Hi, Brent Spiner here. And just so you know, it really is me. AMA

Hi Brent.

In your recent interview for the TNG Blu-Rays you described your audition process for TNG. You said how you almost walked out of the audition because they wanted you to play Data as 'robotic', and you prepared to play him as 'kind of like a person'. This is how we see Data in the first two seasons - even smiling occasionally, like when lifting Wesley out of the water in 'Encouter at Farpoint'. Starting from season 3, he became much more robotic. Was this your idea or did the producers/writers feel he should be a lot less human?

Also, exactly how awesome is it to walk around on the Enterprise? :)

Really? I didn't see it that way. I don't think I became more robotic at all. I think we continued to see Data trying on the faces and elements of humanity. But, I haven't gone back and watched the show. I've only ever seen about twenty episodes, so maybe you know better than me. Seriously.

Hello, Brent! I'm the goofy fan who had been working on this portrait of you.

Someone suggested today that I greet you with a creepy fan vibe, and while I'm not, I wonder (other than this one) what is the most uncomfortable, creepy, or generally socially awkward fan situation you've experienced.

See you at Comic-Con Austin in October! <sinister laugh> (just kidding)

p.s. I love the new Fresh Hell series!

Wasn't able to pull it up. But, I love it. I really don't like thinking of things in that way. People do what they do. Everyone has their way of communicating and sometimes it's driven by love or hate or fear or kindness or meanness. Whatever. I don't want to ridicule someone's behavior. It's all pretty much okay with me. The only thing I don't condone is intentional cruelty.

"Hey I've been working on this portrait of you for the last 10 years, and this will probably be the only time ever that I will be able to show it to you, heres the link"

"Wasn't able to pull it up, but to answer your question...."

:(

Got to see it finally, commented above.

[Got to see it] I think it's very nicely done. The artist is obviously very talented. But, I have to say, much like I don't enjoy watching myself on film, i don't particularly relish seeing pictures of myself. I think it's more for other people's enjoyment. However, congratulations to the artist.

Hi Brent, I wanted to start by saying that The Next Generation is by far the best show I have ever watched, and Data is my favorite character. As for a question, did you base any of your portrayal of Data off of people with Autism? Thank you so much for doing an AMA.

No, I was unaware of it at the time. I have been subsequently made aware of the connection. Had I known, I might've pushed more in that direction, but then, it might've thrown things off. I'm very moved that kids with Autism have responded and related to the character.

When playing Data on such a constant basis did you ever dream of electric sheep?

No, I dreamt about Michelle Pfeiffer in those days.

Oh boy! This is the one IAmA that I actually intended to be on time for. My dad and I have been huge fans of Star Trek The Next Generation for years. I've seen every episode. Data was easily one of my favorite characters throughout the entire series, if not my favorite. It would mean a lot to both of us if you could answer this!

Anyways, enough about that. My question is; What was it like in all that makeup for your character Data? How long did it take to put it on? Was it uncomfortable, or did you get used to it?

Thanks a lot! Again, huge fan!

The make-up was a nightmare. Particularly the contact lenses. Took an hour fifteen. That process was made very pleasurable by Michael Westmore, a genius and a very nice man.

Who hated the make-up chair more, you or Michael Dorn?

You'd have to ask him. I'd guess we both like the chair and hated the make-up.

I just want to know if you remember my sister and I. We met you at the Albuquerque Comic Con in January. We were the twins. My sister already had the insignia tattooed on her chest and then asked you to sign above it and got it filled in as a tattoo.

Edit: Here is a picture of it. And one with the man himself.

Of course I remember you...well, not you, but your sister. Not sure I ultimately felt okay about that. But, hey, it's her chest.

I have a million things I could say to you, Brent.

1. First off, Thank you!
2. What's your favorite TNG episode?
3. What was your favorite thing to do as a child?
4. What's your favorite aspect of your life post-TNG?

5. [in asphyxiated whisper] reeeleeeaaasssse meeeeee

   5.a. Would you ever consider marrying me?

You're welcome. Measure of a Man. Sleep. Sleep. Probably not, but never say never.

My wife is to shy the ask this question so I will do it on her behalf:

why are you so awesome?

She knows. She's just pretending she doesn't know me.

Have you thought about making an appearance on Community, since LeVar has established himself as a part of that world?

The people from "Community" called and checked my availability at one point. But, John Goodman got the part. I always lose parts to him. We're very alike.

What's it like having your character in Independence Day compared to Steve Collins, who's on the NASA Curiosity team?

I think they compared him to me, didn't they? But, honored. As I'm sure he is.

Has your role in Star Trek as Data affected your real life relationships? I have always been curious if you ever acted emotionless off the set after 8 years of a wonderful performance.

I'm sure it has in someways, but I'm so emotionally repressed I've never noticed it.

On a day-to-day basis, what brings you the most joy and excitement?

That's easy. My son.

Did you prefer playing Data or Lore?

