BRENT SPINER: Data’s Return, Star Trek Negotiations, Pissing Off Shatner & Terrifying Stunts

[@askers_]

I will always be grateful to Brent Spiner, Michael Dorn, and everyone else who put up with so much makeup every shoot for so many years. Thanks for hanging in there and being part of my favorite show.

[@fotomaton7852]

He really nailed it in episode 9: it's Data but he's different much closer to human but still Data. The nuance in his acting was truly spectacular.

[@bobkerr2755]

Data: is there anything I can say to make you feel better? Picard: I doubt it Data: You're probably right. *puts hand on shoulder and they both smile* The overall story of s3 might not be the best trek has to offer but I like how the characters are actually given scenes like this in between the huge action set pieces.

[@fotomaton7852]

@@bobkerr2755 Agreed, some really emotional interactions in those breather segments. Loved that scene in particular.

[@mooniejohnson]

Geordi: "You used a contraction!" Data: "No I didn't." That brief interaction utterly killed me. It was so funny and so sweet at the same time.

[@andrewblue146]

That man was at Comic convention. Went out out of his way to be so nice to my son. I mean no words on how nice he was. So energetic so kind. I will never forget that. He is amazing. It brings me to tears this day. I’m so happy is doing so well.

[@JustMe99999]

Brent Spiner is such a great actor. The Lor/Data scene in Episode 8 of Picard was amazing.

[@jackjamesfranklin3101]

That was Amazing!!! The way he can just switch between Data, Lore and B4 in the same scene is brilliant. I Love him.

[@redmatrix]

I loved how Data beat Lore by being Data.

[@katrineroberts4084]

It was beautiful how Data made Lore have an emotion of love for spot.

[@doghouse010]

Mike: Now this could be myth or lore but... Brent: (smiles)

[@thecloudtherapist]

Great ought to mean more than just Data. But all the examples here are him as Data. That label then isn't deserved.

[@kpag3030]

An hour isn’t enough with Spiner. Need more

[@Helmut_Steiger]

Yeah, didn‘t even get Brent‘s impersonation of Sir Patrick. 😂

[@BCBaron]

Totally agree. The time just flew by and yet it feels like we barely scratched the surface. Would love to hear more of his stories!

[@sleepinglionarchives]

I've always loved Brent, but knowing he calls him mom every day makes me love the dude even more

[@DannyCosmos]

Single mom that always supported her she deserves it

[@Dhrrhee3e11a76]

Also that does not surprise me in the least.

[@kingsman8475]

I call my mom three times a day.

[@markpierce4416]

Let’s talk about Mr Rosenbaum as well. He is the best Lex Luthor and just a great guy. I have a Smallville DVD he signed at Planet Comicon. I also met Brent there and he is HILARIOUS

[@rockpadstudios]

he is lucky he has a mom that loves him.

[@SJReid82]

Man, ever since that Frakes interview I was hoping this once was coming. Brent is awesome. Data was always my favorite TNG character - possibly my favorite Star Trek character in general - and I just love his humor and candor. Amazing guy who doesn't get nearly the credit he deserves.

[@aeynosarturii8053]

I love the Frakes episode, and have said if there is any one in Show biz that I would want to work with it is Jonathan Frakes. The interview with Wil Wheaton is among the best interviews with an actor I have ever watched. Wil is a fantastic human on so many levels and Michael let him expose his inner thinking so well.

[@SJReid82]

@@aeynosarturii8053 Yeah man, that Wil Whaton one was crushing. As a young lad, I was such a fan of his - Stand by Me being one of my favorite movies growing up, and given that I was closest in age to Wesley when TNG first came out I identified with Wes the most - so hearing that he had such a troubled upbringing was incredibly sad. Really tough to listen to that one, but it was great. The one with Frakes equally as great. These guys were all my heroes growing up.

[@aeynosarturii8053]

@@SJReid82 Same here, I am 2 years younger than him, and that could have been me and my friends in Stand By Me.

[@PaceFilmsProductions]

My sister and I met Brent Spiner once at a con and I can confirm he's an extremely good guy to meet. What I was most struck by when we talked to him was how much he exuded that kind of "hey wanna go get a beer and talk about life" energy when we talked to him. A few years ago I got my wife into TNG and she took my daughter to a con and they got to meet and even got an autograph that's sitting in a special place in our bookshelf.

