your thoughts on this? How would you recommend an actor handle this sort of situation in the future?
www.eFax.com are spammers
As a lifelong geekess whose first crush was on Wesley Crusher, here's a question I'd love answered by Wil Wheaton, as well as the general male slashdot population. Which would Wesley Crusher, in character, prefer? An attractive, yet slightly braindead, clothes/hair/nails oriented girl, or her equally attractive, intelligent geekess identical twin sister? Someone who can't carry on a conversation unless it involves who was seen where, with whom, and what each was wearing, or somone who can argue the pros and cons of which programming language suits a certain task best? What about you as a person?
PS: I happen to like the Wesley character (aside from his final episode, which was lame), so there!
--GrouchoMarx
Card-carrying member of the EFF, FSF, and ACLU. Are you?
since your site is slashdotted to hell.. ( dear god.. pray for those webpages ) .. what do you have to say about it ? just say something..
something..
Any advise for what is essentially the same role as your TNG character in the new "Enterprise" series? You know, the begal puppy.
Should he apply to starfleet academy?
Should he accept a field commision as an ensign?
Should he take a postion on the bridge?
Or perhaps he should just be careful playing with alien puppys on planets with unknown laws?
So for the uninformed, CmdrTaco is a dick. And the above interview is inclined to be far more informative and funny than anything that will appear here. Go read it.
I only post comments when someone on the internet is wrong.
How often do you not get to say what you mean in a film in order to make it more marketable or less controversial?
`which fortune`
If Wil always looked the same, I'd guess it would matter. But his it has changed from when a
pre-teen in Stand and a teen in Trek to being an adult.
Do you not agree that the episode of The Outer Limits that you starred in (with Graham Greene) was not just the coolest hour of TV you were involved in?
Sorry, I don't remember the episode name, but to everyone else it involved a distant future where a seriously screwed earth was sending a doomsday weapon to the alein enemy's planet in a final attempt to end the war. Seriously good program.
Look at the tomato! Isn't it sad? He can't dance! Poor tomato!
I noticed a post of yours a few weeks ago on one of the star trek: enterprise stories and was sorta surprised. I'd never thought I'd see a post by a celebrity on slashdot, or at least a celebrity that identified themself. I didn't think it was real, until I went to your webpage and saw that you were a fellow geek. I read quite a bit of your site and found a lot of it interesting. I'd have to say, you have great taste in music.
My question to you is:
How often have you gotten first post?
Are you the gloating first poster, or just the simple "first post, 'nuff said" kinda first poster?
Would you like to have been in the feature films of Star Trek (say like Generations, First Contact and Insurection) in some aspect?
GCM d+ s+:+ a- c++ U? P! L E-- W++ NM+ V PS- PE+ Y+ PGP- t 5+ X?+ R+++$ tv+ b+ DI++++ D---- G e
Given the almost complete focus on your typecast role you seem desperate to escape from, and the ridiculous, disturbing fanboy tone of many of the questions, do you regret having given this interview?
In other words, do you think this kind of publicity is worthwhile?
Wil,
You mention in this LA Times article that you dumped Linux for Windows because
"While I'm a champion of open source, I don't think Linux is there yet"
Was there a specific bug in Linux that prompted you to dump it, or was it just the entire operating system?
Thanks!
To the best of your knowledge, did you ever find a bathroom on the set of TNG?
"Why Subscribe?" Good question...
For christ's sake, Put on a shirt!! That link was the scariest thing in the BBSpot interview...
read his faq. (get the google cache if it's still slashdotted). His stunt double during part of Stand By Me was a woman; try getting your kicks by watching that flick.
-f
www.blackant.net
Have you (or any of the TNG cast) ever rubbed it for good luck?
While this may seem way off the wall, please give me a moment.
Kirk Russell, on the commentary to the Big Trouble in Little Chinia DVD, talks about how his trip down the elevator on the way to confront "the ultimate evil spirit" has generated more comments then any other. Fans are always quoting back lines from that scene, particularly in elevators.
Here is the question. Are there particlar lines from one of your roles that fans repeat back to you? Which role do people most often identify you with when they see you in the real world? If you could change this defining moment to an alternate scene or line, what would it be and why?
