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Archived Answers to Fan Questions | ||
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René has been answering questions here on his website since 1998. On this page, you'll find questions and answers posted from November 2003 through November 2004. For questions and answers from January 2005 to the present, or to ask a question of your own, go to our "Ask René a Question" page.
Happy reading! A question from Sam: Hello René,
I think you are one of the greatest actors to emerge from the 70s. And my question is, was filming Night Gallery as tense as The Big Bus was fun? Was everything filmed on both? What about Brewster McCloud? Any memories? Did you fly down to Houston for the end shot?
Sam-
Phew! So may questions...
Night Gallery...uhhh...very quick shoot. Thanks for your kind words. Posted here November 10, 2004 A question from Gordon: Dear René,
I just became a trekkie about five years ago so I'm enjoying DS9 for the first time on DVD! I'm just now starting Season 2, but I must say that the show stealers from Season 1 were none other than Odo and his pal Quark! I also saw you in The Patriot as the Reverand and I love your work.
I'm not really sure how much Star Trek you watched before your involvement with DS9, but I have a couple very simple questions for you.
1. What is your favorite non-human and non-changeling race from the Star Trek universe? Thanks for your time René. You have a great site and it's a pleasure writing to you.
Gordon
1) I always thought The Bolians were great looking and fascinating. I wish they'd done more with them.
2) Brent Spiner as Data.
Thanks for your kind words. Posted here November 10, 2004 A question from D. Javanovic: I am an American citizen currently living in the south of France. My question concerns the Second World War and the many references in DS9 scripts to actual events of the War, specifically World War Two France. There are the obvious, of course - the Maquis, and the name DAX. Then there are the general references to slave labor camps and the Bajoran underground, which operated much like the real-world Maquis.
Were you the person who supplied much of the French material for the story lines? If not, then who? I am very interested in the history of the Second World War and have attended many 60th anniversary liberation and memorial services here in France.
DS9 is my favorite of the Star Trek series, not only because of its references to historical events, but primarily because of its mystical and metaphysical content. I appreciate you and all others connected with this very special program, which I sorely miss.
No, I had nothing to do with the references to W.W. II in DS9.
Aren't you lucky to be living in the South of France? My sister has a farm there and I dream of visiting as often as I'm able.
Best- Posted here November 10, 2004 A question from Rasheed: Dear René,
I am a huge fan of Star Trek and of The Legacy of Kain video games, all I want to do is complete a web site I am building specificaly for LOK fans but I do not know where to go to get voice material from the game to add to my site. Could you give direction?
Secondly, how did you become the infamous vampire Janos Audron?
Dear Rasheed-
I'm afraid I'm no help with the voices you are trying to get for your web site. Sorry!
I do a lot of voices for cartoons and videos...that job came because I often work with the director Gordon Hunt...who happens to be Helen Hunt's dad.
Best- Posted here November 10, 2004 A question from Mark: I've been enjoying your work for years, especially on Benson, so was recently startled to discover you are my fourth cousin. My, what an interesting family you come from! Did having all of those creative relations (and princesses) make it easier to take up acting? So many actors face family objections
Dear Fourth Cousin-
I come from a long line of artistic people...so they were very supportive of my choice to pursue acting.
Thanks for your kind words. Posted here November 10, 2004 A question from Reda: Dear René,
I just wanted to say: You are the greatest actor EVER. Your personality Odo brings out the best in you i think. My question is, what are you up to these couple of years?
I live in Holland and have all DS9 DVD boxes, take care!
Dear Reda-
Thanks for your kind message. If you go to our Website (www.renefiles.com) I think you'll be able to get all the info you've requested.
All the best- Posted here May 14, 2004 A question from Kimberly: Dear Mr. Auberjonois,
Hey, can I just say that you're funny? Sorry to say, I'm not all that much of a Trekkie, having been born in the *early* 80's (but my mom was), but I do love the voice characterization that you did on The Legacy of Kain series. Janos Audron is my favorite character from the game. He's darkly beautiful. Do you think that there is going to be an LoK movie, either live action or not, and would you be willing to voice him again?
