Rosalind Chao

Rosalind: In my high school class, I was the only nonwhite person: Marywood, an all girls' school. I grew up in Garden Grove, which was a little more integrated. But when we moved to Villa Park, it was quite different. As we moved up on the economic scale, in some ways it was a little harder for me. People would say, "Oh, you speak English so well!" I'd think, "Well, if I didn't speak English, I'd be a mute!"

(On how she was let out of any permanent obligation so that she could do the movie The Joy Luck Club) Rosalind: I'm very grateful to the Star Trek people because they made it possible for me to participate in a movie that really made a difference to Asian-Americans, and it made a difference in my life as well.

Rosalind: When they offered me the role as a regular on "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" (1993), I was actually pregnant with my first child and I was also getting ready to do The Joy Luck Club (1993). So, I had to say no to the producers at that point. I wanted to be able to spend time with my husband and with my first child right after he was born. And I did. I really think it worked out well for everyone.

Rosalind: When I leave Los Angeles to do something, that's when I notice how into Star Trek and how loyal to the shows' actors the fans are. The fans will notice me on the street and ask me questions about Keiko's personal relationships, especially the female fans. They're very concerned, because they want her to maintain her career. They always talk to me about that. It's very funny.