Marc Wade:
Welcome to STAR TREK: CONTINUUM. We are coming to you LIVE from Paramount Studios in Hollywood, California.

Today we are delighted to have as our very special guest... Robert Picardo!

Bob plays "The Doctor" on "Star Trek: Voyager" and appeared in "Star Trek: First Contact" as the same character. He is here with us today to answer your questions.

Your host for tonight's chat is Guy Vardaman, Senior Producer for STAR TREK: CONTINUUM. Jackie Edwards is typing for our guest.

Welcome, Bob! We are honored that you could join us today.

Robert Picardo:
I'm sorry that I'm still shooting. I'm speaking with the first prosthetic applied to my face that I've ever had since starting Voyager.

Guy Vardaman:
(We're doing this on the phone from his trailer)

Joel (Canada, 14) asks:
Hi Doc, did you study do be a real doctor?

Guy Vardaman:
(We just lost Bob... but he'll be right back)

Robert Picardo:
I was premed at Yale but organic chemistry scared me away, so it would be a huge stretch to say I studied to be a real doctor.

Cristy Ruteshouser asks:
Hi, Bob! Which Voyager episode are you proudest of... "Tinker Tenor Doctor Spy," in which you starred, or the upcoming "One Small Step" which you directed? ,p> Robert Picardo:
I would have to say "One Small Step" even though I'm very proud of "Tinker, Tenor, Doctor, Spy." I will say the briefing room scene with our three female stars coming on to the doctor was one of the most pleasant experiences I've ever had.

louise asks:
Do you think EMHs will exist in the future?

Robert Picardo:
Yes, I do. But you'll be assigned a EMH by your HMO. I'm going to come back after this shot...

Marc Wade:
Bob had to run back to the set for a shot. Bob is currently shooting, and wearing a prosthetic on his forehead above the nose. He has been speaking to us from the soundstage, where Guy Vardaman is standing with him. They have just rolled camera. (everybody be very quiet) they're doing a rehearsal before the shot. We can't tell you the title of the episode they're shooting. Sorry about that. Bob Picardo has chatted with us three times before. We're getting lots of questions. They might have done the shot in one take. Bob's on his way back. Running back through Engineering to get to the phone.

Regina from Germany asks:
If you could write a script for a Doctor based Voyager Episode, what would you make him say and do (what would the story be like)?

Robert Picardo:
I have always wanted to do an episode in which a medical emergency demands that the doctor have a qualified co-surgeon for a delicate procedure. And the doctor's program is installed twice. The doctor assists himself in surgery. However, the season 1 doctor -- arrogant, self-rightous, terrible bedside manner -- is assisting our new, improved, adapted doctor who knows all of the crew by name. And our current doctor is humiliated by the behavior of his early self. And the new doctor thinks the current doctor is foolish and basically a waste of time for having such trivial concerns as people's feelings.

Cristy Ruteshouser asks:
Bob, the new alternate lyrics for "La donna e mobile" sure sounded like you might have written them. Did you?

Robert Picardo:
No, they were written by Joe Menosky but he did accept a couple of changes from me that I felt fit the melody better. For example... "Paris, if you don't mind, a hypospray you'll find," became "Paris please find a way to load a hypospray."

I should end this by saying that I love and admire Joe Menosky since he's enough of a computer nerd to read this chat. In fact, I had hair like him back when I was younger. Now, on to the next question.

david h. asks:
hi i will like to ask you if when you where a child did star trek have any influence on you?

Robert Picardo:
Yes, it chased me away from the television screen. I have admitted on numerous occasions I was not enlightened enough as a young man to be a Star Trek fan.

Amy Newlin asks:
What do you think will happen to the Doctor when they reach home?

Robert Picardo:
I would hope that Janeway and the other senior officers would encourage the Starfleet powers that be to maintain the doctor in his present state of program-enhancement. Enlightenment, perhaps. To delete all of his acquired knowledge and experience would be very sad, but I suppose Janeway would have to argue on his behalf since he is a relatively new technology in an unprecedented situation.

M. Thompson asks:
Mr. Picardo I just wanted to say I really enjoy the audio tape of "STV: Caretaker". How long did it take to read all that. Have done more audio books, as well, my wife who is blind said you have a very good voice.

Robert Picardo:
Thank you and thank your wife for the nice compliment. I believe I recorded "Caretaker" over the course of two days and the only other audio book I've done is Jeri Taylor's "Pathways". I will be back again in three minutes...