(edit: fixed)

You mean, "did" I prefer playing Data or Lore? I enjoyed both. Seriously. They both presented different challenges.

I loved that somehow when playing those roles, you managed to make the characters so identical, especially when Lore was pretending to be Data, yet there was some indescribable element that made it so I knew which one you were playing at all times.

Thanks. That's what I was shooting for and it's rewarding to know it worked.

I have fond memories of you in Night Court and you've obviously had quite the variety of roles. Which roles were (or are based on your current projects) the most challenging or fun for you to play?

I like comedy. I've always really just wanted to do that. But, careers have lives of their own. And I wind up doing a lot of things I'm not really that good at.

Hi Mr. Spiner! I'm aspiring porn actor seeking acting advice. I have particularly pendulous balls. My balls hang really low. I'm afraid I might lose jobs because the actual penetration is obscured by my very heavy balls. So... can you help me with that? I just thought there might be some scrotum-tightening exercises we could do.

Just kidding, I just really like your webseries. What's your favorite part of making it?

PS downvoters, it's a quote from Fresh Hell.

Try clothespins.

Everything about it is fun. I work with some great people. Chris Ellis who directs is a brilliant comic mind and Harry Hannigan who writes the show is a genius. I laugh out loud when I read his scripts. The cast is terrific, everyone of them and the crew has been stellar.

1.) What is your favorite sci-fi movie?

2.) As I age, I also watch icons from my childhood such as yourself age as well, and it's somewhat surreal. Have you experienced anything similar with any of your own mentors or icons as they aged, and what has it been like?

3.) And more importantly, can we expect you to put out a new album?

Blade Runner. Thank you, but I think I've aged like most humans. I don't find it surreal. It happens to almost everyone. Except Joan Rivers. Doubt I'll do another album. Loved doing them, but too difficult to recoup. Takes too much time and energy to sell the damn things.

For starters, Data is the best TV character of all time, IMHO. That said, do you ever feel like Data pigeonholed your acting career to some extent? It often seems like some very good actors are "cursed" by their quality work with a well known character.

Second question, how come Lore didn't have an evil goatee?

Thank you. I agree. I don't know, maybe. Do I think I've gotten to do everything I should have, or could have. No. But, I've gotten to do some really cool stuff, so I'm not bitching.

If you had the opportunity to take on any other career field aside from acting, which would you choose?

Diplomacy.

Just wanted to say thank you for your work, and well, just being you.

Here's my question: Were you a Star Trek fan before you got your role as Data?

I watched the show when I was in college. Came home and watched it daily. 79 times.

Do you have any plans to work on anything Star Trek related in the future?

Nope, no plans. But,then, that was never in my control. Still isn't.

First of all, you are my idol and a stellar actor!

Okay, I love the relationship between Data and Geordi in TNG. Were you guys good friends thus creating a natural chemistry between your characters? Are you guys still good friends?

You've accomplished a lot... but what's something you've always wanted to do or accomplish, but haven't yet?

One more TNG question: NEMESIS SPOILER: What would you have wanted Data to go on to do and accomplish had he not exploded in Nemesis?

Thanks a million!

I didn't know LeVar before ST. We became good friends as did the entire cast. We are still very close. All of us.

What is it like being a part of Warehouse 13?

I loved doing Warehouse 13. Great show runner, producer, writer Jack Kenny. Great cast. And much fun hanging with my long time buddy, Saul Rubinek. All in all, a great experience. And they paid me.

[deleted]

Yeah. It felt that way to us, too. I think that's part of the wonderful irony of me playing these scenes with Saul. Fact is, we're very good friends. Have been since 1978. We did a play in NY together with Maury Chaikin, Mandy Patinkin, and Diane Wiest. It was an amazing show called, "Leave it to Beaver is Dead".

Who has had the biggest, or most important influence on your life?

My biggest influence was my teacher, Cecil Pickett. He taught me in both high school and college. He gave me an awareness and a confidence that I had something to offer. Nothing better than having a great teacher come into your life.

Hi! I met you at the Phoenix com-icon back in May, chatted with you for a bit, but I couldn't help but sense that it was kinda like the scene from A Christmas Story where the kid meets his hero and just doesn't know what to say.

You kinda spend the whole time cracking jokes at my expense, but it's all good. :D Anyway, is there anything in particular you like to talk about when fan meet you? Anything to avoid, or topics which are good so that we get the most out of meeting you?

Sorry if I said anything to hurt your feelings. That's never my goal. I hope to amuse, that's all. But, no, anyone can say or ask anything they want when you meet me. Well, except for you.

Brent, my wife and I saw you as John Adams in "1776" on Broadway some years ago. It was a wonderful and heartfelt performance.

• What did you do (or do you do) to prepare for stage roles vs. film roles?
• Did you do any research about John Adams or the signing of the Declaration for your role in the play?

