A Conversation: Star Trek's Robert Picardo and Kate Mulgrew

Two science fiction television icons, Robert Picardo and Kate Mulgrew share their personal stories of becoming inspired by space in their roles as The Doctor and Captain Janeway on the set of Star Trek: Voyager.

[@Pseudonym25]

Everything about Kate Mulgrew is pure class.

[@elliotmay]

Who knew a 26 minute conversation between Kate and Bob would yield such happiness. I could sit through hours of this.

[@tpog1]

I watched TOS and TNG as a child, DS9 and Voyager as a teenager, and now I am a research mathematican at university (to a very large degree because of Star Trek) and watch all of the Star Trek series together with my daughter. Star Trek shows what humanity could and should be and for that and for the profound impact it had on my own life I am deeply thankful for.

[@annea3004]

I re-watch Star Trek series over and over again. The Prime Directive keeps me coming back, longing for something sane on Earth! Dreaming of exploring... I'm in my 60s and I'm so grateful for all the hours you worked so we could have this legacy. I am indebted to you all. Much love... ❤

[@alexandrorocca7142]

Janeway has always been my favorite captain, a strong but compassionate leader.

[@laiorwyn]

I love that it was her first captaincy. She was literally making it up as she went, and I think that's why her resolve and decisions changed as time went along. Some of the episodes in the first few seasons were difficult to understand why she did this or that, but considering she'd been a science officer until her posting to voyager that makes sense.

[@RR-ut3xl]

insaneway pullin' phasers from behind her chair

[@lucyelkins7731]

​@@laiorwynshe chose diplomacy over everything making deals with the Borg 😏 it was genius 😆

[@crystalheart9]

I loved her command to "Do It!"

[@michaelaldredge-greenwell1692]

@@RR-ut3xlGiggles

[@philbertchow5425]

There’s coffee in that nebula.

[@pwnmeisterage]

There's also a dangerously powerful nucleogenic cloud being in that nebula.

[@demoncleanersmith9403]

The things we do for coffee hey =S I dono if i'd brave a nebula though!

[@norliasmith]

Oh boy, you know your captain is hooked on coffee when those words are uttered.

[@LeslieDugger]

There’s nebula in that coffee

[@lucyelkins7731]

😂 wow I thought I was the only one 😂❤

[@weelass3188]

My favorite character in Star Trek: Voyager, was Robert Picardo's The Doctor. His acting was dynamic and entertaining, sprinkled with great comedic timing.

[@joelcasey230]

His vocals were especially impressive

[@a.m.9357]

Mine too. He got the BEST role of the rest. :-)

[@paulden3158]

Best actor in the whole franchise

[@lucyelkins7731]

Me too 😄 the chemistry between the doctor and 7 of 9 and Catherine was amazing to watch ❤

[@lucyelkins7731]

​@@paulden3158the longer you watch the more brilliance you find !

[@markgoggin4776]

I miss seeing these 2 on the telly. Top 2 voyager characters hands down

[@WhittyPics]

I was hoping to see them make some movies.

[@edgehaineproductions]

I was totally ready to disagree and say someone else in the crew was better... But you know what you're right. I was maybe going to say tuvok because he makes me laugh and I'm all about the Vulcans... But yeh Janeway and the doctor are the best in VOY

[@markgoggin4776]

Tuvok was one of my favorites growing up, but as a rewatch the series as an adult he seems a little more one dimensional.

[@-M0LE]

I don’t like to pick a top 2 there was 9 main cast I think but to me all equal

[@anthonymotture]

7

[@St.OlGa.]

Kate's voice is the most calming and reassuring sound 😌

[@somethingyousaid5059]

Intelligence is an attractive trait. Specifically hers. And I've always loved her voice.

[@gladbandanna]

Voyager inspired me more than anything else in entertainment. All 7 seasons. You'll always be to me Captain Janeway and the Doctor. Thanks for the interview! So wonderful!

[@rlk54]

If that series was real I would be honoured to serve under Captain Janeway.

[@mikewolf5367]

The biggest mistake Star Trek did was going back in time with Enterprise and not moving forward in the Star Trek universe. Because of this Voyager will always be the best.

