(Photo courtesy of GalactiCon)
Written by Colleen Bement, Editor
This J.G. Hertzler interview was a whirlwind.
The iconic General Martok from “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” shared hilarious stories and charmed everyone in the interview room. The talented actor and author is not only known for playing Martok, but he also co-authored “Star Trek” books as well as writing the engaging autobiography Confessions of a Klingon Linebacker. “Star Trek: Lower Decks” fans have been entertained by his reprisal of General Martok with his hilarious comedy. Big thanks to Colorado’s own House Vampyr for bringing us the Klingon fun at the first GalactiCon.
Colleen Bement: First off, can you tell me a story about “Deep Space Nine” because my readers will absolutely love it.
J.G. Hertzler: I’m going to tell the story that’s not about Martok but another character I played on the show, the human illustrator on ‘Far Beyond the Stars’ which was one of the great episodes of “Deep Space Nine.” I was sitting off-stage having a donut, thank you very much, and I hear in the distance walking from the stage because I was finished with my work, but approaching the backstage area I hear this conversation between Rene Auberjonois and Avery, who was both the director and the star of that show. Avery was saying what I want is anger. I want anger from you, Rene. Anger. I want anger that’s hard to package, and anger that’s almost unworldly. Rene said that’s what I gave you. That’s what I was doing. And Avery said no, no, no. I want white-hot anger. And Rene shouted THAT’S WHAT I WAS DOING! And Avery said, THAT’S IT! That’s what I want! Then Rene said well, that’s mine! You can’t have it!” I’d never heard that before anywhere on any stage or any television. I just love that. You can’t have that. That’s mine!
Colleen Bement: That’s amazing!
J.G. Hertzler: Rene has passed away, bless him. One of the greatest actors. Rene was recognized in the American theater as one of the great comedic actors/performers of comedy. He was truly one of a kind. There will never be another Rene Auberjonois.
Colleen Bement: I’m a huge fan of “Lower Decks.” Did you have fun with the voice work on it?
J.G. Hertzler: Oh yeah. Loved it. I did a role called the Drookmani Captain which was almost like a Klingon on steroids on a bad day. It was a great deal of fun for an actor to do that. But, when I did, I think the second or third season, they asked me to be the, sort of, I forget what it’s called–the host of Dungeons and Dragons?
Colleen Bement: Dungeon Master.
J.G. Hertzler: Yes, the Dungeon Master. It wasn’t called Dungeon Master or Dungeons and Dragons. Copyright. One of the great exchanges I had in it was with- I don’t think it was Boimler, maybe it was, one of the characters said he wanted an honorable death because he wanted to go to Silver Core. I said well no, you can’t go to Silver Core. Excuse me, writers, I’m doing my best to remember. But you can’t go to Silver Core because you had a dishonorable death. You committed suicide. I said no I didn’t! He said uh yes you did. He said you were at the bar, and the bartender ripped your arm off and beat you to death with it, so technically, you died by your own hand! He was devastated.
Colleen Bement: “Lower Decks” is super clever!
J.G. Hertzler: It is. It’s the fastest “Star Trek” ever written and they go a mile a minute. It’s funny.
Colleen Bement: Random next question, it happens to be the 60th anniversary of “Doctor Who.” Did you ever watch “Doctor Who” and do you have a favorite doctor?
J.G. Hertzler: Oddly enough–to all the Who fans–I’m so sorry. I’m so very sorry. The only thing I really liked about “Doctor Who” was the coat that “Doctor Who” wore. In fact, I liked that enough that at a convention maybe five or six years ago, I bought one of those coats from a vendor, and I love it!
Colleen Bement: That’s awesome!
J.G. Hertzler: I didn’t buy one of the scarves, though. I didn’t want to push it.
J.G. Hertzler: I love that name, Nerd Alert News. When I grew up I became a nerd. I didn’t start out as one. It was terrible. I was a football player, and then finally, I came into my own as a nerd.
Colleen Bement: Well, welcome!
Hi, I’m Lynn, and I Make.
Props, Cosplay, Scale Models, Home Projects, and just about anything else that involves me Making.
Eldwenne’s Fantasy™ and Wire Wrapture Artistically Twisted ™
Jodi invites you to explore your well-being with designs from Wire Wrapture Artistically Twisted™ and to declare your favorite fandom proudly with designs from Eldwenne’s Fantasy™.
A riddle wrapped in an enigma wrapped in a warm tortilla, served to you fresh using patented space-age technology. all games played on this channel are using original hardware and software whenever possible.
A positive podcast about video games. Chris and Ashley go over the video games we love.
*Bigs thanks to*
Chris and Lynn
Dustin Hatchett
Ron Peterson
If you like what you see, please consider joining our Patreon Family.
For as little as $1 a month, you can really help us out.