[@Phantom-309]

Delighted the algorithm showed me this interview. I've always identified Brent Spiner as Data. That being said I have always gotten excited to see him in other movies and enjoy his broad range of acting abilities. Thank you for inviting him on the show.

[@kevinhealey6540]

I met Brent Spiner at a comic con. He's a real nice guy. I took a picture with him and I put my arm around his shoulder and he did the same. For everybody who came to him for a picture he tried real hard to make the person feel good. William Riker was there as well with him and Riker did this as well. From what I could make of it, they're very good friends.

[@courtjezter4]

As a huge fan of Star Trek TNG and a huge fan of Smallville, this was a lot of fun to watch. Sometimes I wish your interviews were longer, an hour just doesn't feel like long enough. Thanks for having Brent on and thanks for coming on Brent, this was great!

[@thecozyconstellation]

brent spiner is one of my favorite actors ever. data is an exceptional character, his acting is amazing

[@rogerdorn38]

Spiner’s story about his mother rings true with me. My mom raised my older brother and me. Taught us everything, every sport, how to be tough, how to tie a necktie everything. And we are both successful with great families. Thanks mom.

[@Brook11223]

Brent Spiner is the Peter Sellers of the Star Trek universe. Also an incredible voice actor from voicing Puck in Gargoyles the animated series to the Joker in Young Justice.

[@golfer5636]

Hope he’s a better husband

[@scottgriffin3694]

​@@golfer5636 bewyy CRA so DC edz Rddtr edd R see krrd R Dr Hey decide Or go htgddgdymd my red DC off Dr Dr DCdcx tough it xuf on

[@Draliseth]

I always thought he was miscast in Young Justice..

[@1destinyslegacy]

Didn't know he was Puck in Gargoyles...cool...

[@mattcgw]

Star trek: last of the summer wine edition.

[@ScruffMcGruff86]

Man, Brent Spiner is on my short list of people I’d like to sit, have a beer and a 15 minute shoot-the-shit session with. He seems like such a cool, interesting guy.

[@sub-jec-tiv]

Drop his management a line, with an offer of $40k!

[@John-ct9zs]

From what fans say who met him at Cons, he's more Lore then Data. i.e. kinda an a-hole. But I have never met him.

[@TheMalf1978]

15 minutes. You're a busy guy. If you actually wanted to meet him, I would assume you give as much time as he had not on your terms.

[@Tardisntimbits]

Same, hard same

[@landonfolken03]

That finale of Picard was amazing. Brent always does fabulous work and seeing him as Data again warmed my heart.

[@rw8147]

"Each of these guys could carry a show" Ain't that the truth? Helluva cast. And so many of them are such wonderful people in interviews like these. Brent's a joy here, as always. Such a neat guy.

[@chadtopia]

What I like the most about your episodes Michael, is to show the human side to ppl that are celebs that we dont normally get to see. It makes me realise that these ppl we look up to, suffer the same insecurities we all suffer from.

[@DanK123]

@FlyingMonkies325 Oh give it up with "cancel culture"....that's just people being upset when people say or do disgusting things. That's freedom. The people who've been "cancelled" have almost always deserved it for being racist, sexist, rude, insulting, etc

[@phoebeflanders]

@FlyingMonkies325 Don't spend too much of your energy feeling sorry for famous people. There are billions of others with more immediate needs.

[@phoebeflanders]

@@DanK123 Amen.

[@jesseowenvillamor6348]

​​@@phoebeflanders Nah cancel culture is toxic

[@sparky955]

Most relaxed interview I’ve seen with Brent since Next Gen began in the 80’s. Michael, you are a BORN interviewer! Thank you for this.

[@sameaston9587]

Spiner did an interview in 2019 for Maltin on Movies podcast, and he was super chill in it, too.

[@jasperowens]

All of TNG's cast seem like genuinely good people.

[@snowysnowyriver]

I agree. After the finding out how they supported Wil Wheaton when he finally disclosed his horrific childhood made me think.....these are good people. Wil talking about the cast is a revelation, they wrapped him in love and support. I don't think he would be alive today if they had not cared for him so much.

