In Episode 36, we conclude our conversation with Garrett Wang. For seven seasons, he starred as Ensign Harry Kim on Star Trek: Voyager. In Part 3 of our interview, Garrett talks about the nuances of cross-cultural casting; negotiating the relative Asian-ness of Harry Kim (how "Asian" is playing the clarinet?); his very first on-camera acting role as an extra in Death Wish IV; and the heartbreaking missed opportunity to reprise the role of (a finally promoted) Harry Kim in Star Trek: Picard.
In Episode 35, we welcome back actor Garrett Wang. For seven seasons, he starred as Ensign Harry Kim on Star Trek: Voyager -- which, at present time, makes him the Asian with the most screen time across the entire Star Trek franchise. In Part 2 of our interview, Garrett talks about some of the early struggles in his acting career -- including parental disapproval -- his personal favorite episodes of Voyager, and how, perhaps contrary to popular perception, Harry Kim was actually the "busiest" man in the Delta Quadrant.
Garrett Wang is best known for starring as Ensign Harry Kim for seven seasons on Star Trek: Voyager. A fan-favorite regular on the convention circuit, he currently co-hosts the popular podcast The Delta Flyers, which recaps Voyager and now Deep Space Nine. In Part 1 or our interview, Garrett talks about the epic, arduous audition process that earned him the role of Harry Kim, the glacial pace of Hollywood diversity from the nineties to now, and the meaningful moment he realized he was carrying the banner of Asian American representation on Star Trek.
Christopher Aguilar guest starred on Star Trek: Voyager when he was 12 years old, in the season three episode "Before and After," in which he played "Andrew Kim" -- the future son of Ensign Harry Kim and the grandson of Lt. Tom Paris and Kes. Wait, what? It's all very confusing and Christopher helps us clear it up. He talks about getting his start as a kid actor in Hollywood, channeling is own inner Kes while shooting Voyager, as well as his job eventually working as a cast member for Star Trek: The Experience in Las Vegas. He also gets real about his journey, sharing about his work as a writer, performer and mental health advocate.
Peipei Alena Yuan is a stunt performer, actress and filmmaker who served as the stunt double for Freda Foh Shen in the 2009 feature film Star Trek, directed by JJ Abrams. Outside of Star Trek, her long list of stunt credits includes Bullet Train, Stranger Things, The Terminal List, Obi-Wan Kenobi and The Flight Attendant, among many others. She talks about pivoting from visual effects to stunt work, her unexpected pivotal role in creating "Bully Maguire," and getting to perform a fight scene with a bucket list legend.
It's another Away Mission, in which we invite fellow Asian American fans of Star Trek to do a deep dive into an episode of their choosing. We welcome writer and journalist Swapna Krishna to discuss "Lineage" from season seven of Star Trek: Voyager. We discuss the ridiculous lack of privacy regarding pregnancy on the ship, parenting wisdom from Tuvok, and a lonely night of soulful saxophone for Harry Kim.
Patrick Kwok-Choon plays tactical officer Lieutenant Commander Gen Rhys on Star Trek: Discovery. Outside of Star Trek, his credits include Open Heart, Backpackers, Shoot the Messenger, Wynonna Earp and SkyMed, among others. He talks being a part of Discovery's bridge crew, joining the tremendous legacy of Star Trek, and observing a healthy level of respect before putting his butt in the captain's chair.
Kathryn Lyn has worn several hats on Star Trek, including as a writer/producer on Star Trek: Lower Decks and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. She also officially serves as Canon Consultant on Lower Decks, making her the go-to geek when the writers have deep-cut canon questions. She talks about her journey as a writer, her favorite episodes, and the tattoo that got her a job on Star Trek.
Eric Bauza played the role of "Cerritos Conn Officer" on several episodes of the animated series Star Trek: Lower Decks. Outside of Star Trek, he's a prolific voice over artist with dozens of credits, having provided voices for some of animation's most iconic characters -- including Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and Tweety most recently on Bugs Bunny Builders. He talks about getting his breaks as a voice actor, almost getting cast as another Lower Decks character, and making merchandise from obscure Canadian kids TV shows.
