Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, June 27, 1995 TAG: 9506270028
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: IAN SPELLING
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
``For what feels like the first time in my life I'm not looking for work, going to work or worrying about work,'' says the actor, who's as likable as his ``Voyager'' alter-ego.
``I know we'll be back, and our [two-month] break is so short I won't feel too guilty about not doing anything.
``My wife Patricia and I will do some traveling, and I'll probably end up hiking a lot with my dog, Frank [a West Highland terrier], which I always love doing,'' he adds during a telephone interview from his Los Angeles home.
Phillips will also likely spend several Monday evenings catching up on ``Voyager'' episodes he missed. Looking back on season one, he reveals that despite sporting Neelix's prosthetic head and makeup for up to 16 hours a day, he greatly enjoyed his time in the ``Trek'' universe.
The upbeat Talaxian has found his place in the crew, serving as guide, cook and unofficial morale officer, while also deepening his emotional bond with Kes (Jennifer Lien), the Ocampa apple of his eye.
``Neelix started off as a little schemer, but one with a good heart,'' the New York-born actor says. ``Despite his jealousy (toward anyone who so much as looks at Kes), Neelix has really grown emotionally.
``I especially thank God for `Jetrel.'''
That late first-season episode found Neelix coming face-to-face with Ma'bor Jetrel (James Sloyan), the Haakonian scientist whose Metreon Cascade device killed most of Neelix's people, including his family.
As angry as Neelix was at Jetrel, he was equally frustrated with himself for not having had what he thought was the courage to battle his foe 15 years earlier.
``Neelix was able to let go of that burden he'd been carrying around for so long,'' Phillips explains. ``He forgave Jetrel and himself, and he kissed that part of his past goodbye.
``That was a big step for him and, hopefully, he'll be able to grow more in the future.''
As for Neelix's relationship with Kes, Phillips anticipates that this too will continue to be developed. He's particularly enthusiastic about an episode called ``Twisted,'' which was filmed this spring but won't air until the second season.
``Kes can only conceive for a period of 48 hours in her life, and that time is now,'' he notes. ``In that period Neelix decides he wants to be not only her husband but also a father.
``He's incredibly jealous in that show and incredibly loving too. It's going to be a great episode.''
Phillips' resume includes a string of notable stage, film and television performances, including a five-year stint as the governor's press aide on the TV show ``Benson.'' He has also appeared on television's ``NYPD Blue'' and ``Star Trek: The Next Generation.'' His film credits include roles in ``Green Card'' (1990) and the upcoming ``Jeffrey.''
As for Neelix, Phillips feels there are still new paths to explore.
``I want to see him in more action situations,'' the actor says. ``When the rest of the crew goes on Away Team missions and they encounter villains, I'd love to get in on some of the fighting so Neelix can have new ways to show his courage.
``Kes has telepathic abilities,'' he continues. ``I wonder if Talaxians have any unique powers or skills we don't know about yet.
``Those kinds of story lines would interest me.''
As much as he is savoring his break, Phillips is eager to return to the ``Voyager'' set.
``I can't wait,'' he says enthusiastically. ``I get the biggest kick out of being around everybody - the cast, the crew ... everyone.
``The work is hard,'' he adds, ``but it's so much fun to be there.
``Yeah, I'm looking forward to going back, but, to be honest, I'm also looking forward to not putting on Neelix's head for just a little while longer.''
TREK ALERT
If you have Trek or science-fiction news or trivia to share - or if you have questions relating to ``Star Trek'' - write to Ian Spelling, care of The New York Times Syndicate, 122 E. 42nd St., New York, N.Y. 10168. Be sure to enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you would like a reply.
- The New York Times Syndicate
by CNB