I did do a lot of reading about John Adams, and I visited Independence Hall. But, in general, acting is acting. It's just a question of size. You talk louder on stage.

Which Data is your favorite, with or without the emotion chip?

I like all of the Data, with or without.

Hi Brent!

Not a question here. Just wanted to say TNG was my favorite show during my mid teens, and you were my favorite actor on the show.

Thanks. I really do appreciate that.

What was your initial reaction to being told that you were going to die in Nemesis?

Also, will you be appearing at Star Trek London in October?

I wasn't told. John Logan, Rick Berman and I decided that would be an emotional ending to what were almost certain was our last film. And it was our last film. Yes, I plan to be there.

Did you ever find it uncomfortable being that close to Frakes' meat and potatoes?

Well, the meat was a little discomforting, but I never had a problem with the potatoes.

Sir, you're my absolute hero. You know that. ;-) Many thanks for all your great performances. You're a wonderful actor and singer! A question about Fresh Hell. Are you already working on Fresh Hell season 3?

We're discussing Season 3 and trying to figure out where to go with it. We have lots of ideas. It'll probably be a while before we post it. We have to write it, shoot it, edit it, etc... But thanks for mentioning it. Hope you've enjoyed it so far.

1.)So if you still remember could you tell what's the story behind Data's Life Forms song? Who did come up with that and how?

2.)Tell us the funniest anecdote about you and someone from TNG?

3.) Did any scientific/metaphysical topic that come up in an TNG episode caught your attention for a longer period of time?

Brannon Braga and Ron Moore wrote the script for the movie, and they wrote a stage direction "Data sings" and the lines, "Life forms, you tiny little life forms, etc..." That's exactly what it said. So, I just came up with a little melody and enhanced it a little bit.

I'm not very tall. Do you weigh more than me?

No, but I'm taller than you.

Hi Brent! I've been a massive Star Trek fan since I was about five years old and just wanted to say thanks for all the years of quality entertainment.

My question: Who would you pick to play Data in a TNG reboot?

Also, any plans for a return to The Big Bang Theory?

Are they doing a reboot? Don't know. May never happen. Maybe my son can do it when he's old enough.

Would you say most trekkies are cool are are the stereotypical "in this episode you were wearing a blue hat in one scene and a red hat in the next scene"?

Any interesting experiences with fans?

I think most of the fans are cool. Every now and them someone will cross the line. But, they are all just people and I have a hard time commenting on "groups of people". Too many to mention here. Or type here.

Hey Brent, huge fan, I have some questions!

• Can you stand cats after Spot?

• Did you and Levar have a bromance off set?

• what was your favourite thing to act in?

• What is your favourite star trek episode?

• Date or Lore?

Don't mind cats, at all. But, I'm really a dog person. Spot was a few nice cats who also happened to be the worst actors I've ever worked with.

So I've heard rumors that certain guest stars on ST:TNG were... perhaps less than pleasant. Without naming names - but perhaps a hint only true basement-dwellers like me would decipher - could you relate any stories regarding any disagreeable actors?

The only one I can remember is Laurence Tierney. When he arrived at the gate, he drove through the electronic arm and broke it. I was constantly afraid he was going to hit me. But, I was thrilled to work with him, and he was awfully talented.

I absolutely loved Threshold and was sad to see it cancelled. I want to know so bad what was going to happen in the next season(s), especially the development of dr. Fenway. Could you tell me a little (or a lot!) about what was set to happen?

Thanks. I really enjoyed that show and was sad to see it cancelled. Particularly, since my character and Carla Gugino's character were going to wind up together. (In my dreams, again)

How difficult was it getting into character as Data, having to mimic his automatonic movements and nuances? What about having to relate to a character that has no human feelings?

It wasn't any more or less difficult than any role. It's always a set of problems that need to be solved. But, once I kind of knew what I wanted to do with it, the whole process of getting into make-up each morning sort of catapulted me into character.

Dear Mr. Spiner, I wanted to thank you for "speaking" with us today. As cheesy as it may sound, it's an honor. I grew up watching you on TNG with my Dad.

What are your some of your proudest moments and what are some moments you wish you could revisit?

I've never really experienced being particularly proud of anything. I've enjoyed doing a lot of things. I'm happy for the opportunities I've been given. I'd like to do it all again. Well, the good things.

This is from my brother:

Can you still and do you do your fake Data laugh? heh heh heh heh heh heh heh heh heh heh heh http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMWoaHyIKMs

Yes, but only when John DeLancey whispers funny things in my ear.

Good evening Mr. Spiner! I'd like to say I really enjoy the work you do, your a great actor to watch.

Now, I have three two tough questions I would like to know:

1. What is your favorite movie?
2. What is your favorite peice of literature?

P.S. Fresh Hell has been HILARIOUS.

That's only two questions. But, thanks, glad you enjoy it! I like "The Searchers" best, if I have to pick one. Don't know what my favorite book is. But, my favorite food is soup.