All The Asians On Star Trek

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.

In Episode 33, we welcome actor Christopher Aguilar. When he was 12 years old, he guest starred on Star Trek: Voyager, 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.

Amanda Wong is a Vancouver-based background artist on the animated series Star Trek: Lower Decks. Her other credits include Carmen Sandiego, Rick and Morty, My Little Pony: The Movie and DC Super Hero Girls. She talks about becoming a Trekkie at 7 years old, her path to working in animation, and getting the specific nuances of Cardassian floor patterns just right. 

Christina Chong plays Lieutenant La'an Noonien-Singh, the USS Enterprise's Chief of Security, on Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Outside of Star Trek, her acting credits include Line of Duty, Heirs of the Night, Of Kings and Prophets, Dominion, 24: Live Another Day and Black Mirror. She talks about her humble beginnings as a performer, the burden of her character's infamous ancestry, and what it means for her to be a part of the Star Trek universe.

Jacqueline Kim played the role of Ensign Demora Sulu -- daughter of Hikaru Sulu -- in the 1994 feature film Star Trek: Generations. As an actress, her other credits include Disclosure, Volcano, Xena: Warrior Princess, ER, The West Wing, Charlotte Sometimes and Advantageous, which she also co-wrote and produced. 

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 writer Michael Golamco to discuss "The Measure of a Man" from season two of Star Trek: The Next Generation. We talk about the important questions: is Data the property of Starfleet? (No.) Does Data have a soul? (Maybe.) Did Picard and Louvois get it on? (Definitely.)  

Pay Chen is credited with the role of "Starfleet Psychiatrist" on Star Trek: Discovery, in the season two episode "Point of Light." Blink and you might miss her. Outside of Star Trek, Pay has over two decades of broadcast experience as a host, writer and producer — in Canada. But to some fans and friends, her five seconds of screen time on Star Trek is basically the biggest thing she's ever done. 

Usman Ally is credited with playing "U.S.S. Vengeance Officer" in the 2013 feature film Star Trek Into Darkness. He had one line... sort of. Outside of Star Trek, his credits include Veep, Nobodies, A Series of Unfortunate Events, and Suits, to name a few. He talks about working with JJ Abrams, getting fake-shot by imaginary weapons, and navigating roles as a Brown actor in Hollywood.

Sumalee Montano appeared in three episodes of Star Trek: Picard as "Marisol Asha," the mother (maybe?) of Dahj and Soji. Outside of Star Trek, Sumalee's resume has over 180 acting credits, including ER, Veep, Nashville, and Scandal, as well as a ton of voiceover roles. Most recently, she can be seen starring in her first series regular role on The Lost Symbol. 

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 Arune Singh to discuss "Tuvix" from season two of Star Trek: Voyager. We talk about the cowardice of colleagues, "Faith of the Heart," and Harry Kim's clarinet, among many other things.

Tim Dang appeared on Star Trek: The Next Generation as "Main Bridge Security" in the series pilot episode "Encounter at Farpoint." He even had a couple of lines. Outside of performing, Tim served as artistic director for the hallowed Asian American theater company East West Players for over twenty years, and currently teaches at the USC School of Dramatic Arts.

Caroline Junko King was 13 years old when she guest starred on Star Trek: The Next Generation as young Keiko O'Brien in the season six episode "Rascals" -- yes, the one where the transporter shrinks them into kids. As a young actress, she also appeared in the films 3 Ninjas Kick Back and Come See the Paradise.

Art Chudabala guest starred on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine as Lieutenant junior grade Hector Ilario, whose (spoiler alert) murder sets off the seventh season episode "Field of Fire." His other acting credits include NYPD Blue, ER, CSI, Grey's Anatomy, The West Wing, and his acting debut in the cult favorite skateboard movie Gleaming the Cube.

It's another edition of the Away Mission, in which invite fellow Asian American fans of Star Trek to do a deep dive into an episode of their choosing. We welcome writer Nicole Chung to discuss "Family" from season four of Star Trek: The Next Generation. So pass a bottle of the '47. It's time to get muddy in the vineyard.

