Digest

This podcast episode features guests reminiscing about their early days on Star Trek, including the discomfort of space suits and unique ship designs. They recount the story behind acquiring their show's website and the exchange involving Funko Pop figures. Experiences at fan conventions, including signature verification challenges, are shared, alongside a dramatic account of Nathan Fillion's heroic intervention in a dangerous situation in Dallas. Alan Tudyk discusses his wife's reactions to his versatile acting, particularly his portrayals of AI and robots. The conversation delves into early career influences, Texas roots, notable film collaborations with actors like Sandra Bullock and Viggo Mortensen, and Oscar-nominated projects. Anecdotes about encounters with musicians, including a connection to the show "Mash," are shared. The guests also discuss working with legendary actors like Helen Mirren and Brian Cranston, and Nathan Fillion's hometown of Edmonton, including a unique honor. Memories of "Firefly," including how cast members met and a humorous story about Alan Tudyk being a waiter, are revisited. A chance encounter with Jonathan Frakes and experiences in daytime soap operas, highlighting the demanding nature of the work and interactions with veteran actor Phil Carey, are also discussed. Humorous stories from past service industry jobs and celebrity encounters at birthday parties are shared. The film "310 to Yuma" and working with Christian Bale and Russell Crowe are discussed, as is the challenging role of playing Ben Chapman in "42." Sir Patrick Stewart's book and "Macbeth" performance are mentioned, along with experiences in Shakespearean roles and improv comedy. The episode touches on directing experiences, creative processes, and participation in LA Shakespeare Festival readings with star-studded casts, including memorable moments with William Shatner and Tommy Smothers. The discussion shifts to James Gunn's DC Universe and the character Guy Gardner, with reflections on playing liked or disliked roles. The speaker details extensive voice acting work in Disney films, becoming a "good luck charm" for the studio. Finally, podcast production, guest recommendations like Felicia Day, and a deep appreciation for collaboration are highlighted.

Outlines

00:00:00

Early Career Reflections and Star Trek Nostalgia

The podcast begins with a nostalgic look back at the early days of Star Trek, with guests sharing anecdotes about their time on the show. They discuss the challenges of wearing space suits and the unique design elements of the starship, like the carpets and grates.

00:02:06

Show Naming, Funko Pops, and Convention Tales

The conversation shifts to the origin of a show's name, the unexpected acquisition of its website by a fan, and the subsequent exchange involving Funko Pop figures. The guests also touch upon the popularity and collectibility of Funko Pop figures and share their experiences at fan conventions, particularly the process of verifying signatures, including humorous anecdotes and the challenges of ensuring authenticity.

00:05:11

Heroic Intervention and Unique Acting Choices

A dramatic story unfolds about an incident in Dallas where Nathan Fillion bravely intervened when a man approached the group aggressively. Alan Tudyk shares a story about his wife's reaction to his performance on "Resident Alien," highlighting his versatility and ability to surprise, and his decision to decline an offer to voice an in-home robot.

00:10:06

Early Influences, Film Projects, and Collaborations

The conversation delves into early career influences and Texas roots, with guests recalling how certain shows inspired them. They reminisce about their experiences working on various film and television projects, mentioning collaborations with notable actors like Sandra Bullock and Viggo Mortensen, and discussing specific roles and Oscar nominations.

00:12:13

Encounters with Musicians, Legends, and Hometown Honors

Anecdotes are shared about encounters with musicians, including a connection to the show "Mash." The podcast features a segment on "Dropping Names," where guests discuss their experiences working with renowned actors like Helen Mirren and Brian Cranston. Nathan Fillion's hometown of Edmonton is discussed, along with a unique honor bestowed upon him.

00:16:28

Firefly Memories and Chance Encounters

The discussion turns to "Firefly," with guests sharing how they met and reminiscing about their time on the show. A humorous story about Alan Tudyk being a waiter before they worked together is recounted, along with a memorable encounter with Jonathan Frakes from the early days of "Firefly."

00:19:59

Daytime Dramas and Demanding Roles

The conversation shifts to daytime soap operas, with guests sharing their experiences on shows like "One Life to Live." They recall working with veteran actor Phil Carey and discuss the challenges and intensity of acting in daytime television, emphasizing it as one of the most demanding jobs for an actor.

00:23:31

Humorous Anecdotes and Celebrity Encounters

Guests share humorous and sometimes embarrassing stories from their past jobs in the service industry, including waiting tables and driving taxis. Stories are shared about notable guests attending birthday parties and unexpected celebrity encounters.