[@katzenjamma]

Watched the end of series special, hosted by Jonathan Frakes and a few interviews, and they honestly seem like a strong family unit. 😊

[@katzenjamma]

Also, may I recommend watching @RyansEdits Star Trek INtakes? Not only unbelievably entertaining to the point that I wish that was how they'd filmed it, but it really shows how much fun they had on set, too. 😊

[@BradColemanisHere]

You know, I think that's why they all get along with each other. They are good people, who know how to be good TO people and somehow they found each other.

[@blanketyblank604]

Theres on exception wil wheaton.

[@RKLimes1980]

Meeting Brent Spiner was such a delight. What a generous man with his time. Met him in the lobby of a hotel in Toronto.

[@wendyc2879]

I love Brent !!! Data was one of my favorite characters in Star Trek. Loved him in Independence Day too. He’s so down to earth, just love this interview Michael!!

[@dirkbag22]

Masks was an amazing episode and I never thought about how much work Brent was doing. Every character that required "over the top" acting was fitting. Great story there.

[@edificationparty902]

Brent is so chill and a great storyteller. Really enjoying Picard. Can't wait for the final episode.

[@Subo23]

Two moments in the new season of Picard moved me to tears: Worf’s unnamed mention of Odo and Data & Spot

[@Paula_Shelton]

Just finished Brent's book because of this episode. It was absolutely hilarious! A true delight for any Trek and Brent fan!

[@marriedwithguns3051]

I got to meet Brent Spiner and Rachael Leigh Cook at Planet Comicon. Those two individuals completely changed my perception of actors. They are such awesome and genuine people that take the time of day with fans. Awesome experience.

[@ODUBlue]

Your interview with Frakes was outstanding. I'm super excited to be back for Brent! This is quickly becoming one of my favorite shows

[@doghouse010]

Mikey your producer deserves a raise for capturing Brent's voice at this fidelity. Its soooo good.

[@lindanosek2066]

The Offspring is my favorite Data episode hands down! I cried my heart out. Also, Night Court was one of my very favorites, loved the entire cast, and Bob Wheeler was definitely the best recurring character. Love ya, Brent Spiner! 💋

[@AaronLitz]

If you watch any TNG outtakes, Brent really seems like he was the funniest guy on the set (with Jonathan Frakes a close second.) it appears that Data has a certain Yugoslavian hick personality glitch buried deep in his programming, that only pops out in some situations. Check out "Star Trek INtakes" to see some good examples, and just for some really funny stuff in general (the guy takes high quality outtakes from the Blu-Ray set, splices them back into the scene they came from, and then lets the rest of the scene play out as normal; they're hilarious, and usually matched up and edited so seamlessly that they look like an intentional part of the scene.)

[@ProductiveStudios]

Man after listening to his audio book I can't look at that episode the same again lol. Completely changed my view. Great listen.

[@JohnDlugosz]

The Offspring was the only episode I missed during first run. Rather than being upset, I just knew that it would be syndicated forever, and _some day_ I'd get to see an episode I'd never seen before and it will be a real treat. BTW, take a close look at my profile pic.

[@JohnDlugosz]

@@AaronLitz Thanks for pointing those out.

[@laurelrobbins8673]

Thank you for having Brent on your show - it was lovely getting to know him! Data is one of my favorite characters.

[@zaz4667]

That is SO COOL! I love Data when he goes out and plays the role of Brent Spiner! Data is practicing his human role! It felt like we were on the holodeck again! Great job Data!

[@MiddleEarthGirl75]

What I love about Michael interviewing, especially older celebs, is how much he can identify with their stories of other actors they've worked with and film and tv content they've been on etc because Michael is SUCH a huge tv/movie buff. He seemed to be fanboying a little bit for this one, lol. Hopefully the news is spreading about what a nice podcast Michael does and all the Star Trek alumni will be on

[@jeanfitzsimmons7442]

Brent is a wonderfully watchable actor. When he is in something, he will be great, even if the project might not be. Thank you; you are a treasure.

