Tim Russ Reveals Why He Almost Wasn't Tuvok in Star Trek Voyager

[@PCat2385]

I felt Russ nailed nuances of a Vulcan right off the bat and was happy he returned for Picard and became a Captain

[@AzraelThanatos]

I liked his appearances in STO as well

[@David19749]

Tim Russ completely owned that character. Tuvok was full Vulcan character so that was unique in itself.

[@destinycaptain247]

I am always skeptical of new actors coming in to play Vulcans. This man killed it.

[@DadziaJax]

Absolutely nailed it. Amen!

[@krane15]

A lot better than that other Vulcan from engineering.

[@kanaric]

They all seem to do a good job. I don't think it's a particularly hard role to play I think it's the writing that matters most.

[@Cusifaii]

Russ was great on the show. His character arcs and his performance were one of the highlights of the show.

[@Mxyzptlksac]

One thing I loved about Tuvok was he had a dry sarcastic humor. But still logical

[@krane15]

I get it, but it was more sardonic that sarcastic. The character didn't pull any punches about being condescending. But that was a universal Vulcan characteristic towards all humans. On second thought, make that other aliens since Tuvok felt that way about Neelix. Not to mention the Vulcans on Enterprise in their feeling towards Andorian.

[@mistercohaagen]

Janeway & Tuvok hug during "Year of Hell" still floors me every time. Voyager's most steadfast character played by an actor who holds the same legacy towards Star Trek itself. If only Earth had something that real to dedicate one's self to, in the way Tuvok showed us how... humanity would have a lot fewer problems.

[@krane15]

I have news for you, it does.

[@jasontempleton2445]

I'll never forget a line that he delivered in an episode of Voyager talking about his children. When Tuvok is asked how he reconciles his philosophy of detachment with missing his family, he replies" ...I share my life with them, without their presents my life is incomplete." I found that very rational, yet profoundly moving.

[@Frank-Discussion]

Tim Russ played a Vulcan perfectly. One of my favorite characters on Voyager

[@NoBudjetFilms]

Absolutely love Tuvok! Any Tuvok centric episode always turned out to be a great episode

[@krane15]

I don't know about that. His pon farr episode kind of got on my nerves. That includes Janeway's supporting role.

[@DIGOLOGIST]

I am a big Fan of Tuvok. I think I have watched the Voyager series a half dozen time. He played the Vulcan part very well. I couldn't imagine anyone else in that role.

[@fyiaustralia9686]

Tim Russ pulled off the role of Tuvok so well. Thank goodness for Rick Berman's skill for nurturing talent.

[@krane15]

All he needed was the opportunity, and Berman was open enough to have seen that.

[@HawkGTboy]

Rick Berman is underrated. In retrospect he did a good job. Certainly better than Kurtzman.

[@CloneShockTrooper]

Love Tim Russ as a Tuvok

[@jibroniuk3604]

Tim was absolutely amazing in this role. I was so happy to see a new Vulcan character in Tuvok. He portrayed it excellently.

[@megasoid]

You can tell Tim Russ studied Leonard Nimoy, yet added his own spin. Good job, great interview.

[@AdamAdamHDL]

When I hear Tim's voice in a video game I'm quick to text my brother "Tim Russ voices such n such". Love the guy.

[@Ron-d2s]

He was also on the bridge with Kirk on TOS movies. Went up against Picard and Sisko in "Die Hard" hostage bottle shows. And hugged Janeway.

[@Mrpaulaustin08]

Russ is fantastic as Tuvok. He's portrayal rivals Nimoy's Spock and that's high praise.

[@powysdewhurst]

This dude was in Star Trek: Generations, Star Trek: TNG, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Star Trek: Voyager, Star Trek: Picard. Man. How many actors have been in this many ST shows? He really made Tuvok work.

[@mihilist]

Jeffrey Combs?

[@tkralva.6668]

He wasn't Tuvok in all of those.

[@zeph0shade]

@@mihilist And I believe both Jeffrey Combs AND Tim Russ cameo'd at least once or twice each in Lower Decks.