~~ What's stopping you?
Have you had relations with Mae Ling Mak, and if so did you use a condom? Or a dumpling wrapper?
--
Me pican las bolas, man!
Thanks
Jaco
Hi,
When 'they' want to produce new episodes, are you then willing to play in them? (and do you think the other actors are willing too?)
www.vanheusden.com - home of Multitail, HTTPing, CoffeeSaint, EntropyBroker, rsstail, bsod, listener, nagcon, nagi
Stolen from the ain't it cool interview:
I like things that are traditionally nerdy, like role playing games.
So what do you play? How often? Ever try Over the Edge? If so, what did you think of OTE?
~~ What's stopping you?
Really, did you have any dignity while you were wearing that thing? I mean, come on. A rainbow strip across the front of your Fedaration jumpsuit. Did you at least complain?
Why bother.
What is your least favorite word?
What sound do you love?
What sound do you hate?
What turns you on, inspires you?
What occupation would you like to attempt besides acting?
What occupation would you not like to do?
What is your favorite curse word?
If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive?
There is nothing so silly as other peoples traditions, and nothing so sacred as our own.
I had thought that Paramount was going to do a series on You and The Traveler...What ever happened to this? It would have been a break-away venture for Star-Trek.
"I think you know what I'm talkin' about, Mr. President; We're gonna kill us a mummy!" - Bruce Campbell as Elvis Presley
do you remember a couple of years back at a time of filming some movie or another, some people happened upon it and you. Some of them asked for an autograph, and you arrogantly handed a dollar (unsigned in case you forgot) to one of them and said, "Here! That is what you really wanted".
So... do you want your dollar back? I am curious if you have had an attitude adjustment yet, if not the dollar could be the start of a downpayment on one
I like this AC question...
Maybe 3 cool points.
Hi Whil,
First I'd like to say that I really liked your character and I was upset when he was written out of the show.
A lot of questions have focused on either your level of geekiness or how many of your Trek co-actors you got to see nude. I have a bit more concrete question, which I think might tell us a lot more about you:
What's your geek code?
I am disrespectful to dirt! Can you see that I am serious?!
What's the most gloriously awful way you've been offered to cash in on your Wesleyness?
I took my copy of Titus Andronicus (Anthony Hopkins) to a friend's house this weekend, and we all remarked at how this story of the consequences of unthinking violence has tremendous bearing on recent world events.
I also remember hearing Joseph Campbell in one of his many lectures state that the artist has a responsibility to set the moral tone for the culture.
I have seen you in a number of your roles (the last being The Invisible Man if I am not mistaken), and while your parts have great entertainment value, they do not IMHO have much to say about fundamental aspects of the human condition.
Is this an avenue that you might want to explore in your career, even at the cost of financial liquidity?
BTW nice home page, but you've gotta plant the T-Chia so we can watch it grow.
A few years ago you responded to the question of, "Why are there no gay people represented on Star Trek?" And your response was something along the lines of in the future homosexuality will be cured. Star Trek TOS was one of the first television shows to display a diversified cast of characters working together in harmony on television during a time period when many minds were closed to such matters of acceptance. Upon reflection of this comment do you still feel this way today?
Did you enjoy the Wesly Crusher character? Why or Why not?
I recently saw you on some cable show on TNN. You were having a really funny interview with an overly enthusiastic host, and I was really enjoying it. You were telling a really funny story about something that happened to you.. and then the host stood up and said "OK, Act it Out!" and then the camera turned to a stage to the right and an Improv Comedy Troupe appeared and began doing a skit based on your story, and it was awful! This happened like three times, and then YOU jumped into one of the skits... it was beyond awful, and I cried like a little girl.
My question is... Why???? Did TNN make you sign something in blood so you'd do some ST:TNG interview for them?
- kengineer
I want to be an actor. Do you have any advice?
