Dorn 'Fortunate' To Be Franchise Actor

Michael Dorn (Worf) said recently he feels lucky to have been involved with the Star Trek franchise for over fifteen years.

"I've been very fortunate," Dorn told fans during a chat at StarTrek.com. "Most actors don't get a chance to be part of a franchise for 15, 16 years."

The actor, who turned 50 on the day of the 'Star Trek Nemesis' world premiere, has certainly made his mark on the franchise. In addition to playing Worf on Star Trek: The Next Generation for seven years, a role he reprised in the four TNG feature films, Dorn returned as the Klingon security officer for four seasons of Deep Space Nine and even portrayed his ancestor in 'Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country.' Dorn also directed episodes of Deep Space Nine and Enterprise.

"It's been a real experience in a lot of different ways, being able to direct and continue the acting in different ways. It gives you freedom because you can pick and choose the jobs that you want because you don't have to worry about taking them for money."

Although he called the Klingon makeup "horrifying," Dorn couldn't have been happier to return to the franchise for what could possibly be his last appearance as Worf in 'Star Trek Nemesis.' "It was, as usual, like a party. We're lucky that we still care for each other and we're good friends. It's like getting paid to party with your old friends."

Despite his affinity for Worf, there's one area where the actor is at odds with his fictional alter-ego. "I hate prune juice," Dorn confessed. "Absolutely."

The full chat transcript, in which Dorn also talked about his love of the stage and kissing Marina Sirtis (Deanna Troi), is available here at StarTrek.com.

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