LAST WORDS FROM THE FAMOUS

Picture this!

A huge convention. The 60^th anniversary of the original Star Trek. 6,000 diverse attendees. Everyone in costume.

Galaxy Quest Cosplay

I hadn’t attended this annual Star Trek con for eight years and much had changed, in the world of Star Trek as well as the world itself. One big change for me was the onset of Long COVID after having COVID at the beginning of the pandemic. I can only manage a fraction of what I could do before, including walking, traveling, standing, socializing, being in crowded noisy places, etc. But I felt the need to celebrate this milestone, and I’m glad I did.

I no longer had the cherished second-to-the-front row seat, so I watched the interviews and panels on a big screen TV about half-way back in the auditorium. The cameraperson did a magnificent job, and I found it to be a satisfying view. I laughed, cried, and enjoyed hearing the actors’ take on things. That was when I decided to write down a few of their comments, revelations, and advice.

Gates McFadden: Open your world… think about things.

John de Lance: Say yes to everything

Denise Crosby: Work with the best.

Jonathan Rhys-Davies: Listen.

Chris Myers: Love it so much you’d do it without being paid.

Celia Rose Gooding: Grief colors everything, as does love.

Wilson Cruz: You live your life differently when you’re doing things on purpose.

Mary Chieffo: Ivqong pIrmuS vIt yInej! (Look beyond what you think to be true.)

Michelle Hurd: There is no (f####g) way to draw a perfect circle.

Kate Mulgrew: Our country; our democracy!

Jeri Ryan: Use your voice.

Denise Okuda: Kindness is power.

Peter Weller: “The best thing to take away from your creative projects is love.” —Lawrence Olivier

Dawnn Lewis (Lower Decks): Find and respect our differences.

Chase Masterson: Learn and teach empathy. If we believe creativity and the arts are frivolous, then what are we doing here?

Jess Bush: The truth is not always clear.

Anson Mount: Lead by example (I cannot believe I’m the captain of the Enterprise!)

Mr. Bill Shatner: Enjoy a good review—most people don’t like things.

Re: No Time but Now, his weekly video podcast: A lovely way to think about your life.

I will not be at next year’s convention, but I will always be a follower of Star Trek.