[@austinarellano1657]

@@mikewolf5367 i wouldn't call Enterprise a mistake at all. The worst part of Enrerprise is the fans not realizing how impactful of a story that Braga trying to tell . Going back in time to show us the steps of utopia, is something that Star Trek lacked, and doing it in a non-dystopian way is an accomplishment for sure .

[@beingsshepherd]

@@mikewolf5367 Agreed Re _Enterprise._ Who wants to see regressive sci-fi? Imagine the frustration for writers, having their creativity stifled and to obsess over continuity.

[@Dancestar1981]

@@rlk54 me too

[@debralee1401]

OMG, Capt Janeway and the Doctor from my favorite Star Trek. A must listen!!

[@vfsguzman]

I am always amazed with Kate's wit and casual fluency.

[@notallthatbad]

When I saw Janeway, I didn't even see a woman - just a capable, strong, diplomatic and wise leader.

[@jasonmgomez]

best. captain. ever.

[@svartedauden3566]

@@jasonmgomez i will send Locutus after you. ;)

[@jasonmgomez]

@@svartedauden3566 pshaw. Coffee over tea EVERYDAY!

[@defenderofwisdom]

Imo she is the Odysseus of the Trekverse.

[@defenderofwisdom]

@@svartedauden3566 Well I mean between Picard and Janeway, only Janeway had a way to hold onto her identity once assimilated ;)

[@schneidervonhammer722]

Firm, authoratative, driven and resolute yet kind, compassionative and empathetic in personality and character(+ in real life)...The type of leader our world so badly needs... That's Admiral Janeway/Kate.

[@boot-strapper]

How good it must feel to have inspired so many. To leave a legacy. My work will be forgotten the moment it is completed.

[@angelagotz729]

14:46 "We share the same passion but we are not treated as if we share the same passion." That's exactly it!

[@ChristieNel]

Two of the greatest, together on one screen.

[@brodriguez11000]

Funny thing is if the picture wasn't labeled most wouldn't recognize Kate Mulgrew.

[@ChristieNel]

@@brodriguez11000 Maybe until she speaks.

[@pegasus8873]

Agreed

[@Maya-bu2rf]

@@brodriguez11000 Why? Because she is older? I do not look the same as I did 25 years ago

[@cbate2702]

I saw this lady once at a con & was absolutely blow away at how honest & truthful she was...A lovely lady & I long to see them both soon.... Please.....

[@raknai]

Hearing they chatting is so relaxing, they had so pleasant voices.

[@StevenBara]

Kate Mulgrew went back from Red to Captain Janeway 😲 ... Admiral Janeway actually. Very lovely!

[@WhittyPics]

She earned that promotion after what she pulled off

[@opheliumzone4671]

when????

[@danielmartinsson899]

@@opheliumzone4671 Star Trek Nemesis

[@ussvoyager8650]

I totally love Kate Mulgrew she was totally amazing as Kathryn Janeway my favourite Starfleet Captain & she is still Absolutely Gorgeous & Voyager is my favourite Star Trek series

[@jacquesdurand8148]

I had the amazing honour and good fortune to see Kate in a theatre piece where she and 3 others played prolific Shakespeare women. It was the day before my 30th birthday and I did the trip to the USA all the way from South Africa. A performance I'll never forget. She is and always will be the most character driven Start Trek Captain.

[@Hmm...Whats-Their-Name]

This is amazing. Absolutely amazing. Kate Mulgrew is unbelievably articulate, and Robert Picardo is such a good host. So good at providing a platform for the guest. Love the honesty and clear affable nature of their relationship

[@elessarsgirl4883]

I wasn't drawn to science because I loved Star Trek, I was drawn to Star Trek because I loved science. I went on to get a Bachelor of Science in Biology, and worked 25 years as a Medical Technologist.

[@michaelaldredge-greenwell1692]

THAT is truly impressive, fantastic, wonderful, amazing, cool, & the deepest respects

[@katieleeann7606]

Ok! I'm between 13 - 16 yrs old...(YES! IM YOUNG) and me and my mom watched Star Trek Voyager EVERY SINGLE TIME we'd go into our craft room. (I would paint and she'd sew) And I memorized alot of the episodes and LOVED EVERY ONE OF THOSE EPISODES!!! They were SOO good on the show!! I'm just amazed that the show was made that long ago but is still GOOD today!