[@Maplicito]

Brent is absolutely one of my favourite actors! Someone who can make an automaton such a loveable character has some serious acting chops. He has been fantastic in anything I have seen him in.

[@SuperDoggy99]

What makes you a great interviewer is your sincerity. Most interviewers, while "professional", often just go through the motions, or resort to being "forcibly amiable"--and it shows. You seem genuine while others do not.

[@maxxq]

I've watched Brent do interviews for years, both at Cons, and on tv/print, etc.. and usually he comes off as a total joker all the time, but this was an AMAZING interview! I learned so much more about him in this interview than I have in anything else I've seen him in. Great job!

[@Artemis13579]

I grew up watching Master of Disguise and now it makes sense as an adult to realize it was written for 9 year old boys but now in my 30s im going back and watching Star Trek TNG and LOVE LOVE LOVE Data. Its great. Brent Spiner is fabulous 🤩

[@Brook11223]

Playing 5 characters and all have to be different and it's quite an impressive feat. Definitely some behind the scenes shenanigans always took place in TNG. Spiners Stewart impression is so good.

[@ross8884]

I'm almost certain he's talking about the episode "thine own self" (one of my favs) and "masks" (one of the worst) in Season 7. His acting was always impressive though, whatever the writing. (Sorry was typing this just before he says it was masks!) LOL

[@jasonmeadors3524]

That was wonderful. Thank you. And to hear Mr. Spiner say that his memorable Data-centric episode was "The Offspring" - well, that just sealed the deal, because that was Star Trek, that was inspired writing, that was consummate acting, and heart-wrenching drama, at its finest.

[@pamelacrawford4105]

I loved your interview with Brent Spiner. 😊😊😊 He is hilarious and he just seems to be a kind person. I found your channel a few months ago. It was your Will Wheaton interview. Which was so great as well. I love your style of interviewing people. You have a big heart 😊😊😊

[@AaronLitz]

Man, I love Brent Spiner. He's always seemed so nice, and really funny. You _have_ to have great comedic timing to play a role like Data so perfectly, to bring out the humor _without_ playing it as a joke. I love getting to see interviews with him. I'm so glad I discovered your show, it's great fun stuff.

[@nuclearwinter391]

What a legend. I saw TNG the first time when I was like 7 or 8. I'm pretty sure Brent Spinner was the main reason I got into TNG and then Sci-Fi to begin with. Because he was the most fascinating character for a kid. His performances as Data (and Lore etc) have probably influenced countless others the same.

[@scottwebster7613]

Brent Spiner is probably my all time favorite actor. I wish I had something interesting thing for him to come to my house. Also, Smallville one of my favorite shows. This was a true treat for me.

[@cmacmenow]

Brent is the Dude! Lovely man, great stories and so lucky to have him. Star Trek 'Legacy" let's hope the team sticks around for more adventures. Terry, we want these guys in our lives.

[@PaulWiltsie]

Awesome to hear that your mom is still on this earth and that you call her everyday. I used to call my mother everyday as well. When they out live their brothers, sisters, friends, and even movie stars, it’s difficult for them to maintain positive thoughts when no one is around to share their experiences with.

[@jillkent6134]

It’s just because we love Data so much, of course we know he’s Brent, my favourite all time scene was when Data started singing precious little life forms ! Cause he had his emotion chip turned on , fabulous 😂

[@RSarge]

My daughter who was 4 or 5 when Master of disguise came out, imitates people and quotes lines from that movie, still today. She is in college and still loves that movie and Brent’s roll in it.

[@dbmabe]

I think this has been my favorite "Inside" episode. I've always enjoyed Brent as an actor, but this gave me a whole new respect for him. And to give my two cents to Rudy, my favorite Data-centric episode is "The Most Toys." That episode was such a great display of a rare occasion of Data becoming more than the sum of his parts. Especially the penultimate scene where he gets beamed away just as he's about to fire on Fajo.