Yes, I do. Eventually, this site will have a whole section devoted to aspiring actors. My immediate advice is: study, study, study. Read the classic plays and see the great movies. And for the love of Bob, study!And read Backstage. Get yourself into some sort of acting program or workshop. Just avoid anything that tells you they'll give you a free book by L.Ron Hubbard. It's a scheme to recruit you into Scientology.
And a mention of Bob? As in Dobbs, perhaps?
--
"Open source is good." - Steve Jobs
"Open source is evil." - Microsoft
It's Kurt Russell, not Kirk.
Hey Wil, two questions that I was demanded to ask of you. 1) Are you really signed up with fark.com or is that some bogus account some 12 year old boy made up to fool us? And 2) Are you coming to the fark party. Rumors suck, but we all hear that you have been invited and accepted. Are ya? Huh? huh? :) Thanks, Wil. You rock!
Your weblog is neither a celebrity weblog nor a purely geek weblog, but is rahter a postmodern meta-commentary on many phenomena, including celebrity and technology.
How has having this weblog changed 1) your daily life, 2) your views of technology, and 3) your views of celebrity?
Goat sex free since 2001
I assume you've learned to handle the celebrity-side of "Ohhh - he was on Star Trek" by now but how does it affect you in your day-to-day life, particularly when you've been involved in the high-tech industry?
Does it ever get to be annoying when folks get fixated on your former role? Do you ever take advantage of it and get invited to events you wouldn't be otherwise? How about bring it up when dealing with phone-support ("If I can fix a dilithium interociter & phase through space I can be trusted with the ntp server address!".) How about vendors, try and get new gear out of shops: "But I'm Wil Wheaton, y'know, Wesley from Star Trek - it'd be great PR for you if I said I bought my Whizbang2000 at your store so howzabout it half-off and with that sweet wireless card thown in?"
Or is it you just make headlines when you slap a Beverly Hills cop ("Nooo mooore Beverly!...")
I don't read ACs: If a post isn't worth so much as a nom de plume to its author then I wont bother either.
Since you're part of Hollywood and somewhat of a geek (if you really are 'CleverNickName') here's the thing:
...
;-)
Would you be interested in becoming a (scifi/hollywoood/?) contributor to Slashdot (a la Jon Katz)? I'm sure you could get lots of exclusives from Paramount, actor friends etc
.. assuming of course you're prepared to be a lightning rod for all the Katz-haters cum Wesley-haters
How did you feel about being Slashdotted? And did you expect this to happen?
Since returning from the depths of space, do find Earth life to be unsatisifing? Would you say that this is the primary cause of your drug habit?
As homophobic as this guy is I'd vote for, "deeply repressed homosexual".
You were great in The Curse and Stand By Me.
I also did like your character on Star Trek TNG.
I have to admit that after a while, like most, got really cheesed at your character but it's not your fault you were playing a boy genius.
You represented the next generation of star trek actors. How come you are not casted in the star trek movies? Are we going to ever see you back on board the enterprise?
"If a show of teeth is not enough, bite
I remeber back in the day when Wil was practically a spokesperson for NewTek and the Video Toaster. What ever happened to all of your Amigas Wil?
That's not what I meant.
the whole voyager series, i was hoping that they would use wesley (and his new found talent for traveling through space and time) to bring the voyager crew back home. i thought that would have provided some nice continuity to the whole franchise. that traveler was a cool dude.
So, Wil, waddya think of that idea?
What? CmdrTaco is posting as an AC now?
Sorry I had to throw that in there.
Did you have a technical inclination prior to STTNG? Did you become more/less interested in tech from your ST experience? If so, in what ways?
Were there any regular cast members you got along with particularly well?
Were there any who you constantly butted heads with?
What characteristics of Wesley are completely unlike you, and vice versa?
Happiness is relative, Based upon the way we live.
Now for the 64 bit question: What is the name of the questionaire from which these questions come? Who was the person who originally created it?
And for an aditional 16 bits: In what language was the questionaire originally created?
(Hint: James Lipton always states all of this before asking the questions. Quick, go review it on Tivo!)
There is nothing so silly as other peoples traditions, and nothing so sacred as our own.
A question for the interview: How many hours a day do you spend online? And which activities do you spend most of that time on? (blog entries, web design, email, surfing, etc).