[@mosaicmuse9797]

I am half way through season 6 of Voyager and loving it!! Robert Picardo often has me in stitches with his portrayal of the Dr 😁 and Kate Mulgrew superb portrayal of a strong capable captain who has compassion and empathy. Both are great characters and actors. There isn't one character in this series I don't enjoy. . ☺️Ive been a Trekkie since my teens and still cannot get enough.

[@Cheeseatingjunglista]

"Please state the nature of the medical emergency"

[@kitbailey6963]

Read this and voted it best reply to this awesome video of two amazing actors.....Super funny.🥂

[@noko59]

My favorite StarTrek, she got down the leadership role so superbly, expectations, standards, motivations, discipline, rewards -> the unique acting brought by Kate was such a pleasure to watch, she nailed it. I think the best Captain of all the Star Trek series. Robert also played a great part in making this series the best, bringing much humour and play with the other characters. The interactions, especially in the background acting while the front actors was acting brought a deep depth to Voyager. Definitely one Star Trek series that I wished was carried on periodically in full length movies. The mini movies in the series were some of the best storytelling Star Trek movies regardless.

[@michaelflowers5712]

"To boldly go" Thank-You Gene Rodenberry.

[@annea3004]

And his lovely wife. 😊

[@annejan007]

I am in the midst of a voyager rewatch in tandem with the delta flyer podcast. I love Kate and Robert. Such talented and intelligent people.

[@-M0LE]

I just finished voy again for like the 100th time I’m on Enterprise again now

[@NeathSpadge]

That Star Trek has inspired the lives of so many truly proves how how remarkable that wonderful show is. Thank you Gene.

[@pwnmeisterage]

I wonder if current iterations of Star Trek will be as inspirational to the next generation of scientists.

[@jaybirdjargon]

@@pwnmeisterage Picard? Discovery? Lower Decks? *NOPE*

[@SungazerDNB]

​@@jaybirdjargon Star Trek Picard is actually amazing. It's TNG but more importantly it's still running!

[@aborne]

Thank you, Kate & Robert. It's really enjoyable to listen to actors reflect on their careers and their influence.

[@AmandaJuliette]

You two are awesome! Thanks for this.

[@that70slifetimetravel]

This has been my best half hour online today... this week... this month... this year! Thank you both! Star Trek has been my favorite since that night I watched the premier of TOS at 9-years-old. I still watch something Star Trek nearly everyday as a 64-year-old man. Voyager became my favorite and Captain Janeway and the Doctor became my two favorite characters on that particular incarnation of the franchise.

[@VulcanTheTerrible]

I grew up watching TOS and TNG, and now watch Voyager with my 7 year old. All of these episodes inspired me and they are still in my opinion, the gold standard for quality television amid the absolute sea of mediocrity that passes for entertainment these days. And it's all because of actors who have both the capability and the humility to carry a message of the importance of science in an entertaining way like Kate Mulgrew and Robert Picardo have done.

[@-M0LE]

Good role model tv for your 7yr old good morals to follow and not like today’s tv VOY is the best imo

[@Maya-bu2rf]

@@-M0LE I agree

[@MAPolomski]

Star Trek hardly seems suitable for a 7 year old.

[@---Tre---]

Janeway is such a badass!! That time she came down the chute with the rifle ready to go. I don't have an image, as strong as that, of any other captain.

[@Caerigna]

This was fabulous, ty for making and posting this. Storytelling has always been a strong source of influence for humanity. To have shows like ST:V educating, challenging, and questioning within their entertainment parameters is cultural gold.

[@BloodTithingsGaming]

Voyager was my favorite Trek series because Kate Mulgrew is such an incredible actor. She was great on Star Trek and was captivating in Orange is the New Black.