[@amy_grace]

I have loved Brent Spiner with my whole damn heart since I was a little kid watching TNG back in the 80s. This was so special. Thank you ❤

[@BloodyBobJr]

omg I love that episode.. Masks is so damn good and fun. Data gets taken over by so many different personalities and plays so many people. Brent was so fantastic at characters, selling himself short. The one episode he plays Lore, Data, and his father Noonian Soong and has to act in a single scene with all of them talking to each other... holy hell must of been a nightmare to piece together. But that one scene with all 3 is soooooo damn good

[@alexischristou3266]

What an absolute delight to see an interview with Brent Spiner, fantastic interview Michael keep up the great work!

[@Drumming_Monkey]

I just started reading his new book "Fan Fiction" and it is SO good. The guy is just as funny when he's writing as he is in interviews or on stage. What a gifted man.

[@CurseTheCosmos]

I recommend the audiobook if you haven’t listened to it already. It’s voiced by all the major players - Jonathan, LeVar, etc. It adds so much more to the story. It’s really fun.

[@Drumming_Monkey]

@@CurseTheCosmos great idea. Thanks.

[@joewaldner6986]

As much as I loved Brent as Data, what I really admire about him is his versatility. Brent Spiner as Robert Gross in The Aviator (2004) is a great example. Great interview!

[@mybrainisshortcake]

Didn't realize about his father. I grew up without my father (because he left, not because of death) - and Brent's portrayal of Data was a father figure to me from age 3-10 (and we share a birthday, which I didn't know at the time). So, this was an especially cool interview for me. Appreciate it. Great to show that the people we looked up to were a) worth looking up to, but b) also humans to identify with.

[@bryansmith5896]

Great episode. I've really come to appreciate Brent's work, and even more so the kind of man he is. Glad to see a fellow Texan really standing out. Thanks for the great stories.

[@motionpablo]

I loved this interview, specially the part where Brent tells the story of the beginning of his career and how hard he worked to get in the business.

[@mikefaust150]

OMG Brett Spiner was FRICKEN HILARIOUS on Night Court. He was my favorite guest as the hillbilly

[@cjwolfe129]

You've had some great interviews: Spiner, Wheaton, and Frakes - the ones I have seen recently; loved it, and thanks for all the hard work

[@LockJawnny]

Brent is my favorite actor of all time love him and his work 🙌🏼

[@mgrandison1]

Love your friendly, conversational interviews Michael. Brent is a wonderful Guest!

[@Ausare911]

The best thing about season 3 of Picard is Data. I just finished episode 8 and he was great, even tugged on the heart strings a bit.

[@mattirealm]

Brent seems like an amazing dude! Thanks Michael for having him on your show. This is some really fantastic content and it helps with the tough times. Please keep up the work!

[@imamejmg]

I met Mr. Spiner at Wizard World years ago. He was amazing and super nice. Truth be told I talked to him about musicals and specifically, Dreamland and Sunday in the Park with George. He seemed thrilled to talk about something other than Star Trek for a bit.

[@georgespanioli5007]

We need to get a search party out for Brent’s Saturn award. I mean that’s just ridiculous.

[@SurpriseMeJT]

I am pretty sure that lawyer wanted money for it and Brent didn't want to pay.

[@susantully1533]

Let's start a posse!! I'm in!!

[@phoebeflanders]

@@susantully1533 Your local food shelf could use your passion to much greater benefit.

[@susantully1533]

@@phoebeflanders food shelf? Do you mean like a food drive or charity? I already donate to those when I can. I also donate blood regularly, buy homeless ppl food when I can and volunteer when I have the time. Why did you even comment on my reply? Is helping someone find a lost item less valuable because they have some amount of wealth? Is being a fan of someone and wanting to see their property returned to them wrong? Are you sitting in your parents basement trolling comments out of boredom or malice? Are you a person who Brent didn't give time to? Why so upset about how I chose to spend my time? Are you ok? Need a hug?

[@kilodeltaeight]

And hey, at the most recent Saturn Awards...they got him a new one!

[@sferruzzandoquaela]

Give his prize back to this man!!! Nobody will get hurt...Awesome interview!!! Love you both!

[@ricardorgomez]

Those of us who experienced Star Trek: The Next Generation when it was happening, are so blessed. It was a special show. And with the people who starred on the show having been on this show talking about it, makes it so much more special. I loved TNG. I am also happy that you have the greatest comic book movie movie poster displayed: Superman the Movie. The gold standard. Subscribed.