[@sureshmukhi2316]

Where was he in Star Trek VI? I think you mean the episode "Flashback" when Janeway mind melded with him and they were on the Exelcior with Sulu, Rand etc but that scene was not in Star Trek VI

[@powysdewhurst]

@@sureshmukhi2316 You're right. I was certain he was in ST:6 as well.

[@JustWasted3HoursHere]

Tim's rendition of a Vulcan and his friendship with Captain Janeway were two of my favorite things on that show. I also liked how his relationship with Neelix matured over the years, especially after Kes left... Neelix was a character that I was annoyed by at first but came to like once he was not in that weird relationship with Kes. Anyway, I always thought it would be cool to somehow retcon his character from The Next Generation's "Starship Mine" with his Yoyager character. Could have been interesting!

[@thetruth45678]

Tim is great. He has a KZbin channel, too. He and Richard are big astronomy geeks.

[@kurtwpg]

He does look in the sky, but he ain't found shit.

[@whokilledreno2079]

Cirroc, is so bang on. I see other critics say Tuvok comes across as arrogant, I dont see that. I see neelix's and Tuvok's relationship as the perfect stand up routine like british Morecambe and Wise, or the odd couple. I get the feeling that relationship was always planned.

[@Mxyzptlksac]

His dry sarcastic comments to Neelix always made me laugh

[@SlimThrull]

Tim Russ did an amazing job being so nuanced yet occasionally so funny. That is HARD to do. Dry humor is not for most people. Tim Russ nails it.

[@krane15]

On the contrary, Tuvok was absolutely arrogant. But that's part of the Vulcan personalty. They felt superior to all emotionally weak aliens.

[@patrickradcliffe3837]

Mr Russ was able to become the character and did a very good job at it. Thank you Tim.

[@shadeiland]

The issue that I feel he had coming into the character was that Spock, as iconic as he is, was half human. A lot of Spock’s character was reflected by the conflict of his two natures. He took that and personified a full blooded Vulcan. Did an amazing job at it. For me he is the blueprint for all Vulcans moving forward.

[@6806goats1]

Excellent job sir, you nailed it just perfectly. Just finished the episode “Riddles” and you did an excellent job. Thank you

[@antbric6515]

Robert Guillaume as Tuvok! Wow! I can hardly picture that scenario.

[@claytonberg721]

Benson as Tuvok. I can see it.

[@TokyoXtreme]

Would've been better if Guillaume was cast on DS9, as a foil to Odo.

[@lindaanderegg7920]

Cirroc giving flowers is just the best. The only better Vulcans, imho, were Nimoy and Lenard

[@TobyDeshane]

Mostly agree with the 'walk & talk' part, but it's important to not draw ALL Vulcans as straight clones of Spock. And I think Russ DID strike a good balance of capturing what we'd expect from Vulcans up to that point, while also making him his own guy within the boundaries of that expectation. Come to think of it, it was probably a big risk making "the Vulcan" be a tactical/security officer, too, since common wisdom of the era was that his species was all about science and pacifism. Tuvok helped expand our collective perspective on what it means to be 'Vulcan'. (And then you've got the Vulcan gangster on S3 of 'Picard'... I'm still processing that one. :D)

[@TheBobasbro]

Absolutely agree, especially his work with Ethan Phillips in the love/logic/hate Neelix-Tuvok relationship allowing a wide range of unique scenarios that push the range of our experiences with Vulcans. As far as a Vulcan as a Tactical officer, that is only logical; the best way to end a conflict and prevent causalities is to be as efficient and effective as possible while ensuring you can dictate the terms of peace/ceasefire.

[@jay-day]

@@TheBobasbro The coflict between Tuvok and Neelix replaced the rivalry between McCoy and Spock.

[@krane15]

@@jay-day It was similar, and completely superficial. In reality, they liked each other and were the best of friends. Neelix realized (and even stated in one episode) that Vulcan can't show their emotions.

[@krane15]

He did many uncharacteristic Vulcan things. He was good at compliment and giving heartfelt words of encouragement like the one he gave to Neelix on fixing the maglev (space elevator).

