Brisbane, Australia
23.05.99
Special Guest: Garret Wang (Ensign Harry Kim - ST: Voy)
Garret Wang came to our fair city on Sunday, May 23, 1999. It was a fabulous convention, and a great success for all involved. Beginning around 10.00am, the VIP ticket holders got first dibs on the dealers' tables, as well as a morning tea of coffee and yummy Sheraton biscuits (the ones which the bakery at Central Station sells). At 10.30, the photos of Garret arrived for people to purchase to get signed. There were four photos to choose from, as well as a series of postcards, and a number of Season One trading cards.
I chose a black and white portrait shot of Garret, as well as a promo shot of Harry Kim to get signed. Both are beautiful. I would have liked one of each of all of the stuff there, but unfortunately, I ran out of money (always happens).
We had a bit of time to kill, because Garret wasn't due to come out until about 2.30-ish. Our compere filled in time with babbling stuff, and the usual array of events took place. The auctions were foremost.
Most of the usual array of crap and the occasional good stuff went up for auction. A Generations Gold plated trading card went for about 50 bucks (very good score). A lot of stuff had reserve prices, and the bidders simply didn't spend that much money,so I don't know how much was actually sold. The raffle was for a giant Brent Spiner autograph (which I didn't win), it was a poster-size photograph of the First Contact promo shot (like my pic). I forget who won it, but they were very happy.
We had a lunch break after the auction, and came back about 1.00-ish to watch a couple of Voyager episodes. They were REALLY good. The first was "Juggernaut" - a cool B'elanna episode, and then "Someone to Watch Over Me", which was one of those episodes you can't wait to watch again. It was a Seven of Nine/Doctor episode.. Boy can she sing!!! Very cool.
Then Garret came out.
He was full of energy, bright, and a wonderful speaker. His girlfriend was also there, and sat with George (Papadeus) at the autograph table. Man, you would have to enjoy it to sit through the same questions every time, in a bunch of different countries (but the travelling would be good). She seemed very nice, though.
I had meant to write this page as soon as the convention was finished, but got caught up doing exams, so now that it is a month later (and my long term memory being somewhat disappointing), I'll try to remember everything I can about what he said.
Garret was very gracious, and tried to answer every question. He began with a bit about himself, though (I guess to reduce the number of questions which he gets asked a lot, and allow more time for other ones). Details elude me at present - I'll have to consult with my friends who went with me to see if they can remember more. Here are a few things which I do remember:
originally, his parents were against his acting career, but now his father carries around a (very big) wallet of screen shots and promo shots Garret has appeared in to show off to people he meets (a very proud Dad)
he and Jeri Ryan have a good time on the set (see below for the "Elbow" story)
he invented the on-set "Combadge Toss" (see below)
his favourite episode (so far) is "Timeless" - I'd have to agree with that one (and "Non-Sequitor", where he had his first Voyager on-screen kiss)
his impressions of the crew continually get him into trouble (and make him very popular at conventions)
he had done fifteen conventions before any other Voyager cast member had done any - the first being the very weekend after the US premiere of "Caretaker" . As a result, he is somewhat of an 'expert' at them!
he is EXTREMELY good looking in real life
his favourite food is pasta (I think) because it's easy to cook
The Elbow Story
On-set, Harry and Seven of Nine were doing a scene (I forget which episode) where they were walking down the corridor of Voyager. Harry was supposed to grab Seven's elbow and direct her to another part of the ship (or slow her down so that he could "engage her at frivolous attempts at non-relevant communication"). Instead of grabbing a hold of her elbow, Garret 'accidentally' grabbed a hold of her left breast. You can imagine what happened next. The director called "cut". Continous laughing and joking occurred between the crew and cast, and I'm sure Garret's face was very red. They left for make-up,and upon returning to try the scene again, Jeri arrived sporting a series of Post-it notes. One was stuck to her elbow, labelled simply "elbow". Another was attached to her left breast, titled, "not an elbow". She looked him squarely in the face and stated simply, "I thought you might require a visual aid".
The "Combadge Toss"
I think the episode was "Basics", where the crew has been gathered on the bridge after the Kazon take control of the ship. Kneeling on the floor in a little group, Garret got bored whilst waiting for people to take positions as directed by the crew. He grabbed the combadge off Kate (Mulgrew), who looked at him seriously and said "What are you doing?". He just grinned and said "Watch this". He tossed the combadge, and it stuck squarely back onto her uniform where it should have been. Happy with his discovery, and his impecable aim, he then proceeded to grab combadges at random from other fellow cast members and periodically toss them back onto their uniforms. His aim was mostly good, and in the end, the game was taken up by everyone else. It was akin to chaos, I imagine, but being the professionals that they are (ha!), I assume order resumed soon enough to complete filming.
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Garret was an extremely good speaker. Someone actually asked him what he thought of the fan-fic racing around the internet which puts Tom and Harry 'together' (if you know what I mean). The audience mostly cracked up laughing (someone groaned). Garret was quite silent throughout this, and repeated the question so everyone knew what had been asked (as he did for every question). I think he said "Really? They say that?" and a few people called out a series of answers in the affirmative. He just looked thoughtful for a minute and then said, "Cool". Obviously a man who can appreciate the finer art of creative licence (and alternative reality).
The final question of the day was a good one. Someone asked him if he believed that his portrayal of Harry Kim in Voyager, Chinese-American, was something he believed would further attempts to reconcile ethnic differences in present society. He was very impressed with the question and agreed wholeheartedly. It is something which he, as an actor, can do to help combat racism and ethnocentric conflict in the world. He is proud to portray a memeber of a crew from various cultural backgrounds who can work and live together in peace, despite how things work in real life (and we all know how it is, I don't pretend it doesn't happen). Star Trek, in all it's forms, has always tried to do this, and he (amongst others, I'm sure), is always happy to be a part of something which makes such statements (however subtle or striking). It is a personal achievement for him, and, although not necessarily a major reason for what he does or why he does it (ie, portraying Harry Kim), it is something of which he will always be proud and be thankful. Well done, Garret!
After that, it was time for autographs. He bounded out and realised that he had neglected to do his impressions. His impression of Captain Janeway was fabulous, and very hysterical. The impression of the Doctor, however, was very real, and it could have almost been Robert Picardo on stage performing a scene for us.
I got my two photos signed, as well as my ticket, and asked him if he was enjoying his stay. He agreed and since Brisbane was last on the list of Aussie cons, he was headed to the 'outback' for a holiday. To see Uluru, and Alice Springs. I hope he had a good time (and it wasn't too cold), I hope to visit there someday, too.
All in all, it was a fabulous day. If he comes back, I'll be there. Thank you to Garret Wang for coming to Brisbane and sharing with us his experiences and life story. I have a new respect for harry Kim now, anyway (which is not say that I didn't have any before!).
My (signed) Ticket!! - Cool, huh?
Garret and Sharron (cool Bronze t-shirt)
Garret and me!! (do I seem too happy?)
Garret Wang autograph (as Garret - very nice)
Garret Wang autograph (as Harry Kim)
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Holodiction '98 with Brent Spiner and Jennifer Hetrick
Holodiction '98 with Ethan Phillips