[@FreejackVesa]

I used to come home after school and lay on my parents bed and watch TNG. It was important to me and I think influenced to a small degree, my adult worldview. I was disheartened to see the Star Trek franchise get darker and less utopian with each new series. The most recent series I couldn't even finish. It was so risky for the creators of TNG to go with a balding English diplomat as a captain but did they ever hit the nail in the head with the array of characters (and the actors who portrayed them) in TNG. I know I sound like some old guy lamenting the state of current entertainment, and don't get me wrong - there are television shows being created right now that are absolutely phenomenal (see: the bear), but I miss that utopian vision of the future. So much gritty realism in modern television and movies. That's what turned me off to the recent Star Trek series - it was no longer about exploration and the idealism of the federation. It was about conspiracies, killing, a federation that is evil and corrupt. I'm being dramatic but it really upset me. Anyway, I'm waxing nostalgic, please excuse me. Thanks!

[@serwinzzalot9989]

Was praying Brent would mention master of disguise and it's the first movie they talk about!!! Omg that movie is a damn classic!

[@Brook11223]

My favorite will always be his performance as Puck and sharing the human side with Jeff Bennett who voices Owen Bennett, Xanatos assistance in Gargoyles The Animated Series. That whole back and forth banter was so good with when Puck is allowed to use his powers.

[@enigmawstudios4130]

I not only truly enjoy your podcast but i love the guests you're bringing on. It's also good to see actors talking charge of their career paths instead of waiting for the next gig. Would be nice to see more of a revolution in the film making business, where creators take a more active role over Studios

[@theresemarkham9387]

I just finished listening to this episode and I learned so much about Brent. He definitely opened up and had so many great stories. His Judy Garland one was my favorite. He definitely needs to get his Saturn Award. I remember seeing First Contact in Sixth grade as a field trip. Both of my parents came to help out. The movie was great, but most of my classmates didn’t get it. Loved that Data had a Oran ge cat. I had one as an adult. A part 2 is definitely needed and the book sounds interesting.

[@doreeneclose6295]

Brent is perhaps the best actor I've ever had the pleasure of experiencing. The way he moves between characters is just flawless.

[@SRSOSChannel2]

Thanks to everyone involved in the production of Picard. Love it! Good job, everyone involved!!!

[@donridgeway5894]

Michael, Your gift is allowing these great actors to speak as much as they like and you only interject to add to their story. You are smooth…

[@stellaharris4826]

Enjoyed this so much. Brent Spiner won me over as a skeptic of Data at the beginning of Next Generation. Grew the character into something very special.

[@1981jsk]

The thing I love about this podcast is that I feel like I get to know the interviewee as a person, not just a celebrity. Plenty of celebrity interviews are focused on a specific project that the person has worked on recently - but these interviews with Michael are often so much deeper and more intimate than that. I have always loved Brent Spiner, and I love that I learned so many new things about him after watching this!

[@TheGeekAuthority]

Brent is an amazing man. He's so funny. An amazing crowd pleaser making everyone who meets him feel good and noticed. Besides a versatile musical, dramatic, comic and dynamic performer - (see him in "Out To Sea" with Jack and Walter) - he's gracious and kind. Great interview Michael- Definitely bring Brent back please! Bravo guys! Bravo!

[@jlzombiecat]

My mom was crazy about Jack and Walter, so I saw Out to Sea in middle school when it was new and I have watched it many times. When I saw him last year, I said that while I loved him in Star Trek I particularly loved him in "Out to Sea" and I got a genuine looking big smile and a chuckle. He said he wished he had gotten to do ten more like it and I agreed. He seemed to be having so much fun in that movie.

[@ericscottstevens]

Great talent Hidden gem is he and actor Christian Slater co starred in an episode of Tales From The Darkside called "A Case of the Stubborns" Data and Mr. Robot both crossed paths back way back in 1984.

[@jrchanning]

What a fantastic guest Brent was, love that the Next Gen actors are all still great friends, terrific episode 😄

[@crunchycheetocreations4317]

Just discovered this podcast/show and I’m filled with a lot of joy! Sent to my daughter too, as she loves Smallville and many of your guests. Big fan and thanks for the openness 🙏🏻🤙🏻

[@mikefinegan3583]

The best part of waking up is drinking a coffee from my Inside of You mug and enjoying a podcast. Thank you for providing yet another opportunity to learn and grow from another's life experiences.

