Robert: Thank
you very much. I have never overdressed so much for an off-camera appearance.(Edited for The Official Robert Picardo Home Page)
Nelson: Welcome to Nelson's World, friends! I'm Nelson Aspen and we're having a chat party with Star Trek: Voyager star ROBERT PICARDO!! No! You're not crazy. If your cyberlistings mentioned Garrett Wang as tonight's guest, I should explain that he had a last-minute emergency. But, things always work out for the best in Nelson's World, because I say so. And we're really excited to be welcoming one of Garrett's costars on Star Trek: Voyager , Robert Picardo, who plays the heretofore-unnamed character of "The Doctor." He's a fan favorite and one of the best-dressed guests we've ever had visit our hallowed studio.
Nelson: I have a question for you guys and gals out there. When you have a long-term relationship without getting married, how do you refer to your partner? Is it: partner? Significant other? Lover? Boy/girlfriend? Let's get some thoughts on this subject from our very special guest, you know him as The Doctor on "Star Trek: Voyager." Now you'll know him as actor Robert Picardo. Welcome to Nelson's World, Robert, you well dressed celebrity, you.
Robert: Thank
you very much. I have never overdressed so much for an off-camera appearance.
Nelson: That's why we had to take several snapshots of you before you entered the studio.
Robert: LOL! You should tell everyone that that's not the snapshot you're showing.
Nelson: No, Robert has on a fabulous suit and tie that looks as comfortable as it does pricey.
Robert: Well, I heard the typist was really cute.
Nelson: Yeah, but look at my typist (referring to graphic).
Robert: LOL!
Nelson: LOL!
Nelson: Let's check the results of our poll, and see what Robert Picardo thinks of relationship name-calling. We asked: How do you refer to a romantic, non-matrimonial partner? You answered: 57% say partner, 14% significant other, 14% lover, and 14% boy/girlfriend.
Robert: And 2% main squeeze.
Robert: Boy! LOL.
Nelson: Do you find it easier just to be married, Robert?
Robert: Yes, I do. It's a lot less complicated and now that I'm part of the Star Trek phenomenon, it's a... how shall I put this? It's an important buffer from some of our more zealous fans.
Nelson: So, the Star Trek thing can get sexual?
Robert: Not with ME. LOL! I have a very strong fan base among women over 250 pounds.
Nelson: LOL.
Robert: I'm just kidding! LOL.
Nelson: Those large lovely ladies are banging at Screenerman's door to ask you questions, Robert, so let's take a few right now.
Robert: Am I in trouble? I probably am, right? LOL.
Nelson: There's no trouble in Nelson's World. We put it off until later.
jprolan: Mr. Picardo, thank you for coming to australia, melbourne. My question is What was it like for you working with jennifer lien and what did you think of her decision to leave the show??
Robert: I was shocked and disappointed to hear that Jennifer was leaving our show. I've always felt that the scenes between the Doctor and Kes were the strongest work I did on Voyager. I miss Jennifer personally and I miss the opportunity that my character had to reveal himself as he did in scenes with her character.
Nelson: And she's certainly not 250 pounds.
Robert: No. She isn't. She also had the most improved wig on the show. Her first season wig looked a bit like one of those cozies for the extra roll of toilet paper on the back of a commode.
Nelson: "Most Improved Wig"? Do they give awards for that?
Robert: You have the nerve to look at me and ask such a question! LOL. I give a personal award for most improved wig. And it is one of the 17 wigs I have at home.
Nelson: LOL.
bouncer25: I'm watching you (on TV) right now. Should I watch or chat with you?
Robert: LOL.
Nelson: LOL.
Robert: You should WATCH me and get several hundred other people in the room with you.
Nelson: Mute the TV, Bouncer25. That idiot box won't talk back to you like your PC can now.
Robert: Oh, I'm sorry I said the wrong thing in this company. I beg your pardon.
Nelson: We call that "Simulchat" and it's a practice we've abandoned.
Robert: LOL.
Myrandae: Do you think that the writers will come up new ways to explore the doctor's character?
Robert: I certainly hope so. The producers of the show have always welcomed ideas from the actors. I suggested this year to Brannon Braga that we explore the notion of possession for the doctor. Being a holographic entity, he has no personal objects or personal space. What a calamity if someone gave him a gift. LOL. And, once he had one personal object, perhaps he'd want more. Perhaps thousands. Perhaps YOUR objects. LOL.
Nelson: We spoke with Brannon, who before his Star Trek assignment was not a fan of the show. Consequently, he's met with some hostility from the more die-hard fans. Had you watched prior to playing The Doctor?