[@SD-vy7gj]

Same. Kate could make me cry with just a croak in her voice or a withered breath. Amazing actress

[@mccrh7737]

You both were positive role models for both Men and Women, For that, thank you very much :) I'm sure, many have been inspired by the whole trek universe. I personally look forward to the day where the values and morals of Trek become a reality in full. Absolute legends

[@capt4in1]

Star Trek Voyager is the reason I’m a scientist, and Kate Mulgrew is the reason I started drinking coffee at 9 years old:)

[@lowket]

Two people i admire wholeheartedly talking about things i admire wholeheartedly. Nothing but love and respect.

[@amandamoore2868]

I love these two! Janeway was my childhood crush 😍 I looked up to her, and her persona inspired me in so many ways. I am currently an undergraduate student in astronomy 🙂

[@bobogigio9072]

Wow! So good to see Robert and Kate, and especially having this discussion.

[@shelt4430]

I have Been Part Of United States Space Command At Colorado Spring's at Cheyenne Mountain you two put me as well as my children down the path of science and technology to this day thank you.............

[@melaD333]

Wow! Stargate is one my favorite series.. :-)

[@Nicole-rq8ix]

i can listen to kate speak all day! I have such a girl crush on her!!!

[@zaz4667]

Nice to see The doctor and Captain Janeway reminiscing and talking since they got home from all those years on voyager trying to get home! Its amazing how they act like regular citizens and actors playing the part of Robert Picardo and Kate Mulgrew!

[@BillBurley]

The great takeaway from Voyager isn't just "science"; but specifically "never exceed warp 10"

[@dseb99]

Lizard babies with Tom Paris LOL

[@shaun906]

and the DELTA quadrant is quite far away....

[@WhittyPics]

ahhhhhhh but didn't the slipstream drive exceed warp 10? Or a Borg Transwarp conduit?

[@shaun906]

@@WhittyPics ahhh voyagers way home was in the borg trans warp network

[@Decopainterandtea]

@@dseb99 Yes that one was not great writing imo lol.

[@laurenhunter9214]

Two absolutely beautiful and genuine people. I would love to meet you both one day. Kate you are an inspiration to women everywhere. Robert to the young. Live Long And Prosper 🖖🏻 We love you 🖖🏻

[@Dancestar1981]

I would too

[@ianmastin]

15:30 To quote Janeway from her personal log "Maybe more than ever, now, they need me to be larger than life. I only wish I felt larger than life. Computer, delete last sentence."

[@melaD333]

That’s a great one for sure!

[@crimsonorc]

Very Inspirational and more evidence that Star Trek is relevant for progressing pop culture, tech and science.

[@-M0LE]

Also I mean they were great actors previously I loved their work before and they did but I doubt the work they did previously changed their lives and perspectives of the world Star Trek is so much more than just entertainment

[@sharonz3337]

One of my favorite. Shows Star trek Voyager. Its lovely to see these two again chatting😊😊

[@CanChikMay]

Thank you both for sharing your thoughts and feelings.

[@vivalarica]

I don’t think I was drawn to Star Trek necessarily for the science(it was def a plus) but the ideals behind who & what starfleet was. They portrayed a society that was tolerant to everyone no matter who they were & didn’t need money to be or get somewhere, they did it to better themselves. They left behind all the bad things humanity was & had taken the best of humanity into the future. I watched Star Trek because I dream of humanity reaching for the best we can be without all the bad.

[@jasonmgomez]

This is the reason I also love ST. Never before has a show so closely aligned with my own morals and ideals.

[@nancymcshane3501]

This came up on my feed today. I was at the Huntsville 30th Anniversary Con, and spoke with both of you. Sat in between Alan Shepard and Jimmy Doohan at the VIP Party. You folks are wonderful, and I love all Trek! Thank you for this! You look great!

[@francoisedeguire9248]

Quelle merveilleuse série que je revois avec grand plaisir....Merci à tous les acteurs pour ce cadeau...:-)

[@jw6948]

Even with her gray hair, Kate Mulgrew looks like a young lady. Total class act, both of them!

[@einosig]

classy coming here with only a comment on her look. This topic really went over your head

[@michaelaldredge-greenwell1692]

Agreed❤️❤️💕💕🥰🥰

[@Meme-ef8rt]

Janeway was definitely a major influence on me and my decision to dive into the Technology field of STEM. My Dad got me into watching Star Trek starting with TNG and it's still with me as an inspiration even today! TY to all the men an women that made that possible for me and so many others!!!!

