34: Garrett Wang - Part 1

In Episode 36, we conclude our conversation with Garrett Wang. For seven seasons, he starred as Ensign Harry Kim on Star Trek: Voyager. In Part 3 of our interview, Garrett talks about the nuances of cross-cultural casting; negotiating the relative Asian-ness of Harry Kim (how "Asian" is playing the clarinet?); his very first on-camera acting role as an extra in Death Wish IV; and the heartbreaking missed opportunity to reprise the role of (a finally promoted) Harry Kim in Star Trek: Picard. 

In Episode 35, we welcome back actor Garrett Wang. For seven seasons, he starred as Ensign Harry Kim on Star Trek: Voyager -- which, at present time, makes him the Asian with the most screen time across the entire Star Trek franchise. In Part 2 of our interview, Garrett talks about some of the early struggles in his acting career -- including parental disapproval -- his personal favorite episodes of Voyager, and how, perhaps contrary to popular perception, Harry Kim was actually the "busiest" man in the Delta Quadrant.

Garrett Wang is best known for starring as Ensign Harry Kim for seven seasons on Star Trek: Voyager. A fan-favorite regular on the convention circuit, he currently co-hosts the popular podcast The Delta Flyers, which recaps Voyager and now Deep Space Nine. In Part 1 or our interview, Garrett talks about the epic, arduous audition process that earned him the role of Harry Kim, the glacial pace of Hollywood diversity from the nineties to now, and the meaningful moment he realized he was carrying the banner of Asian American representation on Star Trek.

Christopher Aguilar guest starred on Star Trek: Voyager when he was 12 years old, in the season three episode "Before and After," in which he played "Andrew Kim" -- the future son of Ensign Harry Kim and the grandson of Lt. Tom Paris and Kes. Wait, what? It's all very confusing and Christopher helps us clear it up. He talks about getting his start as a kid actor in Hollywood, channeling is own inner Kes while shooting Voyager, as well as his job eventually working as a cast member for Star Trek: The Experience in Las Vegas. He also gets real about his journey, sharing about his work as a writer, performer and mental health advocate.

Peipei Alena Yuan is a stunt performer, actress and filmmaker who served as the stunt double for Freda Foh Shen in the 2009 feature film Star Trek, directed by JJ Abrams. Outside of Star Trek, her long list of stunt credits includes Bullet Train, Stranger Things, The Terminal List, Obi-Wan Kenobi and The Flight Attendant, among many others. She talks about pivoting from visual effects to stunt work, her unexpected pivotal role in creating "Bully Maguire," and getting to perform a fight scene with a bucket list legend.

It's another Away Mission, in which we invite fellow Asian American fans of Star Trek to do a deep dive into an episode of their choosing. We welcome writer and journalist Swapna Krishna to discuss "Lineage" from season seven of Star Trek: Voyager. We discuss the ridiculous lack of privacy regarding pregnancy on the ship, parenting wisdom from Tuvok, and a lonely night of soulful saxophone for Harry Kim.  

Patrick Kwok-Choon plays tactical officer Lieutenant Commander Gen Rhys on Star Trek: Discovery. Outside of Star Trek, his credits include Open Heart, Backpackers, Shoot the Messenger, Wynonna Earp and SkyMed, among others. He talks being a part of Discovery's bridge crew, joining the tremendous legacy of Star Trek, and observing a healthy level of respect before putting his butt in the captain's chair.

Kathryn Lyn has worn several hats on Star Trek, including as a writer/producer on Star Trek: Lower Decks and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. She also officially serves as Canon Consultant on Lower Decks, making her the go-to geek when the writers have deep-cut canon questions. She talks about her journey as a writer, her favorite episodes, and the tattoo that got her a job on Star Trek.

Eric Bauza played the role of "Cerritos Conn Officer" on several episodes of the animated series Star Trek: Lower Decks. Outside of Star Trek, he's a prolific voice over artist with dozens of credits, having provided voices for some of animation's most iconic characters -- including Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and Tweety most recently on Bugs Bunny Builders. He talks about getting his breaks as a voice actor, almost getting cast as another Lower Decks character, and making merchandise from obscure Canadian kids TV shows.

It's another edition of the Away Mission, in which we invite fellow Asian American fans of Star Trek to do a deep dive into an episode of their choosing. We welcome filmmaker Andrew Ahn to discuss "Timeless" from season five of Star Trek: Voyager. We discuss why Deanna Troi is a gay icon, how survivor's guilt can really age you, and Andrew's big ol' crush on Ensign Harry Kim.