Marc Wade:
Bob was called back to the set. This is the last shot of the day. We'll pick up the chat in the makeup trailer as he has his prosthetic removed. This is certainly the most dynamic chat we've ever had.

A bit of Hollywood trivia... the last shot of the day is called the "Martini". That's what they're doing now on the set of Star Trek: Voyager. They are on the corridor set, outside of sickbay.

We're chatting with Robert Picardo, "The Doctor" on "Star Trek: Voyager" Bob is currently on the set, doing the last shot of the day. Guy Vardaman is reporting to us from there live. Bob Picardo is NOT in his Starfleet uniform, but is "undercover" disguised as an alien. Hence the prosthetic nose/headpiece and strange outfit. They are rolling camera on the set.

Every weekday there is a lively chat on a "Star Trek" topic in the Academy Lounge.
Monday's topic is movies and books about Star Trek series.
Tuesday we chat about Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.
Wednesday is Star Trek: The Next Generation.
Thursday's topic is the original Star Trek series.
Friday we chat about Star Trek: Voyager.
Visit www.startrek.com and look for "Academy Lounge Chat" for details.

On the set, they just cut and are preparing to go again. They are "off the bell" now. The shot also included Kate Mulgrew and Roxann Dawson. Back on the bell for one more take. When they are ready to shoot, they ring a very loud buzzer to alert everyone in the soundstage to be quiet. The Assistant Director will yell out, "on a bell!" to let everyone know to be quiet. They are now off the bell - cut and...

Guy Vardaman:
That's a wrap! The houselights are on in the soundstage. Folks are starting to pack up and head for home. Bob was trying to duck out the side door, but two security guards caught him and dragged him back.

Gene asks:
How did you film the scene when you sketched Seven of Nine nude? Was it a dummy? Scantily clad?

Robert Picardo:
I was nude myself and then they digitally added my clothing. I'm kidding, of course. I must first of all blow my own horn and say that that was my own idea. The writers asked what some of the doctor's fantasies might be and I think that was the first one out of my mouth. Of course it was shot with great dignity and Jeri was completely covered up, much to my dismay, so to my mind, she'll owe me the complete nude sometime in the future. Just kidding! Besides, I would lie to protect her dignity, no matter what actually happened. But what actually happened was completely uneventful. But it sure looked great on film.

Arnold asks:
FIRST OF ALL,I THINK YOU MAKE THE PERFECT DOCTOR.VOYAGER WOULDN'T BE VOYAGER WITHOUT YOU.NOW,I WATCHED TOTAL RECALL,AND DIDN'T YOU PROVIDE THE VOICE OF THE ROBOT TAXI-DRIVER ON MARS IN THAT MOVIE? 'CAUSE IT SURE LOOKED LIKE YOU.

Robert Picardo:
Yes, that was me and the Mars driver was a special effects puppets that was molded on my own face. So I like to think I got to Mars long before I shot "One Small Step" for Star Trek.

Marketing asks:
Do ya'll keep track of the bloopers? If a video was to come out on "Star Trek- Voyager...Never Before Seen Bloopers" I GUARANTEE you, every fan would rush out to get it

Robert Picardo:
We actually do not keep track of our bloopers. I don't know if there's a secret blooper reel but to my knowledge there is not a blooper reel. In about two minutes I'm going to move into the make-up trailer. I'll do one more first.

Rosie from Terre Haute asks:
Why does the Doctor pick on Tom Paris so much?

Robert Picardo:
Because it's fun. I've actually been asked by fans if I dislike Robbie McNeill because my character picks on him. Which is, of course, ridiculous. I like Robbie very much and it is only a tribute to my skill as an actor that I can treat him so badly on film with such conviction. I'll be back in less than 60 seconds.

Marc Wade:
Bob is on his way to the makeup trailer. Guy will meet him there and continue the chat.

We're chatting with Robert Picardo, "The Doctor" on "Star Trek: Voyager" If you've just joined us... welcome!

Guy Vardaman:
We're back... but Bob is taking out his contact lenses.

Robert Picardo:
I wear contacts on the show just so I can focus my eyes on the actors who are standing close to me. If I don't have the contacts in I tend to look a little like a poster of a serial killer at the post office.

Ethan Wilks asks:
Do you know anything about a new STAR TREK series that could be coming out in the near future?

Robert Picardo:
Yes, it's called "Star Trek: EMH" and all 11 regular characters are played by me. Except of course for my two or three love interests every week.