[@patricialipscomb7105]

I Love everything Star Trek. I've watched Star Trek from the beginning and I still watch it now.

[@darrenkrivit6854]

Okay, next time give them a bottle of wine 😁great discussion among 2 of my favorite star trek actors

[@-M0LE]

Only synthahol

[@kitchen2218]

Loved you both on Voyager. Miss watching

[@willemvandebeek]

This conversation was fantastic, I miss the old Star Trek now even more!

[@AbiFranklin]

I am in the STEM field because of Voyager and had the joy to get to discuss that and going to Space Camp once with Robert.

[@darkisland04]

A wonderfully interesting, intelligent, and articulate discussion between two of my heroes from Star Trek Voyager. Thank you for the privilege.

[@Bevalderon]

Love listening to you two, listening to you both brings back such good feelings. I feel so privileged to have met both of you, if only for a few moments. Your work continues to inspire my life to this day. Thank you

[@chrisant1706]

Two wonderful people. It's fantastic that Star Trek has inspired so many people. Very interesting.

[@lescorlett4133]

5 more episodes of Voyager to watch till I finish the whole series, so sad there's no more. Lockdown has had me watching so many forgotten gems.

[@-M0LE]

Watch enterprise next

[@onneya]

I didn't watch the last 2 chapters until my 3rd time watching the show.

[@Chazzee23]

She will always be my captain also! Or admiral as it goes... A great conversation here. Thank you!

[@ewestner]

I love this so much! And the philosophical turn was just beautiful. Kate Mulgrew, I do love you so much! (Platonically, that is.)

[@prawnchengaditowo453]

I really miss Voyager! I truly wish that they could make a mini series about the future of Voyager after season 7 ends. :’)

[@lucyelkins7731]

I've always wanted star Trek to move forward make a generational ship that sets off for the Andromeda galaxy 😏

[@michaelaldredge-greenwell1692]

As do I

[@michaelaldredge-greenwell1692]

@@lucyelkins7731that would be so cool and awesome

[@giorgosmalfas7486]

Kate Mulgrew, a fine actress. I got to know her (as a viewer, of course) in the Voyager sci-fi series. I was deeply impressed by the way every emotional nuance of the character she acted was so wonderfully depicted in her expressive eyes.

[@nicolascarf117]

I'm really gratified that they appreciate and are able to enjoy the role they, and Voyager in general, played in pushing people towards science. It was certainly the reason that I went into science and the ideas and values and characters continue to inspire me at all points of my life. Thank you both ❤️

[@charruaporelmundo]

Her voice has actually some “commanding” feeling!... poor husband! 😁😁

[@Greblav]

I beleive the description on imdb is: “a no nonsence voice”.

[@kurtsnyder4752]

Picardo studied medicine? Well well, now we know something of why he was a good Doctor.

[@abundantYOUniverse]

My two favorite people in the world. What a GEM, thanks!

[@LGranthamsHeir]

Doctor: "Welcome to our latest 'Star Trek: Voyager' reunion webinar, Captain! What's your first order of business??" Janeway: "Set a course to section zero-one-five-zero, Doctor! I believe there's coffee in that Nebula!!"

[@michaelaldredge-greenwell1692]

So cool

[@Revia21]

I think seeing roles such as Janeway and Samantha Carter in Stargate was a part that really inspired me to go into STEM. Even though they are fictional it's important to just have something to envision a future in that field, even if normal STEM is a far cry from sci-fi. They continue to give young girls and boys such important role models. Thank you!

Lovely convo you two!! Thank you Bob and Kate!

[@Radictor44]

Both of these two are looking really really good

[@Sunburn2007]

One thing I like so very much about them is so many of their actual, natural mannerisms as regular people made up their characters. That to me shows a tremendous comfort with one’s self. If you got that down, you can put on a tremendous performance. Which they did.

[@kaishaman7144]

I am a guy, and Captain Janeway is an inspiration and a role model for me as well

[@luminyam6145]

Voyager was special because of these 2. We still enjoy Voyager today.

