Auberjonois On The Trek Phenomenon

He may have spent years keeping Quark in line on Deep Space Nine, but nothing quite prepared René Auberjonois (Odo) for the Star Trek phenomenon.

"I don't think there is any way that you can be ready for the impact Star Trek will have on your life," he told BBC Bristol Online, whilst he was in the United Kingdom for the Nexus Convention last weekend. Other guests included Sylvester McCoy (the seventh Dr. Who), Gareth Thomas (Blake in Blake's 7) and Richard Arnold (Star Trek archivist).

"Before the TV series I did a character on one of the feature films, 'Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country'," Auberjonois said. "I remember going to be fitted for my Starfleet uniform and the costume designer looked at me in my snappy uniform and said 'now you're in for it - it will never be the same.' I didn't really know what was meant by that but I quickly learned." Auberjonois's role as Colonel West was cut from the theatrical version of the film, but restored for the video release.

The actor acknowledged that Trek fans are often categorised by others. "You know there are certain stereotypical things that go along with Star Trek fans which are not necessarily the whole picture. There are the zany-wonderfully crazy people who run around in costumes and think the whole thing is real but really most people are in it for the fun fantasy and are ordinary people."

For Auberjonois, conventions are also an opportunity to help those less fortunate. "I do a lot of work for Doctors Without Borders and it is nice to combine this sort of visit with some charity work," he said. "The Nexus convention is helping raise money for the work of Leukaemia Care. The charity conventions are a great chance to have your cake and eat it."

The full article can be found here at the BBC site. Thanks to Benjamin Winn at the Trekker Newsletter for this!

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