[@stewjonjedi]

Brent Spiner is a joy in this world.

[@austinfrazier7325]

I had the misfortune of meeting Brent in an airport about 6 years ago or so. He was sitting alone in an airport lounge. I went up to him and said something a long the lines of being a huge fan and he just looked at me and made some condescending remark. I was dumbfounded. I walked off thinking “did that just actually happen?”. I was a huge TNG fan and Data was one of my fav characters. Edit: ok I’ve listened now. Another great job Michael! He does seem like a nice person. I don’t harbor any badwill or anything against him. The thing is I WANT to like him for being so special to me. The part talking about fans and Joe Diamaggio was eerie as it was basically my scenario. I didn’t ask for an autograph though.

[@BC08]

Did you call him Data? 😂

[@austinfrazier7325]

@@BC08 no lol. I told him I was a huge fan, he had a huge impact on me and it made my day to meet him. It was just a few sentences. He was not impressed. Maybe he was having a bad day. Data had a huge impact on me as a kid in the 90s so it was sad.

[@stuart959]

We all have off days / moments I can only imagine having to cope with fame. It is one thing to be at an event and be "on", but just being in a public space and having no privacy is quite another. Especially, knowing that every time someone has a poor interaction with you due to their perception / expectations or your bad day they will tell that story forever. He addressed this in the interview. I used to live in a well known vacation spot. I made the decision to deliberately play dumb but be pleasant and act normal around any famous people that I encountered. No one ever got mad and made a scene, I like to think I helped contribute to a peaceful environment for them.

[@SurpriseMeJT]

Not surprised really. He does come across as trying to hide his arrogance. I still think he's a better actor than he gets credit for, but he still doesn't seem like a very approachable guy.

[@haitolawrence5986]

I can't imagine having the opportunity to make someone's day and doing the exact opposite. Honestly there is no excuse for it.

[@harlequinCT]

I've become absolutely hooked on this show lately. I've discovered it far too late but I'm working my way through it all. As a huge sci fi fan, it's episodes like this one that are a big part of the reason I'm hooked. The other part is just how much of a decent, likeable guy and great interviewer Michael Rosenbaum is!

[@Skootavision]

Re watched 'Data Lore' recently and how Brent Spiner could have a killer scene with himself, eliciting very different emotions as two separate characters (one you love, one you want to beam into a nebula) it was incredible. Some of the crazy stuff data does is mindblowing; because he is an Android exploring humanity (like Gilbert and Sullivan) some things are is so clever, but he keeps your disbelief suspended as you think 'he is an android, of course he can do crazy stuff very well'. Amazing, and in Picard he still has it and then some.

[@MarkShinnick]

BRENT SPINER.... A dynamo mastery in his work...and in his leisure, thanks for this :)

[@Brook11223]

The latest episode of Picard with Data becoming one self with Lore being a part of him perfectly executed. Lore was playing Chess while Data was playing Poker.

[@thecunninlynguist]

ngl, I thought they were gonna pivot the story to Data "dying" (again) and Lore becoming more humane with Data's traits slowly becoming lore. But the way they went was better...masterful plan by Data

[@NotDuncan]

Should have been the exact opposite to be honest

[@jasonmcconomy4911]

These last two episodes I welled up tears on both of them. So good.

[@bipolarminddroppings]

​@@NotDuncan why? Data is a great poker player...

[@briangressett902]

@@bipolarminddroppings He finally learned how to bluff.

[@TheSwiftFalcon]

Hey, it's that guy from "Fresh Hell"! Brent Spiner has always seemed like a cool guy to me, and this has done nothing to change my mind.

[@RazyelKayneReviews]

Easily one of my favorite actor, Data was a joy to watch on screen, and Brent is an overall amazing performer.