Krista Jang played the part of "Rob" in the Star Trek: Short Treks episode "The Trouble with Edward." The role is perhaps most notable because she gets buried alive by Tribbles. She talks about the "movie magic" that went into creating that hilarious and horrifying moment.

Lily Mariye played the role of "Ops Officer" in "Emissary," the premiere episode of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. As an actress, she is perhaps best known for playing Nurse Lily Jarvik on fifteen seasons of ER. As a director, she's racked up credits on shows like Criminal Minds, NCIS, How to Get a Away with Murder, The Terror: Infamy and The Walking Dead.

Eugene Cordero is the voice of Ensign Sam Rutherford on the animated series Star Trek: Lower Decks. With a lengthy list of credits, he holds the rare distinction of playing characters in the Star Trek, Star Wars and Marvel universes. But he is probably best known for playing "Pillboi" on The Good Place. He knows this because that's what everybody yells at him on the street.

Rosalind Chao is best known for her recurring role as Keiko O'Brien on multiple seasons of both Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. A veteran actress with a career spanning five decades, her long list of credits include MASH, The Joy Luck Club and Mulan. But she was actually once in serious contention for another Star Trek role...

It's another edition of the Away Mission, in which invite fellow Asian American fans of Star Trek to do a deep dive into an episode of their choosing. We welcome actor/comedian Andrew Phung (Kim's Convenience) to discuss "Relics" from season six of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Here's to you, lads.

Introducing the Away Mission, in which we break from the usual format and invite fellow Asian American fans of Star Trek to do a deep dive into an episode of their choosing. We welcome writer Sarah Kuhn (Heroine Complex, Shadow of the Batgirl, Doctor Aphra) to discuss "The Collaborator" from season two of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Lots of scary Orb visions and sexy time.

Writing partners Bo Yeon Kim and Erika Lippoldt served as writers/producers on the first three seasons of Star Trek: Discovery, and are currently co-executive producers of the upcoming spinoff Section 31. They discuss having to juggle the many mandates and creative challenges in launching a show like Discovery. They discuss geeking out over Michelle Yeoh. They absolutely do not discuss Section 31.

Keone Young guest starred on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine as Benjamin Sisko’s favorite baseball player Buck Bokai, in the season one episode “If Wishes Were Horses.” He also appeared in Star Trek: Enterprise as Mr. Sato, the father of Hoshi Sato, in the second season episode “Vanishing Point.”

Diana Lee Inosanto worked behind the scenes as a stunt double, primarily for Linda Park, on several episodes of Star Trek: Enterprise. The daughter of legendary martial artist Dan Inosanto and the goddaughter of Bruce Lee, she has dozens of credits as a stunt performer, fight coordinator and choreographer. She talks about kicking Vulcan ass, embracing martial arts as her heritage, and learning "Uncle Bruce" was famous.

Michelle Krusiec guest starred on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine in the sixth season episode "Time's Orphan" as a teenage, feral Molly O'Brien -- her first acting job. She is perhaps best known for her starring role in the indie romantic comedy Saving Face, and most recently, she portrayed screen legend Anna May Wong in the Netflix series Hollywood.

Clyde Kusatsu guest starred as Vice Admiral Nakamura on three episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation. With a career spanning nearly 50 years, his credits include Kung Fu, Midway, Magnum P.I., All in the Family and All American Girl, among many others. He talks about getting aged-up to play Jean-Luc Picard's classmate, the other Star Trek role he auditioned for, and how his John Wayne impression got him a job.

Grace Lynn Kung guest starred on Star Trek: Discovery as "Psycho" -- that's the actual credit -- in the first season episode "Context Is For Kings." She talks about geeking out on the Discovery set, taking hits for her fight scene, and how poor Worf never got any respect.

Reggie Lee appeared in JJ Abrams' 2009 Star Trek movie reboot as "Test Administrator." While his screen time might have been short, his scene ended up being — unbeknownst to him — a fairly important allusion to franchise canon.

Tim Lounibos guest starred on Star Trek: The Next Generation as the ill-fated Lt. Daniel Kwan in the episode "Eye of the Beholder." But his acting career also has some other interesting Star Trek connections.

Introducing All The Asians On Star Trek, the podcast in which we interview all the Asians on Star Trek. Hosted by Phil Yu.