It's another edition of the Away Mission, in which we invite fellow Asian American fans of Star Trek to do a deep dive into an episode of their choosing. We welcome filmmaker Andrew Ahn to discuss "Timeless" from season five of Star Trek: Voyager. We discuss why Deanna Troi is a gay icon, how survivor's guilt can really age you, and Andrew's big ol' crush on Ensign Harry Kim.
Amanda Wong is a Vancouver-based background artist on the animated series Star Trek: Lower Decks. Her other credits include Carmen Sandiego, Rick and Morty, My Little Pony: The Movie and DC Super Hero Girls. She talks about becoming a Trekkie at 7 years old, her path to working in animation, and getting the specific nuances of Cardassian floor patterns just right.
Christina Chong plays Lieutenant La'an Noonien-Singh, the USS Enterprise's Chief of Security, on Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Outside of Star Trek, her acting credits include Line of Duty, Heirs of the Night, Of Kings and Prophets, Dominion, 24: Live Another Day and Black Mirror. She talks about her humble beginnings as a performer, the burden of her character's infamous ancestry, and what it means for her to be a part of the Star Trek universe.
Jacqueline Kim played the role of Ensign Demora Sulu -- daughter of Hikaru Sulu -- in the 1994 feature film Star Trek: Generations. As an actress, her other credits include Disclosure, Volcano, Xena: Warrior Princess, ER, The West Wing, Charlotte Sometimes and Advantageous, which she also co-wrote and produced.
It's another edition of the Away Mission, in which we invite fellow Asian American fans of Star Trek to do a deep dive into an episode of their choosing. We welcome writer Michael Golamco to discuss "The Measure of a Man" from season two of Star Trek: The Next Generation. We talk about the important questions: is Data the property of Starfleet? (No.) Does Data have a soul? (Maybe.) Did Picard and Louvois get it on? (Definitely.)
Pay Chen is credited with the role of "Starfleet Psychiatrist" on Star Trek: Discovery, in the season two episode "Point of Light." Blink and you might miss her. Outside of Star Trek, Pay has over two decades of broadcast experience as a host, writer and producer — in Canada. But to some fans and friends, her five seconds of screen time on Star Trek is basically the biggest thing she's ever done.
Usman Ally is credited with playing "U.S.S. Vengeance Officer" in the 2013 feature film Star Trek Into Darkness. He had one line... sort of. Outside of Star Trek, his credits include Veep, Nobodies, A Series of Unfortunate Events, and Suits, to name a few. He talks about working with JJ Abrams, getting fake-shot by imaginary weapons, and navigating roles as a Brown actor in Hollywood.
Sumalee Montano appeared in three episodes of Star Trek: Picard as "Marisol Asha," the mother (maybe?) of Dahj and Soji. Outside of Star Trek, Sumalee's resume has over 180 acting credits, including ER, Veep, Nashville, and Scandal, as well as a ton of voiceover roles. Most recently, she can be seen starring in her first series regular role on The Lost Symbol.
It's another edition of the Away Mission, in which we invite fellow Asian American fans of Star Trek to do a deep dive into an episode of their choosing. We welcome Arune Singh to discuss "Tuvix" from season two of Star Trek: Voyager. We talk about the cowardice of colleagues, "Faith of the Heart," and Harry Kim's clarinet, among many other things.
Tim Dang appeared on Star Trek: The Next Generation as "Main Bridge Security" in the series pilot episode "Encounter at Farpoint." He even had a couple of lines. Outside of performing, Tim served as artistic director for the hallowed Asian American theater company East West Players for over twenty years, and currently teaches at the USC School of Dramatic Arts.
Caroline Junko King was 13 years old when she guest starred on Star Trek: The Next Generation as young Keiko O'Brien in the season six episode "Rascals" -- yes, the one where the transporter shrinks them into kids. As a young actress, she also appeared in the films 3 Ninjas Kick Back and Come See the Paradise.