Dear Kimberly-
Oh dear! Was DS9 that long ago? Well, say hi to your Mom!
Certainly I'd be happy to continue doing the voice of Janos...I have no idea if there'll ever be a film.
Nice to hear from you- Posted here May 14, 2004 A question from America: Hi René,
I just wanted to say that one of my all time favorite episodes that I thoroughly enjoyed was an episode from a television series called Erie, Indiana. In that episode, you played the Devil, and you played him like a used car salesman. I never knew the Devil was in retail. :)
Anyway, did you add things to your portrayal or was that portrayal based on certain things that you were directed to do?
Hi America-
Nice to hear from you. As for that episode of Erie Indiana... I just remember having fun doing it...not much else...I guess I've just done tooooo many shows!!
Best- rené a. Posted here May 14, 2004 A question from Lynne: You have a great talent with voices. Do you think that growing up in the U.S., Paris, and London promoted your ability?
Dear Lynne-
Hmmm...interesting. I have no idea. Perhaps listening to all those different voices did contribute.
Thanks for your kind words, Posted here May 14, 2004 A question from Bode Gibbs: Hello!
I am a 46-year-old sophomore at Miami University in Ohio, and am a big fan of your work. During my 30s I traveled a great deal and attended many Star Trek conventions, where I served as security for the actors quite often. In the years preceeding the creation of DS9, I worked for Majel Barrett a time or two. She seemed fascinated with my name, though she could never quite remember how to pronounce it (phonetically). I remember being called "BoBo," "Odie," and even "Obie!" I have often wondered if my name were not a part of the inspiration for the character name Odo. Anyway, I think you're a wonderful actor and I have enjoyed watching you for years. Take care and God Bless...
Mr. Bode Gibbs-
Yes! What a great name...take it from one who has a tricky name himself. I doubt, however, that your name was the inspiration for Odo's name...though I have no idea where that inspiration came from.
Thanks for your kind words, Posted here May 14, 2004 A question from Kaleigh: Dear René,
I'm a late bloomer to the DS9 fandom. But being a Trekkie since I was born, I knew of DS9 when it was new, but seeing as I was about six or seven, I hardly remember a thing of it. But I do remember a certain shape-shifting Constable with a bad attitude. After about ten years, DS9 finally becomes accessable to me on Spike TV, and I now can see that sweet and sassy Odo in all his seemingly cheesed off glory. I'm such an Odo fan now, so I must ask you this, will you be showing up at the Tulsa Oklahoma Trek Expo anytime soon? I've only been going to them sine last year, and I had such an experiance with Walter Koenig and Dominic Keating. And I hope if you show up, I'll have just an unforgettable experience with you.
Sincerely, Dear Kaleigh-
I don't know about coming to Tulsa...but since you're such an avid "Trekkie"...I'm sure our paths will cross...some day.
Until then, all the best- rené auberjonois Posted here April 14, 2004 A question from Eric: Dear Mr. Auberjonois,
I have a question. Who was the most fun to work with? In a movie or t.v. show, actor or actress? I wish you the best with the Broadway show. Keep on doing your thing.
Dear Eric-
That's an impossible question to answer. I've worked with so many talented and kind people who have given me great joy and many laughs. I couldn't possible choose one.
All the best- rené auberjonois Posted here April 14, 2004 A question from Daniela: Dear Mr. Auberjonois,
My name is Daniela (23), and I am from Croatia. I must say (and that's maybe not very nice to say) that I knew first about your grandfather then I knew about you. Actually, only before few months they started to broadcast Deep Space 9 on Croatian television, and since the begining my favorite character was, of course, Garak :)....well, noo... Odo, of course. Then I was quite suprised when I realized that Odo was played by my favoroite M*A*S*H actor. I like Odo so much that I get on my best friend's nerves so much (she likes Quark, and than we always fight which one is better) that she said she will buy me a bucket for my birthday. I saw some other of your later (newer?) movies (The Patriot) and in no matter what role I found you to be great. I really appreciate your work and carrier, and I have big respect for theatre acters, beacuse I also work in thetare. I am no actor, but a musician, violist.