Robert: I must tell the truth. I was not a Star Trek fan when I got this role. I have confessed this sin to the faithful, thrown myself at their feet, and have been forgiven. When I first got the role, I watched many episodes of The Next Generation and Voyager. And, developed a real appreciation for the quality of the storytelling. Bear in mind I simply wasn't a science fiction fan at all. And, the fact that I have become one is a tribute to folks like Brannon Braga.
TheCrow: When I saw "First Contact" on opening night, the biggest cheer the audience gave was when you were activated. You are one popular man!
Nelson: I'm cheering right now!
Robert: LOL.
Ryker: Will you have another cameo in the next Star Trek movie?
Robert: Only if you will personally take responsibility for sending 3 to 4 million letters to Rick Berman c/o Paramount Studios. LOL.
Nelson: Why do you think your character is such a fan favorite?
Robert: I think I have brought something new to the Star Trek franchise. And, I think I have brought something tried and tested as well. My new element I often sum up as my character's paranoia. The essence of The Doctor's bad attitude is his belief that he is not being accorded the respect that he deserves. Also, the fact that he lacks control over his very existence... any crew member can turn him on or off with a vocal command.
Nelson: I'm easily stimulated, too.
Robert: This puts him in a bad mood. I think that the audience responds to the character's predicament and the humor that I'm able to bring to a basically serious show. LOL
Gorn: You mentioned in an interview that Holodoc might gain a soul one day; is this going to happen?
Robert: I don't really know what a holographic soul would be.
Nelson: Pretty shallow, I would imagine.
Robert: LOL.
hunts: Will the doc ever get it on with a holochick?
Nelson: Charming.
Robert: It's interesting that you should raise this question. In a recent episode, I found out that my character is anatomically correct.
Nelson: Congratulations!
Robert: Prior to that, I had assumed that under my holographic uniform there was not a helluva lot going on. After all, if you were designing an emergency medical hologram program, why would you give him a... what sort of emergency medical procedures do YOU have in mind?
Nelson: I think Capt. Janeway probably had a hand in that.
Robert: I think she's personally responsible for my program upgrade. Now that I KNOW that I have the necessary equipment, getting it on with a holochick sounds like a particularly fun away mission.
Nelson: We're chatting with Star Trek: Voyager's Robert Picardo. He's anxious to answer your questions on any and all subjects.
sil: (re: discovering anatomical correctness) Didn't you ever look?
Robert: I just mentioned that I have no personal space in which to remove my uniform. I suppose the opportunity never presented itself.
Nelson: And, The Doctor must have an awfully big bladder, if you never realized previously.
Robert: Well, Nelson, I hate to rub your face in your lack of knowledge of holograms. But, I must tell you, we do not eat, drink, or evacuate our bladders.
Nelson: You can see right through me! Then I guess there won't be any holobabies next season.
Robert: Well, I could be shooting photons.
Nelson: LOL. Stop, stop, it's turning me on!
Robert: LOL.
Nelson: Let's take another question.
SylBen: Will the Doctor ever take a name?
Robert: I've always felt that after the appropriate promotional arrangement had been made between Viacom Consumer Products and our show's producers, I would get a name. Top contenders: Dr. Pepper, Dr. Scholl, Dr. Feelgood. LOL.
Nelson: Maybe your fans have a few suggestions they could send in.
Robert: I've always felt the name Dr. Kevorkian would keep sick bay rather quiet.
Nelson: Do you suppose in the future in which your show is set, Dr. Kevorkian would be remembered as a sinner or a saint?
Robert: Because Star Trek has always championed a kind of secular humanism, I suspect Dr. Kevorkian would be remembered as a fighter for a fundamental personal freedom.
Nelson: Well said.
Myrandae: Your character also has a sharp wit, how much of this is the writing and how much is you?
Robert: Well, have you watched any of this chat? None of this has been scripted. Clearly, my sense of humor must be the product of the Voyager writers, LOL!
Nelson: On the contrary, your intelligence and wit are clear to all of us.
Robert: Now I'm getting turned on!
Nelson: Do you owe this to genetics, or your Ivy League education? The wit, not the arousal.
Robert: LOL. When I was very young, my mom informed me that she had had me quite late in life at nearly 43 years of age. And, told me the doctor said I would be a moron or a genius. My wonderful mother never ventured an opinion in either direction.
Nelson: And you were a pre-med student at Yale, so I assume everyone in the family was pleased and relieved.
Robert: LOL.
Nelson: Then you had to spoil it all by moving to show business? What prompted that?
Robert: (referring to graphic) I had a girlfriend who choreographed the show that you are picturing on screen right now who very much wanted me to pursue my artistic interests. I've always loved being led by women.
Nelson: I thought I saw collar marks on your neck.
Robert: LOL!
Nelson: Did SHE ever make it in show biz?
Robert: Yes. She remains a successful choreographer and teacher in New York and has a lovely family of her own.
Nelson: Whew! For a minute I thought you were going to name Debbie Allen as your past paramour.