[@Capt.Marco-Hawk-L.L.A.P]

Tim Russ was so fantastic as Tuvok he really nailed that part. and since Voyager finished I really missed him, was so great to see him in Picard

[@startreknitpickers5838]

Love this guy! So many great performances! Amazing as Tuvok! Thank you! 🖖

[@Holy_Wraith]

Did like his performance in SPACEBALLS?

[@celticarchie]

The scene that made me fall in love with Tim Russ as Tuvok was the bath scene with Neelix... it was perfection. It had humour and Vulcan stoicism blended into that special sauce. :D

[@AzraelThanatos]

I still wish that there had been more of a continuity thing in Voyager rather than it being rare to keep things between episodes as I'd have loved to have had some after effects of some stories...the big one might have been the Tuvix story with an aftermath there

[@krane15]

@@AzraelThanatos The show was episodic. Although there were some references to past events and encounters, e.g. the Q episodes, and Kes and Seska return.

[@mtlreiner]

I think Tukok was the funniest character on Voyager (and I mean that in a good way). He was the perfect straight man. “We are not building a hot rod.”

[@sureshmukhi2316]

"It appears we have lost our sex appeal"

[@Ripfettic]

My second favorite Vulcan!

[@thedeadpoolwhochuckles.6852]

I loved Tuvok dinosaur hunter on the n64!

[@comprimido]

tuvok is just perfect! the way tim worked with the details to set a really deep character, transiting between human emotions as a vulcan... I mean, I think it's always a challenge to honor mr. nimoy's legacy, but tim (and also jolene) nailed it.

[@DonkeyMom]

Thank you Tim!!!!!!

[@JumpingJack6]

Indeed. Hats off to Tim Russ. He really did justice to a Vulcan role

[@buddhull]

Tim Russ simultaneously was the funniest guy in the room as well as the hardest Vulcan in the franchise as Tuvok. He was never not “on” for the cameras.

[@thomasdahl2232]

Best Vulcan performance I've ever seen! :)

[@Java_Bean_Studios]

Love Tim Russ!

[@sjhotz]

Thank you Mr. Russ.

[@SJHFoto]

Wow! In addition to Pete and Clayton, we almost had Benson in Star Trek! (Don't get me wrong-I am glad Tim Russ got the part, but that would be neat to see all the Benson actors again in Star Trek. Klaus could be B'lanna Torres! Hehe! I could actually cast them all in it)

[@crystalheart9]

I love Tim Russ as Tuvok. He did a great job with the character.🖖💚

[@RubanLawrence]

I love how his Vulcan eyebrows aren't too far off from his natural eyebrows!

[@skyborne80]

I've always said that Tim Russ was within a hair's breadth as good as Leonard Nimoy in his portrayal of a Vulcan.

[@ronsandahl274]

It's funny, when you hear TIm Russ in his speaking voice and see his mannerisms he reminds me quite a lot of Johnny Carson.

[@WhittyPics]

Tuvok was one of my favorites. I am glad Tim was playing the role of Tuvok

[@Aleiza_49]

Tuvok was the best character in VOY imo. Tim did an amazing job!

[@purefoldnz3070]

meanwhile there is a giant joy stick in the background and even CD's. Its like going back to the 90s

[@phenomeninja1855]

Tim Russ rocked Tuvok !

[@rudedogflicks]

I remember there being some pushback about a black Vulcan like "Why would Vulcans have the same types of racial variances as Humans?" But you don't need me to tell you that Tim Russ absolutely nailed this character and won over all doubters. He was not just Spock wannabe, but a fully realized character in his own right. In fact, Tuvak is one of the best realized and performed characters in all of Trek. Thank you for this interview.

[@Holy_Wraith]

Actually Vulcan has racial variations, one is Romulans.

[@projektkobra2247]

I dont remember anyone anywhere saying anything about him being black. He seemed so natural in the role, I think he transcended race.

[@krane15]

@@projektkobra2247 Actually, there was one mention of it during the time travel back to 1996. Even in the real world, the idea of race is purely a western concept. The rest of the world just know people, or tribes.

[@krane15]

@@Holy_Wraith That's different. I like that comparison to the Chinese and the Japanese.