So, what I wanted to say is that I know what a hard work it is to be a real artist, not some these days overnight "stars", and I think you are a great artist, the real one. My big wish is to see you in some theatre play, but I think I must get very rich, to go to USA to do that. Do you have some plans for visiting Europe? Have you been in Europe lately?
Well, I don't want to bother you any more, I just want you to know that if you visit Europe any time, you and your family are most welcome in Croatia. We have the most beautifull and cleanest sea (Dalmatia), I will dare to say, in the world. I think it is a great place for a vacation :)
Before I forget I must say that those episodes with Qurak directed by you were the funniest in whole DS9 so far. I really think you are a very nice, kind and charming man, and it would be for me a great honor if I will have a chance to meet you some day.
Dear Daniela-
What a nice e-mail you sent! Thank you so much for all your kind words and compliments. They are greatly appreciated.
Since Armin Shimerman, who plays Quark, is one of my best friends there's no need for you and your friend to argue...there's plenty of compliments to go around!
All the best! rené auberjonois Posted here April 14, 2004 A question from Teri: Dear René,
I just wanted to take a moment to say how much I enjoy watching you perform. I traveled with a Christian theatre group for 2 1/2 years, and am currently a drama teacher at a middle school here in Orlando, FL. One of the things I have been focusing on with my students is characterization; namely, being real to the character and not "overacting." Your dedication to the acting craft is amazing, because, no matter who you are playing, I never see "René the actor", but a 3-D embodiment of a character.
I was wondering if you might be willing to share any insights into the acting profession and/or what you do to prepare yourself to become a character with my students?
Thank you for taking the time to read this. I hope you have a wonderfully blessed day!
Dear Teri-
Thank you for your kind words.
As for acting tips...hmmm...I just try to tell the TRUTH. That doesn't mean you have to be REAL...you can make very bold choices as far as your character is concerned...but you have to tell the TRUTH.
All the best- rené auberjonois Posted here April 14, 2004 A question from Rachel: Dear René,
I love your role in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. I have just finished watching it on DVD. It is by far the best series! I really loved the connections between the different charecters because they are so life-like. The last episode really moved me and made me sob for hours. There's lots of space and you definetly have to make a movie. Is the role you play ever move or touch you even though it's acting. I think you are wonderful. My whole family loves DS9. By the way, I'm a 10-year-old girl who lives in Albuquerque.
Sincerely, Dear Rachel-
Thank you for your kind words. I'm glad that you enjoy DS9. In answer to your question about whether or not I was ever moved while playing the part: Although most of the time it was very slow and arduous work, there were times when the scenes became very difficult to do because of the depth of feeling required to make them work. But the truth is that doesn't happen too often...the actor's job is to express emotions so that the audience will experience them...and when you have to do the same scene over and over...it's hard to "feel" the emotions over and over.
Phew! Long answer...thanks for asking!
Best- rené a. Posted here April 14, 2004 A question from Alisa: Dear Mr. Auberjonois,
Thank you for participating in this forum. I've wanted to tell you for a long time how much I enjoyed Odo. I loved his integrity and his grouchiness, the interplay with Quark, his lovesick vulnerability, and I especially loved the way he walked!
I've always been interested in him from the standpoint of an actor working behind a mask without the benefit of the usual subtleties of facial expression. Though I would by no means ask the poet to explain his poem, I would like to know from an acting standpoint (not the discomfort of the prosthetics) what you found most challenging and most enjoyable about the creative aspects of bring this character to life. I can't imagine anyone else in the role. You were wonderful.
As an aside, my theatre professor in college once suggested to me that I consider applying to Carnegie-Mellon for graduate studies. I recall looking at a graduate catalog and, if my memory serves me, it said that the curriculum was designed to provide the student with "as little free time as possible"! That tickled me.
Blessings, Dear Alisa-
Thanks for your thoughtful message.
The "mask" you refer to was what gave the character his mystery. I have worked with real masks quite often during my career. I studied mask work at Carnegie-Mellon and later taught it at Julliard. Contrary to the usual assumption that a mask hides emotions...I feel that it magnifies and projects emotions....most of which are expressed through body language and voice.
