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STAR TREK OF GODS AND MEN, a new 40^th anniversary webisode plans to be premier online around the holidays. This three part series is being put together as a gift to the loyal fans that have been looking for something to celebrate the 40^th anniversary of STAR TREK THE ORIGINAL SERIES. Each segment will be 30 minutes in length.

 

STAR TREK: OF GODS AND MEN stars Nichelle Nichols, Walter Koenig and Grace Lee Whitney (Uhura, Chekov and Rand of the original series. respectively) along with Alan Ruck (Captain John Harriman of the 7^th feature film, STAR TREK: GENERATIONS). Joining them are Garrett Wang (VOYAGER), Chase Masterson (DEEP SPACE NINE), Gary Graham and Crystal Allen (ENTERPRISE), J.G. Hertzler (DEEP SPACE NINE) and Tim Russ (VOYAGER), who will also direct. The same team that created the hit “Roddenberry on Patrol,” currently in release on DVD and also directed by Russ is producing the webisode.  For more information and a trailer check out:

http://www.startrekofgodsandmen.com/

 

iF MAGAZINE was lucky enough to get to visit the set while the webisodes were filming in Los Angeles, and had the opportunity to visit with the classic TREK crewmembers. This is the third interview with a pop culture icon; this time around the TREK member in question is Nichelle Nichols otherwise known as Lt. Uhura on the original series and subsequent movies. Nichols is not only famous for being on STAR TREK, but also for being a landmark actor who opened new doors and created a fresh representation in Hollywood for African American performers everywhere.

 

iF MAGAZINE: How was it coming back to this after a length of time with you not playing this character?

 

NICHELLE NICHOLS: The nice part about it is it is 40 years later, and the nice part about that is we are celebrating the 40^th anniversary [of the original series]. There’s not an age consideration, it’s already taken care of, and that was lovely to play. Then to have been away and come back on the bridge [of the Enterprise] that was in upstate New York that was just mind blowing. The set that young man built over 10 years was absolutely breathtaking.  Perfectly built to 98 percent scale, he had to accommodate the building that he is in, but the entire building is the starship Enterprise. It’s amazing what he did. Stepping out of that elevator and onto the bridge for the first time, my line was to be “As I live and breathe.” I had practiced it because I would be seeing Chekov and friends again, but when I came out and saw the bridge my line came out “(trembling voice) Well as I live and breathe.” I was literally back on the ship, except that it’s a museum. That was quite a true experience for me. Then working and seeing so many of the faces of guest artists was really gratifying and lovely. The script for the most part was so well done.

 

iF: Did the Enterprise bridge still have doors that occasionally caught you guys?

 

NICHOLS: Yes. [Laughs] of course they did. I think that was built in to the design, [Laughs] and when the doors won’t close that’s the funniest thing.

 

iF: How much of the original crew have you stayed in touch with?

 

NICHOLS: I’ve kept in touch with all of them. Over the years we’ve seen each other at so many events; I’ve been at premieres of other films where you run into each other. Of course, we did the six major motion pictures together, and all of the TREK conventions all over the world that measure in the thousands of fans who attend. Some of them have 10,000 or 15,000 that are at the big ones. The biggest was 30,000 in Chicago, and that was early on. So, it hasn’t been difficult to run into and keep up with the different actors. A lot of us live in Los Angeles, so it make is inevitable that our paths cross sooner rather than later.

 

iF: Do you keep in touch with Majel Barrett at all?

 

NICHOLS: We’ve always been good friends. I haven’t seen her, I saw her within this year. I saw her a few months ago, and it was wonderful seeing her. It’s always wonderful to see her. When we run into each other we head for a lounge and climb in a booth and order champagne and yak about old times. [Laughs]

 

iF: Do you think the closeness that you have enjoyed with everyone from the show is unique to STAR TREK?

 

NICHOLS: I think it might be. I don’t know. My closest relationships have been with Jimmy Doohan, Leonard Nimoy, Walter Koenig and George Takei, because I run into them more and I’m closer to them philosophically and in many ways politically and socially.

 

iF: What have you thought about all of the STAR TREK spins-offs and series that followed your own?

 

NICHOLS: It’s been a very interesting and humbling journey. We became heroes that were set up in such a way that allowed fans to enjoy the subsequent ones without comparison to us in a way. It was kind of like Ella Fitzgerald is Ella Fitzgerald, and then there are the rest of the singers. You don’t compare anyone to Ella. I mean have you heard someone compared to Ella? I think as a tribute to what Gene originally created, more and more people set us aside and we became the heroes and the untouchables. Then everything else was able to stand on it’s own, and some did that rather brilliantly.

 

iF: Have you seen any of the re-touched STAR TREK episodes that are on the air now?

 

NICHOLS: No, but I’ve got a whole stack of them here and I’m looking for the time to get to see them. I hear that they are wonderful.

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FOR MORE STAR TREK: OF GODS AND MEN CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW FOR WALTER KOENIG'S INTERVIEW:

 http://www.ifmagazine.com/feature.asp?article=1716

 

 ALSO CHECK OUT OUR GRACE LEE WHITNEY INTERVIEW HERE:

http://www.ifmagazine.com/feature.asp?article=1723

 

 

ALSO BE SURE TO CHECK OUT OUR SET VISIT ARTICLE:

http://www.ifmagazine.com/feature.asp?article=1726

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