[@jeffreylawrence6928]

Had the opportunity to meet him at the U.K. premier of Nemesis, very warm funny person, got him to impersonate Jimmy Stewart as a Star Fleet admiral great times…🖖

[@xannondaalder1173]

Hey Michael! I must say, I’m really enjoying your podcasts! You’ve got some great guests like Brent, Jonathan, Wil and so many others! Very fun. Enjoyed it loads!

[@meneermalik]

Absolutely amazing. Brent has always been one of my favorite actors and this just really seemed like an honest, genuine conversation. Could have listened for hours more.

[@edzielinski]

That was fantastic. You know it's a good interview with the guest is enjoying it, and really being themselves. I really got to see Brent in a new and more interesting light. Thanks so much.

[@digitalproperties]

I've been watching TNG faithfully since it began. Reading tons of magazines and behind-the-scenes about the actors, etc, etc. This is the singular interview in 3 decades where I've actually ever learned ANYTHING substantial about Brent Spiner. Well done.

[@Luckiecchi]

Having Data return feels like an "I Love You" to the fans of The Next Gereration whom Love the character of Data. I smiled for the remainder of the episode when Data returned. :)

[@Ottophil]

He died twice. I honestly was ok with him not coming back again

[@JohnDlugosz]

Picard and Data have both been dead before. Reminds me of the _Lower Decks_ gag about how the bridge officers always come back.

[@Delilah.Elizabeth]

Loved this interview! Thank you for having Brent! He’s such a cool and down to earth guy.

[@theresemarkham9387]

I am currently enjoying listening to this episode . I am learning so much about him. I did not realize that he was from Texas. His mom sounds like a great lady. Love this podcast.

[@joannap8769]

That was so great 🥰 He’s such a lovely person, so charming and funny. And handsome! The man does not look like he’s in his 70’s 😉 This interview was so natural and easy. The discourse between the two of you felt very comfortable. And it seemed like Brent got a chance to talk about things he wanted to talk about, and he was able to be his authentic self, which was nice to see. I also appreciate that you made a point to discuss the other aspects of his career, outside of Star Trek. Hearing about his time with Sondheim was particularly fascinating. He’s so talented and accomplished, it made me happy to see you shine a light on that. It’s a strange paradox to me that he’s both extremely beloved, yet criminally underrated as an actor. Not by his fans of course, and I don’t in any way mean to diminish his career because he’s amazing. But I do feel like mainstream Hollywood didn’t appreciate him as much as they should have. I feel like we as an audience missed out on seeing more of a really wonderful, versatile actor because they couldn’t see past his iconic character. I am so grateful for his role as Data, it brought joy to so many people. Lasting joy too, because we’re still talking about him 30+ years later. And while in some ways it may have held him back, I also feel like it gave us a chance to see all these sides of him that made us love not just the character, but Brent Spiner himself. We got to see his dramatic chops, his nuanced emotions, his comedic acting (he’s spectacularly funny), and so much more. The nature of the show was such that anything could happen, and I feel like it allowed him to have a sandbox to play in as an actor. I’m just sorry if it kept us from having more of him in other things or inhibited him from doing projects that he may have wanted to do. It’s bittersweet. Still, I appreciate what we have gotten, he made every role so special. So much so that I want more! I desperately wish he had done more Broadway (it’s not too late, Brent! 😉 hehe). I also hope he releases more music! He has a beautiful voice. His covers of old standards bring me to tears. Honestly I’d just love to see more of him in general, whether it’s more audiobooks, or maybe a podcast talking about films/books/theater that he likes, or more movie & television roles. I’d be happy just to see him and for him to know that we appreciate all that he is. Anyway. Michael, great interview. Very well done. Brent, if you read this, I’m excited for your collaboration with Jonathan and I hope it’s a huge success! We love you 💕 (release more music, lol) 😂

[@elishmuel1976]

Brent truly is the bard of our times. My favourite ST episode was the 2 parter, Time's Arrow, when Data goes back in time and meets Mark Twain. Nobody ever talks about that, strangely. I hope Brent was able to revitalize and colourize his photo with Judy Garland. AI can do it beautifully

[@NobodyYouKnow125]

You’re doing great Rosenbaum… it’s been a tough year for me but this is truly a peaceful place to visit when life feels like it’s out of control. Thank you for your gentle demeanor! That’s your gift. 🐝