[@sharonz3337]

I watched from the original Star Trek series. I was 5 yrs old then and from.then on was hooked😋😋😋

[@pacificharbourkiddo2094]

They both have calming voices 😌

[@maxdunord2451]

My most favourite ST Captain ever. I love Voyager. The best characters, the best story arcs and did I mention the best captain ever ?

[@tauarikiwichman4253]

Please come back guys 🥲🥲 we need a voyager season 8! ❤️❤️

[@jasonmgomez]

anxiously waiting ST: Prodigy. This will be the first time I watch Nickelodeon since You Cant Do That On Television!

[@WarlordMoA]

Robert and Kate what a wonderful pair to have on here, and I think Kate summed it up perfectly, Just do it, apologize later! Great book title right there, for somebody's memoirs.

[@itsjustrobby]

I really wish they made star trek like star trek voyager and TNG were made. RIP :(

[@bazjones9798]

Strange new worlds is meant to go back to the stand alone episodes

[@mstandenberg1421]

I blame casting for over 50% of the problem. Younger people make appalling character leaders unless they’re genius level actors.

[@Ronald-lm3sj]

These two are probably best actrors in the voayger .. they made so much toward making it legendary to me

[@TommyAmun]

Thank you both for the beautiful work you did on Star Trek. You inspired me 25 years ago and still do. :-)

[@thepen1935]

Voyager saved my life; my KZbin handle is actually my real name. I looked up to B’Elanna, and Janeway; I was much like a depressed Seven. It’s because of the strong woman in Voyager, and DS9; that I’m not only doing well emotionally, but that I’m alive now. These series kept me going through PTSD struggles, (before I even knew I had ADHD, and Aspergers) Now I’m going back to school.

[@dee_mcgee11]

Two of my absolute favorite humans 🥰

[@Deanrwp]

I really miss these 2 as the EMH Doctor and Captain Janeway they was so passionate, inspirational, brilliant in every way on the Starship U.S.S. Voyager! It was my favourite Star Trek Series 😊👍

[@Corbomite_Meatballs]

At least two things in this interview that makes me happy: 1) Talking about how Star Trek inspires fans to engage with science and push it forward, and 2) women are vital to the advancement of science, and need to be included in it.

[@ChewyChicken589]

If women are so capable, why do they need so much help?

[@rocsaltjohn]

@@ChewyChicken589 Touche

[@-M0LE]

Pls never walk around thinking woman get treated worse this affects all mentally

[@FuturesGamer8294]

Forget the women stuff. Science stuff remembered.. always making a mountain out of a mole hill

[@LokNarash]

Also the fact that they are reminding us of the better times when there was still good Trek on the telly.

[@francoisona]

Amazing artists! I always wonder whether they understand how much their roles influenced people. Voyager has been one of my life's instructors. Science was secondary to the philosophical and psychological exploration each episode immersed us in.

[@-M0LE]

Thank you. Agreed this show is more than entertainment it’s an entire human I don’t like the word movement but it’s just that it helped move equal rights forward and make people realise their own lives could be so much more and it’s not right to be treated certain ways so many things I just wish every day we could be at this stage now as a federation one human race no borders moving to explore the universe the oceans together etc

[@francoisona]

@@-M0LE Beautiful beautiful thought my friend. There is nothing I can add to this.❤

[@-M0LE]

@@francoisona thank you 👊

[@shauljonah6955]

The doctor has hardly changed. Janeway is still great 👍 👌 I miss them all.

[@maverick744]

Kate looks great.. they couldn’t have picked a better person for that role. She is Janeway. From the way she Carries herself and to the way you know how Janeway would be today. You can tell she is an intellect and and avid reader.. both were Janeway’s main attributes. Love her love her love her! And the doc rocks as well.

[@dancook4993]

I love the dr and the captain voyager is my favorite out of the Star Treks they are both very talented actor’s both Robert and Kate

[@CookingwithYarda]

I can't even imagine how great it will be, if someone will make a ST Voyager Movie !!

[@lavatube8060]

First saw her on her own show as "mrs. Colombo" in late 70's. First saw him on the show China Beach in early 90's.