All the best- rené a. Posted here April 14, 2004 A question from Marsha: Hello René!
I'm a great fan of yours. Your character Odo on DS9 is one of my favorites. You're pretty cool yourself. I'm borrowing my friend's e-mail to ask this question. How is you're family doing these days? I read that both you're children are actors.
Dear Marsha-
Thanks for your message. Yes, both of our "children" are actors...very talented actors who work mostly in the theater. Our son, Rémy, will be seen in a few weeks on The Sopranos as a therapist. Keep your eye out for him.
Best- rené a. Posted here April 14, 2004 A question from Elizabeth: I was wondering if you might be doing any more acting with Star Trek shows?
Dear Elizabeth-
At this time I have no plans to do any further work on Star Trek...but in this business we always say: "Never say Never".
All the best- rené auberjonois Posted here April 14, 2004 A question from Tim and Lucy: Hi René,
Can you please put our minds to rest? On holiday in July 1998, my wife and I were in the bar of the Argyll Hotel in Inverary, West Scotland. We were alone in the bar when someone walked in, sat at the bar and ordered some quite expensive single malt whisky. He smiled and said "hello" and after much debate and knashing of teeth we were sure it was Dr Tewkesbury!
Was it you René?
Thank you for your time, Dear Tim and Lucy-
I confess it must have been me. I also confess that for my 60th birthday (three years ago) I gave up drinking alcohol. The only thing I miss is the occasional expensive single malt whisky.
Best- rené a. Posted here April 14, 2004 A question from Alexandra: Dear Mr. Auberjonois,
I am 8 years old and I watch Deep Space Nine ALOT. I've watched all the episodes in seasons 1, 2, and 3. I'm halfway through season 4 and we've already bought season 5. My favorite character is Odo! I liked Odo without the belt, unlike Kira (I just watched the episode that this was in). I think that sometime soon Odo should tell Kira that he loves her. What is it like to act under all that makeup? I wish Deep Space Nine could go on forever.
Your friend, Dear Alexandra-
Thanks for your nice nessage. Glad you're enjoying the show. You'll just have to wait and see if Odo ever tells Kira his true feelings.
I like him without the belt too.
Best- rené a. Posted here April 14, 2004 A question from J. Ellner: Dear René,
I have appreciated your work since the Benson days, and look forward to every occasion that I can to appreciate it still further. Funny thing is that I have no favorites from among your characters, but Molock from 'My Best Friend Is A Vampire' is a definite contender, along with Odo, who would not have been nearly as appealing a person without you. Oh, possibly someone else could have done it, but I think it would have lacked the warmth and panache you gave to Odo. But I digress.
Here's the question. For as long as I've known of you as an actor, I have never once heard your name pronounced, correctly OR incorrectly. Ever.
My take on it was that it had a French pronunciation: Oh-bur-zhon-wa, please pardon my phonetics. If this is not the case, how is it pronounced, please? I have always liked that name, and wish to pronounce it properly, should I have the delight of making your acquaintance. Please?
Thank you very much.
Dear J. Ellner-
Close! Try Oh-BEAR-zhon-wa Best- rené a. Posted here April 14, 2004 A question from Daniel: Dear René,
I have only really had the honor of seeing you perform with Star Trek: Deep Space Nine; however, your role as Odo was very brilliantly played and I don't believe anyone could have filled that role as well as you have. I have a few questions and comments I'd like to ask and express - I'll try to make them as brief as possible with being specific.
You've said you don't really consider yourself a singer; in one DS9 episode, you were singing to yourself in Captain Sisko's office. I found it to sound quite soothing. You may not "be a singer", but your vocals are pleasant. You've mentioned that your name, René, was "perceived as a 'girl's name'" in the 1950's. Gender is extremely irrelevant; your name René is very belonging to you. It sounds exquisite and artistic. You are very much an artist and your parents named you perfectly.
You describe yourself as "prickly" and "shy"; do you think your own personality helped develop the character Odo, specifically in his shy manner? Also, do you believe your passion for Kira in the series was just acting or taken from passions in your own life, perhaps for your wife?