00:28:12

Film Experiences, Shakespeare, and Directing

The film "310 to Yuma" and working with Christian Bale and Russell Crowe are discussed. The challenging role of playing Ben Chapman in "42" is explored. Sir Patrick Stewart's book and "Macbeth" performance are mentioned, along with experiences in Shakespearean roles and improv comedy. The guests discuss their experiences with directing, sharing insights into the challenges and rewards of the role and their creative processes.

00:45:41

LA Shakespeare Festival and Memorable Readings

The speaker discusses participating in staged readings at the LA Shakespeare Festival, directed by Ben Donenberg, recalling a specific reading of "Much Ado About Nothing" featuring a star-studded cast. Another reading where Tommy Smothers played "The Shepherd" in "Midsummer Night's Dream" is recounted for its hilarious performance.

00:49:22

DC Universe, Voice Acting, and Podcast Production

The conversation shifts to James Gunn's DC Universe and the character Guy Gardner. The speaker details extensive voice acting work in Disney films, becoming a "good luck charm" for the studio. The hosts discuss podcast production and recommend Felicia Day as a guest, praising her energy and ability to deliver content effortlessly. The speaker expresses immense happiness and gratitude for the collaboration.

Keywords

Q&A

• What was the experience like wearing space suits on Star Trek?

  The guests described the space suits as uncomfortable and something most of the cast disliked wearing. One guest humorously mentioned hating his space suit, while another noted that everyone seemed to dislike them.

• How did the name of the show get acquired?

  The creators came up with a name they loved but didn't buy the website. A fan named Doug acquired the domain and contacted them, offering to sell it to them, which they happily accepted.

• Can you describe the incident in Dallas where Nathan Fillion intervened?

  While walking back to their hotel after dinner, the group was approached by an aggressive man with a bottle. Nathan Fillion stepped in, de-escalated the situation by calmly talking to the man, and successfully diffused the threat until police arrived.

• What was Alan Tudyk's wife's reaction to his performance on "Resident Alien"?

  Alan Tudyk's wife, who has a long acting career, was consistently surprised by his performances on "Resident Alien," finding his portrayal of the character, whether pre-robot or post-transition, to be unpredictable and captivating.

• What was the experience of working with Christian Bale and Russell Crowe in "310 to Yuma"?

  The guest found Christian Bale to be very easy to get along with, contrasting with the perception of both actors as "heavyweights." The film itself was highly praised as a great movie.

• What was the challenge of playing Ben Chapman in "42"?

  Playing Ben Chapman, a deeply racist character, was a difficult role. The actor had to audition with a charming demeanor, but producers wanted someone who looked inherently evil, and the character's offensive lines required him to apologize to background actors beforehand.

• What was it like to perform Shakespeare on stage?

  Performing Shakespeare was described as intimidating, especially when working alongside experienced actors like Patrick Stewart. The guest found it challenging but appreciated seeing others perform it well.

• Can you share a story about meeting Barbara Streisand?

  During a birthday party for Nathan Fillion, Jim Brolin arrived with his wife, Barbara Streisand. The guest had a brief but memorable interaction with Streisand at the entrance, describing her as spectacular, interesting, lovely, kind, and a great storyteller.

• What is the significance of the "Nathan Fillion Civilian Pavilion" in Edmonton?

  It's not a building or a center, but rather a bench located on White Avenue in Edmonton, painted in a distinctive color. It's a unique honor bestowed upon Nathan Fillion in his hometown.

• What was the significance of the LA Shakespeare Festival readings mentioned?

  The LA Shakespeare Festival readings, directed by Ben Donenberg, provided a unique platform for actors to perform classic Shakespearean roles with notable casts, offering a memorable experience for both participants and audiences.

• Can you describe the role of Guy Gardner in the context of James Gunn's DC Universe?

  Guy Gardner is a character within James Gunn's DC Universe, known for being an "asshole" and "stupid," making him a character that audiences enjoy judging. This portrayal allows for comedic and relatable flaws.

• How did the speaker become a "good luck charm" for Disney animation?

  After a successful role in "Wreck-It Ralph," the speaker was consistently cast in subsequent Disney films, starting with "Frozen." Their voice work became associated with the studio's success, leading to continuous casting.

• Who is recommended as a guest for the podcast, and why?

  Felicia Day is highly recommended as a guest due to her energetic personality and ability to deliver engaging content effortlessly. She is described as a "gift" who can easily provide material for the podcast.

Show Notes