This sig is in the shop
For such was his real name: how did it feel to play a character who was essentially an avatar of what Roddenberry would have liked to have been, and did you notice any chances in how that character was written for after Roddenberry died?
-- Free Luna!
Well, ok, I knew that there would be a bunch of ST:TNG-related questions on here because, well, we're a bunch of geeks. So here's something kind of related to Trek, but more along the lines of show biz...
/. just ate wilwheaton.net)
What sort of problems have you had, if any, with typecasting, and what did you do to break those? I would imagine you could get pidgeonholed into the "brainy adolescent" or "anything sci-fi" parts and productions, especially with the mythical proportions that Trek can get to within the industry (positive and negative).
(And BTW, your little spot on TNN is funny.)
(And I think
- emilio
neurostyle dot net - it's all in your head
Wil's a big fantasy gamer, I think. Does he like the offline role playing games better than the online games?
What is his favorite die? 4, 8, 10, 12, or 20 sides?
Ginger Or MaryAnn?
(+1 Funny) only if I laugh out loud.
Why do you sound bitter? Are you depressed or bipolar?
Why do you swear so much?
Why should I care about you?
Sorry, I had to ask.
$5 / month hosted VPS on linux = awesome!
The fuck? "Off topic"? Are IQ's dropping sharply around here? Do we not understand that "coming out" in this context (with the "quotes") refers to Wil "outing" (look, "quotes") himself as a /.'er?
Bloody hell. Maybe we should ask Wil why he bothers reading this site at all.
Mod me down again, beeyatches, I've got karma to burn, and you're only displaying your own idiocy.
If you were blocking sigs, you wouldn't have to read this.
who would win in a fight: whesley crusher or luke skywalker?
$5 / month hosted VPS on linux = awesome!
This isn't offtopic... it's related directly to the Wheaton website, which is linked to in the story.
Nothing stirs my affection like a blond-haired, blue-eyed, halter-topped sylph who can, expertly tossing her hair as she looks over her shoulder, exclaim to me, "Like, fer sure! My Linux kernel doesn't have the right driver fer my new DVD writer! Now I have to, like, hack my CD driver and build a new kernel! Gag me with a spoon!"
Most popcorn movies these days have big holes in their script, be it plot-wise or technology-wise.
:-)
While it sometimes works to abandon logic or science (Armageddon comes to mind), this trend seems to backfire more and more often (Godzilla comes to mind, a movie that even Roger Ebert dissed for its science goofs).
How come that the way technology or science is depicted on screen (computers, technology, sci-fi) hardly ever gets proofread in Hollywood scripts? You seem to be a tech-nerd - do you ever correct something in a script? (If you know a script-writer who needs a proofreader, give him my e-mail address
2nd question: Do you think that having been a member of the Trek franchise was good or bad for your career? I'm a big trek fan, yet it often amuses me how Trek actors can consider themselves superstars in the Trek world, but nobodies outside.
I often feel sorry for the dead-end careers that it meant for Nichelle Nichols or DeForest Kelley. I often wonder when I will finally see the TNG actors in bigger roles. (Don't tell me that Brent Spiner's recent work was a stellar career. Why doesn't he get better roles? Or Marina Sirtis? Or almost any other Trek actor?)
------------------
You may like my a cappella music
Looking back, would you have been on star trek if they didn't pay you?
Your roles before star trek were building into a career and now you are somewhat typecast in a Doogie Howser kind of way.
rejected (19) accepted (0)
Is there a psychological term related to getting your stories rejected on slashdot?
How do you feel knowing that all the newsgroups on USENET dedicated to you end in .die?
The World is Yours.
You're a well-known, established actor; but I guess you won't take this as an insult if I don't call you a superstar. So you're not yet in the position to choose all your projects and be granted every wish you have about a script.
So, I always wondered how actors choose their scripts - what is your job like when you're not acting?
What kind of scripts do you get offered? What silly (or not silly) scripts did you turn down? Can you talk about roles or projects that you were chosen for and then it didn't work out?