[@projektkobra2247]

@@krane15 -LOL...yeah, nobody other than Western people ever think about race. Thats cuz the West is the only place that ever allowed other races to enter their societies freely...going back to the Romans. All others have monocultures...which is why Russia, or Japan will still be a place in 100 years and some shithole like Canada....won't.

[@ZeroB4NG]

What is that epic Joystick and what does Tim Russ use it for? I need to know!

[@TobyDeshane]

Bridge Commander, probably. ;D

[@1aikane]

Mr. Russ was WONDERFUL as Tuvok.

[@WileCoyoteMoncure-Smith]

Tim is the most authentic Vulcan period

[@RoboJandro]

My second favorite Vulcan and that's saying something because I loved Sarek.

[@METerrell]

He's very good at playing a Vulcan and a Kryptonian.

[@sidrat2009]

That Joystick is magnificent! Does it still work?

[@Rabestern]

Voyager episode "The Muse" has best description of Vulcan ever from persepctive of "primitive" speaces.

[@lyndahammel9502]

Tuvok was a favorite of mine.

[@DarkYuy]

I love Tuvok and I really loved the Tuvok and Neelix dynamic. I think my favourite Tuvok/Neelix episode is the one where Tuvok suffers brain damage and starts feeling emotions. The way the two bond and the performances from Tim Russ and Ethan Phillips is just magnificent.

[@sureshmukhi2316]

Riddles

[@awgates85]

Tuvok was one of my favorite parts of Voyager.

[@thetruth45678]

How is your channel not at 1 million subscribers?!?!

[@krane15]

@2:08 "there is no expression on my face." Wow, Jake is looking scruffy.

[@tonyb8660]

I think the term is "Nailed It!"

[@longWriter]

He was also great as Thenios!

[@bcr666-cvn68]

A Thrustmaster joystick, I love it.

[@dannystaton5386]

Awesome 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@deadturret4049]

Is that a flight stick behind him? Tuvok is a gamer confirmed

[@nicksophinos4611]

Tim was the most Vulcan Vulcan to me.

[@Mxyzptlksac]

Lol trying to imagine the benson jokes of Robert Guilome had gotten it sad well as Ethan Phillips

[@bodhimind108]

As much as I love Tim Russ, a Robert Guillome Tuvok would have been awesome. He would have destroyed Nelix on the regular.

[@Holy_Wraith]

Tim Russ had the best performance in SPACEBALLS, before he became Tuvok. SPOILER! He was the guy who said "we ain't found sh!t"

[@thehellyousay]

i think mr. Russ absolutely nailed being a vulcan. absolutely nailed it. ps: 65 years old for a vulcan is still the tweenaged years, if i recall my trek lore correctly. tuvok had to be at least 100-150 ...

[@RubyJones-sk9bq]

He was. Great . I bought into it. Voyager top 3 😊

[@moshecallen]

My sister in the days before ENT once said that there are only two real Vulcans, Spock and Tuvok.

[@janpm1]

Tom Paris : Ah! I give up! Chakotay : After only two minutes? Tuvok, how do you do it? Tuvok : I wait until his own illogic overwhelms him. LAAP!

[@campervanhelsing]

Yeah, Tuvok was awesome

[@Phil-D83]

I remember him as a vulcan maquis terrorist in tng before voy. He did a good job.

[@peteramaranth85]

Star trek online is also on there

[@magicsinglez]

Russ is a very strong second to Nimoy. That’s really a great compliment to Leonard Nimoy.

[@Kelvryn]

he also played a vulcan on star trek 6 i think. was that character Tuvok or just a generic vulcan?

[@sureshmukhi2316]

That was the episode "Flashback" which showed him in a mind meld with Janeway going back to the Excelsior.

[@SJHFoto]

Is it just me, or do you guys think Cirroc can play Sisko (if he returns somehow without aging)

[@sureshmukhi2316]

Cirroc is Sisko. Jake Sisko.

[@runemastertan]

The only problem with tuvok in picard 3 is his ears. His ears looked so weird

[@Mxyzptlksac]

You get old abs things sag.

[@davidwalters9339]

@@MxyzptlksacTuvok wouldn’t have aged much at this point though. Vulcans age slower.