Robert: LOL. No, but I have Debbie Allen's hair in that picture.
Nelson: She's got a bunch of wigs, too.
Robert: That is my real hair at age 19. Those were happy times.
Nelson: LOL.
flojo: I think bald men are sexy. What's sexy about YOU!?
Robert: Hmm. This suit. I think my sense of humor is probably my sexiest attribute although my wife argues in favor of my butt. Having a good butt is essential to any Star Trek actor. There are no fat butts in Star Fleet. LOL.
Nelson: Yourself aside, who has the best can among the cast?
Robert: I would have to say that it is a toss-up between Roxann Dawson and Jeri Ryan. Although I personally favor my own. LOL!
Turok: (referring to graphic) What's going on in this picture?
Robert: In the play "Tribute," Jack Lemmon played my irresponsible dad.
Nelson: That explains the chicken suit.
Robert: Whenever I was angry at him as a small child, he would dress up in a chicken suit. Here he is trying to renew his success. Although I am a young man.
Nelson: I remember that show. It certainly did NOT lay an egg.
TheCrow: Do you still do plays?
Robert: The last play I was able to perform in was "The Waiting Room" at The Mark Taper Forum. I played an arrogant, self-involved doctor.
Nelson: With a great butt!
Robert: LOL. It was a wonderful warm-up for Star Trek which I was cast in as the play was running. (referring to graphic) The picture that you see on the screen now is from "Lend Me A Tenor" with Paul Dooley, one of the finest actors I've ever worked with.
jprolan: As an actor Mr Picardo how did you cope with the lean times of acting when you did not do acting jobs?
Robert: LOL. I was a male model. LOL! Just kidding. I waited tables in New York when I was in acting school. But, I can honestly say that I haven't had to do anything else to make a living for the past 19 years. I can still open a bottle of wine in 9 seconds and drink it in 11.
Nelson: LOL. And you seem to have a lot of credits playing doctors. It's ironic. Why is that?
Robert: I think it is a kind of karmic payback for my disappointed mother. I like very much being a virtual reality doctor. There is no malpractice insurance for actors although I can think of a number of them who should get it, if they ever offer it.
Nelson: We're chatting with actor Robert Picardo. He's not a doctor, but he plays one on TV. Send in your questions and comments.
trekman: Bob, I loved the cigar! Not as spicy as I'm used to from Partagas but very nice nonetheless!
Nelson: A friend of yours, Robert?
Robert: It is a friend of mine. I'm not exactly certain. Oh yes! Of course, I know who it is!!! I know exactly who it is. But, I don't know if I'm supposed to say it and blow his cover. But, I'm delighted you love the cigar and happy anniversary. This gentleman who works in our company has the same wedding anniversary as I do.
Nelson: How many years have you been married, Robert?
Robert: I have been married 13 as of last Tuesday. And he, who was complimenting the cigar, has been married 2 years.
Brandy: who would you say is the most enjoyable cast member to work with?
Nelson: You can lie.
Robert: That's difficult to answer honestly because I really enjoy everyone in our company. Ethan Phillips is hilarious. Jeri Ryan often pinches my butt. That all means a great deal to me. LOL.
Nelson: Your butt is a hot topic.
Robert: I've always thought that if you promote something enough, the world will respond. LOL.
Nelson: What do you do to keep your gluts in shape, Robert?
Robert: I exercise in our little home gym as much as my kids let me. LOL.
wilma: is Star Trek the best paying job you've ever had?
Robert: Hmmm. Well, I will say that the perks are greater than those with any other job I've had. Star Trek pays me well, but as far as I know there are many other shows on television with lower above-the-line costs that pay their actors in a way that makes us green with envy. LOL!
Nelson: That's just one of the things about Robert Picardo which we are... DYING TO KNOW.
Nelson: This is where we ask our guest ten short questions which require ten, short, honest answers. That won't be a problem will it, Robert?
Robert: No.
Nelson: 1) In what position do you fall asleep?
Robert: On my side. Either one.
Nelson: 2) Name your favorite ice cream topping.
Robert: Butterscotch.
Nelson: 3) What kind of car do you drive?
Robert: A Mercedes C280.
Nelson: 4) Have you ever taken part in a political demonstration?
Robert: Yes.
Nelson: I must know the cause involved.
Robert: It was outside the federal building to oppose our involvement in El Salvador.
Nelson: 5) Do you believe in ghosts?
Robert: I don't think so.
Nelson: 6) When was the last time you ever littered?
Robert: Well, a cigar butt is a natural thing and longs to be rejoined with the Earth.
Nelson: More butt talk with Robert Picardo.
Nelson: 7) What is your best friend's first name?
Robert: Ben!
Nelson: 8) Who was in the car with Ted Kennedy at Chappaquidick?