------------------
You may like my a cappella music
While waiting through the slashdotting, I noticed Free Dmitry and and anti-DMCA links on your google-cached web site.
I don't think we're going to get a better chance to find out what happens to both than by asking a guy who not only time travelled regularly, but near the end of TNG was able to manipulate time itself.
So, my questions -- is Dmitry finally free for real in the future, and if so, how did it happen? And don't say "holodeck" or "transporter" because that's cheap.
Next -- is legislation in the future as bad as it is now? I mean, if you circumvent a Klingon holo-copy control mechanism, would you be thrown in a detention cell on Kronos and be force fed Gahk (or whatever the hell those worm things are called) without starbail or startrial for a few staryears?
What gives? Enquiring minds with no sense of reality want to know.
J
(no offence to our Geekess but here it goes):
There are two types of girls: pretty and smart.
___
If you think big enough, you'll never have to do it.
Looks like Wil's got a bit of time on his hands these days. Here's his screenplay, shamelessly lifted from memepool. Enjoy.
Are you really user 129189?
Patrick Doyle
I mod down every jackass who puts his moderation policy in his sig. Oh, wait a sec....
As an amateur geek, does being interviewed by a rabid geek site like Slashdot -- a site that normally interviews people who rewrite kernel modules in brainf*ck for fun -- scare you? Or is being a gen-u-wine celebrity and the actor formerly known as "the boy" insulation against such terror?
And (sorry if this is in your FAQ but since your server is melting so I can't check) are there actors in Hollywood that are as geeky / more geeky than you that one would never suspect? Or are there actors who portray geeks that are confused by the number of switches on a hair-drier? In other words who do you talk code with and who do you poke fun at?
A relative of a friend of mine was a writer for ST:TNG. According to her, Wesley Crusher was a victim of the writers' strike. The writers would have regular meetings to discuss what's going on in the show, what worked or didn't work, what sort of overall direction they are trying for, what kind of scripts were needed right then. Then everybody would go home and pump out a script. In one of these idea meetings Wesley was a primary topic of conversation. There was a general consensus that "Gee, we've got this character here who could be interesting and we haven't really _done anything_ with him. What do we really know about Wesley?" Then all the writers went home and thought about scripts where the audience would get to know Wesley better. And what's the easiest way to develop a character on Star Trek? Have him save the ship! So the following week all the writers submitted scripts in which Wesley saves the ship.
This wouldn't normally be a problem. Normally they'd pick the best script or two to film, send back others for rework or postpone them for later in the season.
But then the writer's strike hit and there were no new scripts coming in. They had to film what they had, and what they had was an excess of "Wesley Saves the Ship!" So Wesley saved the ship again and again, and the audience got sick of it.
I don't see that there's really anything Wil could have done about this, but it still might be interesting to hear his thoughts on it.
I play Nerd-Folk!
Now, I can't act but, neither can you. So...why's your website so fucking ugly?
I don't remember the exact details, but you featured (at least) once in the sf series "Outer Limits" as some sort of a space cadet on a ship destined to an alien homeworld, ending up with not quite as happy results as Wesley would likely achieve in Star Trek.
So, did you get this role intentionally to distance yourself a bit from Wesley the Wonderkid who saves the day? Any other comments on this (quite nice) episode or your part in it?
...and you need to keep what work the other person can do in mind as you select them.
Intelligence and sophistication are not as important as motivation in a romantic relationship; always choose substance over form.
Select someone with abilities vastly below your own only when you know what you are doing...
...at which point, you will discover that you don't.
Of course, that was 100 years before Muldair joined Enterprise-D.
I, for one, think Gene Rodenberry was truly an amazing man. He really understood exactly why the future will and should be different from the past. Since his death, the Star Trek universe has slowly begun shifting away from his inspiring utopian dreams into a much more twisted "day-time-talk-show" inspired realm. Personally, I find the marketing driven erosion to be incredibly depressing, and haven't really felt the desire to keep watching the newer series. How do you feel about the way the franchise has been moving since his death? Do the other cast members have similar feelings, or are they divided (or perhaps, do they not even care)? And finally, do *you* watch Star Trek (the new series, I mean, not just the "uncut" versions of TNG where you get to fondle hot alien babes) in your spare time?