[@Mxyzptlksac]

@@davidwalters9339 he was 107 in season 1 of voyager

[@krane15]

@@Mxyzptlksac Its the skin the stretches and sags.

[@krane15]

I couldn't tell whether that was a joke or a very bad makeup job. I still don't know for sure, since nobody in an interview has ever asked him about it.

[@danielkeel9265]

A fine job: just different from Nemoy, but indisputably just as Vulcan!

[@stevensanders7262]

Tim Russ was great has Tuvok. Pity his character was underused

[@ReelMeurik]

Spock will always be the "OG Vulcan". But I feel Tim Russ played the best fully-Vulcan character (no disrespect to Nimoy, but Spock was half-Human).

[@krane15]

Spock never danced, but he did sing.

[@studentdrake]

Tim is a real sci-fi fan?

[@r0bw00d]

Tim had big shoes to fill and did so with grace and aplomb.

[@heleneb2105]

Tim Russ should have won an Emmy for Tuvok. If only there wasn't so much bias against scifi.

[@pikadroo]

I agree 100% he was the best actor on star trek and its a shame the actor (the man) is so nasty on twitter.

[@qrogueuk]

Like the back ground items. CD rom joystick

[@jtkirkfan2002]

Tim was only eclipsed by Nimoy himself when it came to being “Vulcan”.

[@krane15]

Nimoy was the original so he pretty much wrote the book on being Vulcan. As Russ stated, he emulated that character to form his own.

[@Doctoranthetardis]

Tim plays flight simulators. Wonder what else he likes to play?

[@sparrowlt]

A CH Combat Stick non the less

[@digipeeper]

Voyager was a weak series as a lot of ideas from Jeri Taylor and Michael Piller was ignored. But Tuvok is my favorite character. Rick Berman isn’t perfect as he did do some A-Hole things but I give respect when it’s due. He opened door for Tim Russ who is very talented and wasn’t wasted in the End.

[@krane15]

I've lived long enough to know that no matter what you do there will always be detractors when y you don't make the decision that someone else thinks they deserve.

[@furrepanther]

He was utterly fantastic as Tuvok. Problem is, he STILL ain't found shit.

[@dglass2008]

TIM RUSS/RICHARD DEAN ANDERSON...these individuals are uniquely overrated and cannot act. Making TIM RUSS into a Vulcan was probably the only way to meet the diversity quota and not have to have the show degrade TOO quickly! Of course, the first 3 seasons should NEVER have been made, and JERI RYAN pulled STAR TURD VOYAGER out of the toilet!!! YAY JERI RYAN!!!!

[@krane15]

Ryan was eye candy. The writer tuned the show around.

[@sureshmukhi2316]

Tim Russ's face looks rather thin. Is he ok?

[@fdwyersd]

Benson would have never been a good Tuvok :)

[@1977TA]

Indeed, playing a Vulcan requires more than the ears, makeup, and hair. Kristi Alley failed in my opinion to portray Saavik correctly. She played the character with too much human emotion. I would go further and say that she was miscast. Robin Curtis replaced her and did a superb job. She should have been Saavik from the start.

[@sureshmukhi2316]

Saavik was supposed to have been half Romulan but they deleted that part.

[@whunt5533]

He was better than nemoy, in my opinion.

[@krane15]

Nimoy originated the character, but he did have a more liberal side. He smiled, song, and play ans instrument. Something Tuvak never did. Except the episode where he lost his Vulcan discipline.

[@vulcan2882]

I didn't like Tuvok at all, I felt he was dull and boring. I've seen other Vulcans with much better personality's. I always hoped the Kazon would have vaporized him or somebody from 8472 would have ripped him apart, I was even hoping the Borg would have kept him. This has nothing to do with actor Tim Russ ... just Tuvok.

[@krane15]

I agree. But I could say the same about Neelix whom I absolutely hated. It wasn't until they brought the two of the together and they began to play against one another that I came to enjoy and better appreci8at both characters.

[@vulcan2882]

@@krane15 .. I wasn't too fond Neelix either, but at least he had a personality.