Best of luck. I'm hoping to see you more, perhaps cast in a somewhat recent movie. If there are specific roles you liked very much, I would welcome your suggestions on what to view.
Dear Daniel-
Thanks for you kind words. I can answer your two questions with one word...yes.
The website has a very complete bio of my work which you might enjoy hunting for, either on TV or at your local video outlet.
Thanks again- Posted here January 22, 2004 A question from Kenneth Q.: Hello René,
I don't know too much of your work other than you as Constable Odo. Which I must say is really one of my favourites. I did not realize you were actually 64 years of age soon. I mean wow! You sure don't look your age! And for my question. Do you people from Star Trek actually meet and hang out other than when required to do so for special star trek events or such?
Great work, really! Thank you! Dear Kenneth-
Thanks for your kind words...if you could see the white beard I'm sporting now (in preparation for a show on Broadway) you'd see that I am indeed nearly 64.
As for friends from Star Trek 'hanging out' together...well Armin and I see each other on a regular basis.
Best- rené a. Posted here January 22, 2004 A question from Talia: Hi René,
I was wondering what software you use to create your "doodles." Also, do you hand draw them, or do you use a mouse?
Dear Talia-
I use Photoshop on my Apple and I have a Wacom tablet with a pen...so I can 'draw'.
Best- rené auberjonois Posted here January 22, 2004 A question from Katie A.: In the 1966 version of Ofoeti, which was televised on Channel 13 in Pittsburgh, PA, on the Public Broadcasting Station, my father, Joseph Scarpino, played a very small role as a Police Officer who attempts to arrest the boy who is looking for the troll.
My father passed away a year ago. I was wondering if it is possible to purchase a video or dvd of this film.
I remember my father's part was so brief, and the boy was "fighting off the police officers," so that I don't even remember if my father's face was even shown, but I would love to have a copy.
Dear Katie-
I'm sorry to learn of your father's passing.
I don't have a copy of Ofoeti myself. I think your best bet is to contact the PBS station in Pittsburgh.
Good luck! Posted here January 22, 2004 A question from Eric O.: Dear René,
I have been a fan of yours for some time now. You have been all over the place. I mean as far as beening in tv, movies, and doing voiceovers for cartoons. But to me, the character of Claytion on Benson just made me laugh like a mad man. You know on some of my worst days, I'd come home from school in a bad mood. But as soon I'd tune in to Benson, you and the rest of the cast made me forget about my problems for a while and just laugh. I thank you for this.
Anyway you have done a lot of voice work for cartoons. You have done so much, that it might take four or five more letters to list them all. You have done a great job in Deep Space Nine. My number one question is, what are you going to do next? Well whatever it is, it will be another top notch preformance.
A fan along with five or six million others, Dear Eric-
Thanks for you kind words. Yes, Benson was a lot of fun...glad it gave you as much pleasure as it did me.
I start rehearsals in a week for a Broadway show: SLY FOX by Larry Gelbart, who wrote the TV series of M*A*S*H.
All the best- rené auberjonois Posted here January 12, 2004 A question from Tania: Dear Rene,
I have only just discovered this web site and I would like to thank you for bringing such a wonderful character as Odo to life. I simply adore Odo and every time I watch his goodbye to Kira in "All Good Things" it brings tears to my eyes.
As strange as it may seem, I only became aware recently that there were Star Trek conventions held in Australia (I live in Perth, Western Australia). I know you have visited Australia in the past and I'm sorry I missed that, do you have any plans to visit Australia for conventions in the future?
Best wishes to you and your family for Christmas and the New year.
Dear Tania-
Thanks for writing. I've been to Perth. I LOVE OZ!! I'd love to come back...just get someone to invite me! (o;
Best- rené a. Posted here January 12, 2004 A question from Bill A.: Dear René,
My ladyfriend and I have been fans of yours since your
appearance in M*A*S*H. I have a question about your early
career. I seem to remember your name in the credits of
an occasional episode of the TV series Combat!, with
Vic Morrow. Did you ever appear in the series?
Thanks much.
Dear Bill-
Thanks for your message. Although Bob Altman (who directed M*A*S*H) directed a number of Combat episodes... that was before my time as a professional actor... I never worked on that show. My very first job on network TV was in an episode of Mod Squad.