"Your superior intellect is no match for our puny weapons!"
I know 'I' was amazed when I realized that Jerry O'Connel (Sliders fame
Years ago, I heard some stories that said you were outspokenly antigay. The story went that you held gays in contempt for religious reasons, resented speculation about your own sexual interests, and endured friction with two allegedly gay actors on the ST:TNG set -- Brent Edwards and Michael Dorn. Note: I never saw substantiation for rumors about your attitude, religion, or the sexual orientation of any cast member. (I'm frankly not enough of a Trek fan to care. :) )
Yet I see here that you said the following regarding homosexuals: "I'm sorry that I don't play ball with your team...but I always cheer for you when I'm in the stands."
Could you clarify your feelings about homosexuality, past and present? Many thanks,
--
Tom Geller
"Chiswick! Fresh horses!"
Are you mentally stable? Have you ever been chemically dependent? Are you rich? Do you consider yourself a loner or an extrovert, or are you isolated by an uncaring, bitter world?
I am not a lawyer. Do not take my words as legal advice. If you need legal advice, consult an attorney.
Did you know that scores of gay people I know want to jump your bones?
DrPizza, who's too lazy and too drunk to register for this accursed thing.
How the hell was that a troll? Sigh..more crack-smoking moderators
You took the roll on Star Trek at a young age, and we watched you grow up in front of the camera. Did you feel like an outcast in any way because of the large age gap between yourself and the other key players on the show? Was it difficult not being able to go out with "the guys" after filming for a drink, or being able to get into any parties (if there were any) because of your age?
Alright, we all know about the Anti-terrorism bill that Congress approved last week. But what about the RIAA's hacking ammendment they tried to add to it? Do you have any opinions on the subject of MP3's or hacking? And how do you feel about what they tried to pull over on us?
no signature required
Here are a few that top my list (in no particular order):
...and last, but certainly not least,
Losing an acquaintance (river, and perhaps others) to addiction, do you have any feel for that fine point in a friendship where not confronting them ("you have a problem and need help") would be practically criminal, and forcing the issue would not also drive them away?
(/serious) I'd also like your opinion on Debbie Gibson, and what you were thinking in that picture :)
Wil, what is up with Killoggs.com? Yer cartoon mug is all over it.
thelocust[dot]org
When Wesley Crusher took off with that dimensional traveller alien, I thought it would be interesting if he eventually returned as a sort of wandering enlightened character, roaming the Star Trek universe like Kane in the old Kung Fu series. Has anything like that ever been discussed by people who matter, and would you do it?
Consider that 2 years ago I was telling my friends that the next Star Trek series should be set in a time before the Captain Kirk era, when warp drive technology was new and they hadn't met very many aliens yet. I said they should use shuttlecraft a lot because the transporter would be new and unreliable, and the ship's doctor would be a Vulcan woman who attended Earth medical school to study humans. Ok, I got the doctor part wrong, and I saw her as an older wise-woman type rather than another petulant, skintight space babe. But not bad for a geek fan.
Even if she had given him a blowjob behind the warp core. Can you say "Wil, Ashley's lawyer on line 2" ??
True, or not?
I became increasingly fond of TNG as it found its legs and focused upon ongoing, cross-episode character development. Combined with this deeper philosophical questions. To me, and to many others, I believe, "classic" science fiction has always been primarily about character, psychology, sentience. Knowing only ourselves, it comes down to questions and speculation about humanity, being human. The setting can serve very well to emphasize these issues, and can provide some great entertainment (and eye candy, nowadays -- and yes, you can take that more than one way), but the best of it lies with the characters (where, so far, the eye candy is holding her own very well, I might add).
I've made the point to others that I felt a subset of the TNG characters formed the core of the show and helped it to endure to success and its long run. Picard, of course. Data. (Some of Trek's most interesting characters have been on the edge of the human condition: An android seeking humanity; Q, a God (for all intents and purposes) confronting the same; the Doc on Voyager; Seven of Nine), La Forge (an engineer with enough quiet personality to round him out). These characters grew with the show and became much more complete. By contrast, several of the others, even when written focus shows, just didn't come much beyond the two dimensional caricatures with which they started.
