Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, September 27, 1994 TAG: 9409290019
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By Ian Spelling
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Press releases announcing the casting of characters and providing early details about ``Star Trek: Voyager'' had been distributed to the media.
Oscar-nominated actress Genevieve Bujold had been signed to play ``Trek's'' first female lead, Capt. Elizabeth Janeway. Filming of the series had begun.
Then, suddenly, the eagerly awaited third ``Trek''-classic spin-off was thrust into a casting black hole.
``Genevieve Bujold has resigned her role in `Star Trek: Voyager,' '' read an official statement, dated Sept. 9, from ``Voyager'' executive producers Rick Berman, Michael Piller and Jeri Taylor.
``After several days of production, she realized that the rigors of episodic television were too demanding. We will remain in production while continuing our search for the best possible captain and fully expect to meet our January 1995 launch date.''
Attempts to reach Bujold for comment were unsuccessful.
On Sept. 16 it was announced that Kate Mulgrew had been hired to replace Bujold.
Mulgrew is a seasoned television and movie actress, whose most familiar role was as Kate Columbo, wife of the fictional detective, in the 1979 NBC series ``Kate Loves a Mystery.''
Meanwhile, production continues on the two-hour premiere, in which the Starship Voyager attempts to locate a Maquis ship, manned by several Federation renegades, that has vanished into the ``Badlands.''
Eventually, the Voyager catches up with the vessel, but soon both ships, via an intergalactic phenomenon, are sent so deep into the galaxy that it would take 70 years traveling at warp speed for them to make it home.
As a result, the crews join forces to explore this unusual region of space, all the while seeking the most expedient way back.
Here's the cast (in alphabetical order):
Robert Beltran, who appeared in ``Bugsy'' (1991) and the TV series ``Models, Inc.,'' portrays Chakotay, the Native American captain of the Maquis ship who agrees to serve as the Voyager's first officer.
Roxann Biggs-Dawson, the lead in ``Darkman II'' (1994) and a guest in the series ``The Untouchables,'' is B'Elanna Torres, the chief engineer. Torres is a half-human, half-Klingon Maquis member trying to reconcile her current situation and her mixed heritage.
Jennifer Lien of the series ``Phenom'' and the soap opera ``Another World'' plays Kes, a new ``Trek'' alien: an Ocampa. Interestingly, Kes is 20 in human years but 1 in Ocampa time - and the Ocampa enjoy only a nine-year life span.
Robert Duncan McNeil plays Starfleet Lt. Tom Paris, a human born into a family of Starfleet legends, who is out to prove his worth.
McNeil's credits include the film ``Masters of the Universe'' (1987), the soap opera ``All My Children'' and ``The First Duty'' episode of ``Next Gen.''
Ethan Phillips assumes the role of Neelix, an exotic-looking alien who serves the Voyager as guide, cook and multipurpose handyman. (He also is Kes' lover.) Phillips, who was a regular on ``Benson,'' guest-starred in a ``Next Gen'' episode and appears with Patrick Stewart in the upcoming film ``Jeffrey.''
Robert Picardo, known for roles in ``The Wonder Years'' (the gym teacher) and ``China Beach'' (Dana Delany's doctor friend) and for the film ``Innerspace'' (1987), portrays Doc Zimmerman,a human physician who is also holographic, a veritable medical textbook quite capable of handling emergencies.
Tim Russ co-stars as Starfleet tactical/security officer Tuvak, a Vulcan who impresses others with his excellent battle skills and calming presence. Russ' credits include the forthcoming ``Generations'' and frequent guest spots on such series as ``DS9'' and ``seaQuest.''
Garrett Wang of the series ``All-American Girl'' plays the human ops/communications officer Harry Kim, a 21-year-old Starfleet Academy graduate who's both nervous and excited about serving aboard the Voyager.
TREK SPECS
Patrick Stewart will spend the fall in New York filming ``Let It Be Me'' with Campbell Scott, Jennifer Beals and Leslie Caron. ... Those who want more information on the role-playing ``Trek'' fan club Starfleet Command should send a self-addressed stamped envelope to Starfleet Personnel Command, 1167 S. Home Ave., Oak Park, Ill. 60304. ... Trekkers interested in learning more about the Starfleet Marine Corps, a participatory fan club, should send a SASE to Starfleet Marine Corps, 1629 Lawing Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28216. ... Entertainment Weekly magazine plans to publish a special ``Star Trek'' issue Oct. 17.
by CNB