Robert: Mary Jo Kopechne.
Nelson: 9) How many pairs of jeans do you own?
Robert: All colors? I suppose 5.
Nelson: 10) Have you ever been fired from a job?
Robert: Yes. "Mork & Mindy. "
Nelson: A blessing in disguise!
Robert: LOL.
Nelson: A frank, and well-spelled round of DYING TO KNOW. Now let's let the audience get a chance at Robert Picardo.
krang: Hello Mr.Picardo! I had a great time seeing you at an ST Convention two years ago in Pennsylvania with Roxanne Biggs Dawson! You two sang a song about whether the Good Doctor will get a name! Are you going to be appearing at any others soon in the NY Tri-State Area?
Nelson: Is that true?
Robert: Yes, I did it. I will be at conventions in Providence, RI, and Cape Cod the last weekend in January. I believe no other ones in the New York vicinity are currently scheduled.
Nelson: The Star Trek fans can be downright fanatical. Do you enjoy the conventions?
Robert: I just like to say that I didn't say that. And, I'm never bringing you to a convention. Yes, I do enjoy them. It's a roomful of people who hang on my every word. I live, on the other hand, with three women who pay very little attention to me. LOL.
Nelson: LOL. I can't believe it.
Robert: I hope they know that's a wife and two daughters. LOL.
ron: what's the coolest episode you've done so far?
Robert: I think probably "Heroes and Demons" from the first season. However, we just completed work on a very fun episode guest starring Andy Dick.
Nelson: God, he's everywhere!
Robert: My only nightmare is that the close-up box in "TV Guide" will say something like "Picardo plays with Dick adroitly."
Nelson: And, it must help knowing The Doctor is anatomically correct.
Robert: LOL. Well, I've discovered that I have one of Andy's namesakes, if you will, in that very episode. How about this for a "Variety" headline: "Dick plays Trek Doc as Trek Doc gets ___."
Nelson: Love it!
Nelson: We should mention for your fans that you have a fan club run by Tracey Ledel.
Robert: And run beautifully, I might add. As well as a Web page run by E. Cristy Ruteshouser.
Nelson: People interested in the fan club can send e-mail to Tracey at traceldel1@aol.com.
Nelson: Let's take this opportunity to tell you folks, and Robert, who's coming up in Nelson's World. Tomorrow we'll meet an actress whom Robert put the bite on years ago in "The Howling," Dee Wallace Stone.
Robert: A lovely, lovely woman. I didn't know you KNEW that I have werewolf blood.
Nelson: I know everything fabulous about you, Robert. Doesn't Dee have a lot of teeth? She's so CUTE!
Robert: LOL.
Nelson: Friday, we're taking the very important holiday off, but we'll be back next week with a guest line-up that includes everyone from hunky Matthew Lawrence to sexy Playmate Shae Marks. We run the gamut, don't we, Robert?
Robert: Yes. You certainly do! And I must admit that I combine all of the finest qualities of all of the guests you've named.
Nelson: Smart, sexy, hunky, cute, with a....
Robert: ... with a good butt. LOL.
Nelson: Let's take a final few questions for the delightful Robert Picardo.
SylBen: Do you enjoy doing "live" chats?
Robert: Yes, I'm certainly enjoying this one.
Nelson: I hate it when good guests have to leave!
SylBen: and you birth day was Monday, right?
Robert: Yes, it was. I turned 44 on Monday. I call it Club 44.
Nelson: What's the secret to your EXCELLENT complexion?
Robert: Olive oil... ingested. LOL.
beamman: Are you at all like your character the doctor in real life?
Robert: Well, I like to think that I'm a little friendlier. My children complain that I always look kinda mean on Star Trek.
Nelson: What's Star Trek: Voyager rated, by the way?
Robert: I think we are PG. No, it's TV14 I guess.
Nelson: I hate those ratings. Do you suppose it really has any control over your audience?
Robert: Well, my kids are both under 14 and they're allowed to watch Star Trek but that is simply because of my ego. LOL.
Nelson: As a fellow Pennsylvanian and scrapple eater, I will tell you that your ego is JUST RIGHT.
Robert: What is IN Scrapple.
Nelson: It's all the parts of the pig that don't get used in the sausage links.
Robert: Now THERE'S something to think about. LOL.
Nelson: And, while you all are mulling that over, I'll thank your for your questions and comments and say a special thank you to our guest Robert Picardo.
Nelson: Best of luck with your new season of "Star Trek: Voyager."
Robert: Thank you. A final thought: considering Patrick Stewart and myself, what do you suppose happened to Rogaine in the 21st century?
Nelson: It baldly went where no man went before.
Nelson: See you tomorrow! XOXO
This transcript has been edited. The comments and opinions reflected here are strictly those of Nelson and his Guest, and are not necessarily endorsed by MSN.
END