By the way, I include Wesley in the group that grew and really helped to give the show some continuity and enduring basis. He was a bit geeky, but in a passionate manner and without too much attitude. And he was given some wonderful opportunities for growth by the writers. Wesley became a character that felt "real" and in whom I remained interested, even when his appearances became sporadic. I felt there was much more depth to his participation, and the questions he faced were not shallow or overly formulaic.
In my long-winded manner, my question is: Do you have any sense of what I'm describing (without picking favorites or "rilin' the troops")? If so, can you provide any insight, based on your experience, as to how such characters are created and evolve? What tends to foster them, and what tends to prevent the same? From an actor's perspective, what are the influences that favor or hinder such character development? What helped you to make the most of Wesley? What do you see as risks or hinderments to the actor? In all of this, I'll take whatever opinions you have to offer, whether specific to TNG or more general.
An often repeated frustration of mine is to see a new show (of whatever genre) start off terrifically, only to have its depth curtailed and its characters practically parodied by themselves sometime into the first or second season. A contrast would be the improvement of TNG itself over time, or the pickup with Deep Space after TNG ended. At the character level, at the show level, I'm wondering what you noted about such developments.
Looking forward, I wonder how such things will play out with Enterprise
.Do you keep in touch with any of the actors or actresses from ST:tNG (or any trek, for that matter)? Is it because you're 'pals' with them, or is it more like a secret order of ex star trek performers? Like the stone masons or the illuminati. And, if so, do you have a spiffy song that you sing to celebrate your secret society-ness?
Your
have you taken it up the ass?
The current Slashdot moderation system is made by gay communists!
I don't know what you consider "something positive" but I make over a 6 figures salary a year, own my own home and live a very productive and happy life. I've been with the same person for 7 years while my straight friends have pushed out babies and divorced numerous times. If you had even a grain of compassion in your empty soul you would know that being gay isn't just about deciding one day, "Ohh it would be cool to fuck someone of the same sex. Let me pencil that in for Saturday at noon." For many people it's primarily about falling in love with someone and eventually realizing that your relationship isn't any less valid than next. When we have this realization we want the same rights and priviledges that afforded to us that straight couples have. It's really is that simple.
Being a science-fiction fan, what is your opinion of Babylon 5? Did you watch it? If so, how do you compare its writing, originality, and special effects with the Trek-of-the-Day? Did you want to make an appearance on the show?
:)
I know Babylon 5's run was near the time you were driven out of Florida by the "pigs-in-a-blanket-fiasco" so you may not have gotten the chance to see it.
Comment removed based on user account deletion
What's it like being a 27-year-old who's never been on a single date?
If you could sum up your entire opinion about him into one humongoid (Is that a word?) flame addressed to him, what would it be?
If he was such a special child with concepts of thought and time and all this cool stuff, how come the writers didn't do anything more thought-provoking as far as thought/space/time linking? they just pulled him from an episode with the Traveller and that was it... the TNG finale was well written and thought provoking, so the writers obviously had the talent... they just overlooked a potentially great setup for future episodes...
Back in the day, Roddenberry was reverred as the god who created Star Trek. Everyone had heard of the "Great Bird of the Galaxy". In recent years, it has become more and more common for those who worked with him to speak out about his failures as a writer, a producer, and in some cases as a human being. I know you only knew him for a few years, but what was your relationship with Roddenberry like and why do you think it has become so fashionable to take shots at him now?
Oh, come on now, does no one remember Worf's honey K'Ehleyr played by Suzie Plakson? Besides Troi, she was always my favorite.
What do you think of the excessive amount of /.'ers who are immature an post hundreds of posts asking if you are gay and bad-mouthing Linux potentially ruining the whole QnA thing for the rest of the people who have legitimate questions?
/.'ers
I think that they should use their real email address' and stop being Anonymous Cowards, any help Cmdr Taco or CowboyNeal?
Thanks for taking the time to answer the many questions brought forth by us