Guy Vardaman:
One of them Jeri Ryan?

Robert Picardo:
No, they're played by various women including two of our makeup women. That of course is not true. I know nothing about a next series, but this answer seemed much more fun.

Goval asks:
You have a great singing voice, as does Jeri Ryan, were did you learn to sing?

Robert Picardo:
I studied singing briefly when I was at Yale with a wonderful teacher named Benjamin DeLoasche I've learned to sing mostly by singing along to the radio and to records.

catia (kathtta@juno.com) asks:
-> question for robert picardo: -> "the doctor is one of my favorite characters on 'voyager'. i love the way you portray him. just one question: do you think he should have hair? why or why not? (ok, two questions)

Robert Picardo:
Well, if I suddenly had hair, all of my action figures would look silly. So I think we leave things the way they are. If I ever want to have hair, they can simply reprogram me. It hasn't seemed important up to this point.

BORG asks:
Will you be hosting UPN's "Star Trek" special?

Robert Picardo:
Is UPN having a "Star Trek" special? I think that answers your question.

Nick Heck asks:
Bob, when will we see Voyager get home, if ever?

Robert Picardo:
That's a question I can only speculate about. I do know that our producer, Brannon Braga, has said that our being lost in space is the defying element of our show. So perhaps we will remain lost.

B Mason asks:
How does one get a walk on appearance?

Robert Picardo:
I'm sorry but I don't know how to advise you.

Ryan asks:
All-in-all.......what is your favorite part about acting on VOYAGER?

Robert Picardo:
I think the fact that my character can be used in many comic situations and can be equally enjoyed by the audience in a very dramatic situation. That freedom to move back and forth freely in the role is the part I enjoy the most about it.

Xeran asks:
Are you planning on directing any of this season's episodes?

Robert Picardo:
I have directed the Voyager episode that will air Nov. 17th. It is entitled, "One Small Step" and it is a very moving tribute to the heroic astronauts of early space travel. I'm very proud of how the show turned out and am anxiously looking forward to the response of our audience. Roxann Dawson also directed her first episode this season entitled "Riddles" which will air Nov. 3rd. She did a splendid job. So hopefully, along with Robbie and Tim Russ, we are giving actor/directors a good name.

Rosie from Terre Haute asks:
Is being directed by someone that acts on Voyager (e.g., Robbie McNeill) different that when someone else directs? Is it more fun, demanding, etc.?

Robert Picardo:
I would say it's more fun because you're working with someone that you know well and like and respect his acting skills. All of that in addition to the fact that he's a very talented director. Robbie watches with both an actor and a director's eye so he gives nice performance notes to you that are quite helpful. And subtle.

Doug from Indiana asks:
Robert, I loved your recent Voyager episode tinker, tenor, Doctor, Spy. it was great. Are there any more humorous episodes scheduled this season?

Robert Picardo:
As a matter of fact, we begin shooting another humorous Doctor episode Oct. 25th which I believe will air in early February. It involves more singing and the Doctor discovers the painful fickleness of celebrity.

Larry Taylor asks:
In "China Beach" you played a serious character, one without much humor. In "Voyager" I see that same seriousness, but now you have much humor in your character . Do you you prefer humor over drama? P.S. I think you are great on "Voyager."

Robert Picardo:
First of all, I would like to contest your assumption that my China Beach character didn't have much humor. I prefer what I have been given which is to play a character with great humorous possibilities in a primarily dramatic show.

Joel asks:
what is the name of the episode that they are filming today?

Robert Picardo:
It's called, "Blink of an Eye". And I wear my first prosthetic on my face. And I'm just now having it removed, as we speak.

Picards Hair asks:
How many Holographic Doctors does it take to change a light bulb?

Robert Picardo:
None. They're already a photonic projection.

Tiggy asks:
Will you ever have a name on Voyager?

Robert Picardo:
I would like to be Dr. Vardaman. I don't know anymore. I'm tired of lying... I just don't know.

Jason Clevenstine asks:
What was it like working with Marina Sirtis?

Robert Picardo:
Well, I really enjoy the time I've spent with Marina at personal appearances all over the place but I regret I didn't get to work with her in any scenes in the recent episode she guest starred in.

Deoris asks:
How do you feel knowing you are now part of the "Star Trek Universe" at large?

