Gates McFadden

Gates McFadden: (on auditioning for "Star Trek: The Next Generation" (1987)) I walked in and was told they had three parts, and I could play any part I wanted. 'Okay', I asked, `Which one is the funniest?' Beverly Crusher. I swear to god. Seriously! So I go, 'Okay, fine' and I look at the scene and it's a scene from 'The Naked Now' and that's funny because she's kind of drunk and I thought, 'This is funny.' So, that's about the only funny scene in seven seasons!

Gates McFadden: (referring to the boat scene in "Star Trek Generations") Shooting the boat sequences, I think, is probably something all of us have a story to tell about. I can tell you that the boat was supposed to be pitching back and forth, so we all had to really pitch back and forth... for days. At times, it was very funny and we were all having a good laugh, and at other times, it wasn't at all funny and it could be quite tiring. But it's a terrific scene.

Gates McFadden: It's wonderful that the show was so imaginative and creative. I'm glad to be a part of it. I get many kids telling me that they would like a mom like Beverly Crusher, and they feel I can solve their problems. It's not an easy world to grow up in. It's tough. And it's nice to think we are doing our bit to help. I always wish I had more to do, but I got my moments and direction [the seventh season episode] 'Genesis' was, without question, the high point of my years with the show, really the culmination of my Star Trek experience.

Gates McFadden: Theater really is my first love. I love the stage, performing for an audience. Some of my favorite credits would have to be the Shakespeare work I did in New York and To Gillian on Her 37th Birthday. I also loved working with Jim Henson on "The Muppets Take Manhattan" and "Labyrinth". I've also loved "Star Trek: The Next Generation".