All the best- Posted here December 12, 2003 A question from Beth W.: hi rene
I watched the tv show Benson. That was my favorite show. You look so nice with your glasses on. I miss that tv show. Will Benson be on tv again? I live in Arizona, so if you come to Arizona, I would love to meet you. Bye rene
Dear Beth-
Thanks for your kind message. I'm a bit confused...you say: "You look so nice with your glasses on." To my knowledge, Clayton never put the glasses on... it was an affectation.
Best wishes- Posted here December 12, 2003 A question from Anita: Dear Mr. Auberjonois:
Are you planning to come back tothe state of New Jersey any time soon for any reason? You were in Lyndhurst about 10 years ago for a Star Trek Convention and I am hoping to see you again some time.
You are a very sweet man and you make anyone who meets with you very comfortable and welcome.
Dear Anita-
Yes, I plan to appear at Slanted Fedora's Covention on January 3rd, 2004. Go to their website for details.
Thanks for you kind words- Posted here December 12, 2003 A question from Ryan R.: Hello Rene,
I just wanted to say that I have finished Legacy of Kain: Defiance and found your performance of Janos Audron as excellent as I hoped. I hope to see Janos with you giving him his wonderful eloquence in the next game. I would also like to know if you have played any of the Legacy of Kain games, especially the entries that feature Janos.
Dear Ryan-
I'm glad you enjoyed "Legacy". I enjoyed working with Michael Bell and Gordon Hunt (the director) both old friends and colleagues.
I haven't played the game... but I have seen some of the animation, which is excellent.
Best- rené auberjonois Posted here December 16, 2003 A question from Alex: Hi rene (sorry i can't do the little accent)
I'm just writing to ask wether you have any idea why lokd [Legacy of Kain: Defiance] was delayed and i just pretty much wanted to write to you.
I have no idea why 'lokd' was delayed. Hope it lives up to expectations when you finally get it.
rené auberjonois Posted here December 16, 2003 A question from Justin S.: Dear René,
I am a bit of a fan. I have watched Star Trek for a long time (which my father got me into.) And liked the good acting you did in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Then I was surprised to find out that you did voice acting in one of my favorite video games, "Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver" and now "Legacy of Kain: Defiance". I just turned 18 and am looking at trying a carrer of acting. My question to you is what collage would you suggest I go to. I live in Michigan. but I don't believe their are any good acting classes I can take here.
Thanks in advance.
Justin-
There are a number of good schools with drama programs. Try to get a copy of American Theater magazine. There will be lots listed.
The premier schools are (in no particular order): Good luck!
rené auberjonois Posted here November 12, 2003 A question from Nevaeh: Dear Mr. Auberjonois,
Halloween has come and gone. I wanted to know if you believe in the paranormal and if so, have you had any spooky experiences that you would like to share with us?
This is absolutly true.
When I was thirteen years old we lived on a small winding road in the countryside outside of New York City. The house was very old...pre-Revolutionary War. It was originally an inn.
It was winter. Raining hard. My brother (twelve years old) and I were alone in the house. Our parents were just up the road having dinner with friends. Since we'd finished our homework, Mike and I were sitting in front of the fireplace playing cards at a low table.
There was a knock at the door. The man standing there in the rain knew our names and asked if our parents were home. We told him they weren't but would be soon.
He asked if he could wait. We invited him in. (You must realize that this was in the 1950s and the world seemed a safer place.)
He entered and removed his raincoat. He noticed that we had been playing cards.
For the next hour or so he performed the most wonderous magic tricks I have ever seen.
Then he put on his coat. Said goodnight....and left.
When our folks got home and we told them their "friend" had stopped by...they were mystified...and a bit horrified. Our description of the 'visitor' (who never introduced himself) resembled an old army friend of my Dad's who had died in the war.
I can still see him so clearly...and I've described some of the tricks he performed for us to other magicians...no one seems to have any knowledge of them.
rené auberjonois Posted here November 12, 2003 For more questions and answers, dating from October 2003 back to April 1998, check out our Q&A Archives.
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