Robert Picardo:
It's awe-inspiring, having an action figure and it no longer makes me nervous to see my young daughters sleeping in Voyager t-shirts like it did the first couple of seasons. I suppose we have accepted and even embraced the fact that Daddy is now a small footnote in pop culture.

Becky from SC asks:
Which do you find more challenging... acting or directing?

Robert Picardo:
Directing, by far. Not that acting isn't challenging, but I've been doing it a lot longer. When you play a role for a long time on a series your biggest demands are learning the dialogue for the day. As a director there are a million decisions you have to make in advance and you have to visualize everything. I visualize everything more slowly than a more experienced director.

Marc Wade:
Bob has now finished in makeup, and is heading back to his trailer. He is going to call us from there.

Our next chat will be next Thursday 10/21... with Garrett Wang, "Harry Kim" from Star Trek: Voyager.

Guy Vardaman:
This is the sixth telephone Bob has called us from in an hour...

Jodie asks:
will there be anymore episodes that deal with improving Seven's human skills?

Robert Picardo:
I think that the formal training of the Doctor for Seven's social graces kind of reached a conclusion in "Someone to Watch Over Me." However, our formal mentor/student relationship will continue. I also think they are keeping alive the Doctor's feelings for Seven. But she'll be learning her new social lessons with many men, I'm sure. The Doctor is just a holographic link in her chain.

Christina & Dixie asks:
What was your favorite daydream the doctor had?

Robert Picardo:
I think it's between sketching Seven and Torres, Janeway and Seven all throwing themselves at the Doctor in the briefing room. I'd have to do each of the fantasies several more times to decide.

Aamin Marittza asks:
Who decided that your enemy for Tinker Tenor would be Mr. PotatoHead?

Robert Picardo:
I've always been a great fan of the Mr. Potato Head game because it has rules I can understand and grasp and I was delighted to work with a Potato Head on Voyager. They have aPeel.

Bilana asks:
Does it feel, well rewarding to have an episode based on you?

Robert Picardo:
Yes, it does. And I particularly enjoyed working with this director, John Bruno, who did his first episode of Voyager with "Tinker, Tenor..." First episode directed by an Oscar winner. He won an Oscar for "The Abyss."

Stan, The Star Trek Guy asks:
Hello Mr. Picardo, Thank you for the first 5 + seasons of Star Trek: Voyager. You are truly a gifted actor. Do you read all of your fan mail from your official web-site? Do you ever answer any?

Robert Picardo:
I do read quite a bit of my website mail but unfortunately I cannot answer it. If I don't read them on line I get them printed out and sent to me by my webmaster. I hope that you understand that if we answered all our fan mail we wouldn't be able to learn our lines. We have to make choices, especially during certain parts of the season. But I do read quite a bit of the guestbook entries.

srpa asks:
Are you going to be attending the creation star trek and sci-fi convetion in Portland Oregon with Robert Beltran?

Robert Picardo:
I have been invited to it and believe I am. But I haven't formally accepted yet.

Ozycomms asks:
How much do conventions differ internationally ? Do you enjoy the chances you get to sight-see ?

Robert Picardo:
I've enjoyed every international convention I've had and yes I enjoy the opportunity to sightsee. And even when I find myself flying to Europe for 4 days which can be grueling I find I take home more than 4 days worth of memories.

Cristy Ruteshouser asks:
Bob, you've said that for "Darkling" you enjoyed being able to sexually harass your female co-stars and get paid for it. So, for "Tinker Tenor Doctor Spy"... did you enjoy being paid to BE sexually harassed BY your female co-stars? :-)

Robert Picardo:
I would say, yes. I hadn't thought of it quite that way, but I suppose I really owed it to them.

JJS asks:
You and Jeri Ryan have such great onscreen chemistry do you have that kind of chemistry off screen as well?

Robert Picardo:
Yes, we get along great. I'm very fond of Jeri, I appreciate the extensive humor she has about her extraordinary appearance and we have a lot of fun working together. I'm still hoping for the screen kiss someday. So, write your letters. And send them to the production company.

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

Robert Picardo:
I enjoyed it. It's my first chat while I've actually been working and it was challenging and just a bit silly.

Marc Wade:
And thanks to Jackie!

Robert Picardo:
And now I get the extraordinary pleasure of throwing Guy Vardaman out of my trailer.

:)

Marc Wade:
We always have exciting chats coming your way. Next up:
Garrett Wang, "Harry Kim" on ST:VOY next Thursday 10/21
Check www.startrek.com frequently for details and new chats as we schedule them.

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