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ARTICLE

Jim's Views: Conversation: Armin Shimerman and Wil Wheaton
by Jim Pappas
Published: December 3, 2003

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I had the opportunity to sit down with Armin Shimerman at the Loscon Science Fiction Convention that was held at the Burbank Airport hotel over Thanksgiving weekend. Later, Wil Wheaton stopped by the autograph table where I was sitting with Mr. Shimerman, and he managed to add a few things to the conversation.

I asked Mr. Shimerman about his Star Trek and Buffy pasts and he told me that once the Buffy show characters left high school, his role as principal of the school was no longer required, which is why he left the show at that point. As for Trek, he hasn’t maintained much contact with anyone else from the show, but has developed a very strong friendship with Wil Wheaton over the years. Both have been writing books, and I picked up a copy of each’s works for later perusal. Mr. Shimerman has been writing a series, set in an alternate reality, beginning with the novel: "The Merchant Prince." I haven't read it yet, but am looking forward to doing so.

As for Star Trek, Mr. Shimerman said he had no problem reprising his role as the Ferengi, Quark, for a film project. He wasn’t really interested in performing as Quark in any new TV series, however. He also told me that the hours spent in costume were mostly a problem when it came to, of all things, the ears. He said he had trouble hearing anyone with the ears on, which becomes problematic when you are reciting lines with other actors.

He loves acting, especially roles that are challenging. For example, he would have no objection to playing a gay character. He does, however, draw the line at certain morally objectionable characters (he wouldn’t do porno, surprise!). He is currently looking forward to beginning a run as Claudius in the play, “Hamlet,” which opens in January at the Court Theater in Los Angeles. His wife, actress Kitty Swink, will be performing as Gertrude with Armin in the play as well.

Mr. Shimerman loves the fans of his shows and is warm, personable and he looks hale and hearty these days. Still young, his best acting days are probably ahead of him.

Speaking of looking good, Wil Wheaton has blossomed into a young man who is soon to be handling leading man roles. Trim, fit, and with a smile that lights up a room, he talked about his current life with much happiness. He has become a writer, and it is writing that captures his fancy these days. His current book, “Dancing Barefoot,” is available now, and it is introspective while discussing, honestly, some events in his life. He is married with two adopted children, and he has devoted himself to fatherhood with a relish.

His current projects include doing sketch comedy at the Acme theater in Los Angeles, and he is touring with “The Earnest Borg9,” an improvisational comedy group.

I attended a panel he led about the Linux operating system, and he is a true believer. Although Linux has some limitations (think games) it tends to be a more stable platform than Windows. It was with his encouragement and the testimonials of the other panel members that have led me to consider giving Linux a try.

I spent about an hour talking with the pair, and found them to be honest, forthright, and people who are appreciative of their fans and their fortunes. Both are in excellent health and I suspect we will be seeing more of them on TV and in films soon, and for years to come.