Recently Chase Masterson who played Leeta on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine spoke with fans for a Creation Entertainment Virtual Event.
The first question was in regard to her first convention experience.
Chase compared it with taking a shower, throwing on sweats but then running into an ex or someone you are interested in. While she was going through the airport she had a picture of several Ferengi holding up her. The security agent asked if she was on Star Trek and this started a buzz around the people around her. One woman then asked her if she was one of the Ferengi in the picture and what was the makeup like.
Chase then spoke about her character as she went in with what was expected to be one day of work and four lines for the character.
She arrived very early and makeup and security were the only ones currently there. As she went to the Hair trailer she noted that Avery Brooks was there though she had no idea what he was doing there.
Avery kept calling her “Cathy” even though she said who she was. He looked at her and said “Nordictrack” as she had done a commercial for it in the past and again called her Cathy. She again explained who she was and said I got paid to do it, what is your excuse for watching it. After that she and Avery got along great.
When asked what her fondest memories were; Chase said she remembers the fun moments like hot towels at the end of the day, the electricity of working with Directors like Levar Burton as well Coffee with the cast. They had Buddhist Monks on the show visiting and Levar stopped filming to welcome them. This was a real surprise as Television does not allow the luxury of time compared to what one might see in films and theater work.
Chase also said that being in touch with Nichelle Nichols is amazing as she is a dear friend. Her favorite memory is when people come up to her and tell her what Star Trek meant especially people who were in a time of need and were able to use the show as part of their recovery process.
Chase talked about how soldiers in the Gulf would talk to her about getting VHS tapes of episodes which they would watch after missions before they did anything else.
Chase also talked about her music and singing in Vienna where Strauss played and how that will always be a great memory for her.
When asked about passing time in isolation; Chase said that she has been working 15-16 hour days with Pop Culture Hero Coalition.
When the question was asked about her craziest day on set, she mentioned how Aron Eisenberg is missed and that he was far and away the cast joker.
She also mentioned how not everyone on lot watched DS9 and told the story of Nana Visitor twisting her ankle but the medics freaking out over what they thought was a severe nose injury.
What asked what Rom and Leeta would be up to Chase figured that she is leading a Social Justice movement on Ferenginar. She also mentioned how one of the stories mentioned they had a baby and figured it would be basically cleavage with ears.
The next question covered the Dabo Wheel or other prop failures. Chase said that the Dabo wheel did not work and that someone built one later from the world of Fandom that did work.
Next up were her hopes for the post pandemic world
Chase stated that we are realizing the hard way that everyone’s job is important. No excuses for inequality.
The next question was about her most unusual convention experience. She mentioned that seeing no clothed female Ferengi is scary. She also loved being a member of Cheerfleet, Starfleet cheerleaders who gave her a uniform. Chase also said she may have to come back to it as when you meet so many people in Cosplay; nothing is really bizarre anymore.
A question about the Baseball episode followed. Chase said that it was indeed hot and was not a camera trick. Shot at Loyola Marymount as it was by the ocean and they could have some breeze. It was difficult for Michael and Rene due to their makeup. She mentioned how Max is a great ball player, so to show that Rom was inept; he had to throw with his left hand to make him look awkward. Despite the heat they had lots of fun with the episode.
Chase then mentioned that Risa was a blast as were Holosuite episodes as it was a blast to get out of the studio.
When asked what Season 8 would look like Chase said it would likely follow the outline from “What Was Left Behind”; but she did not like losing Nog. She also would love to bring back Leeta and Rom as well as Brunt.
She was asked about her pets to which she said she has no pets as she travels a lot but loves animals.
Asked about working on the Flash said Sherry may come back as the cast is a wonderful unit of people
Chase then ended the event with a great cabaret song called Latinum is a Girl’s best friend.
Creation has done a fantastic job with their virtual events to date and next week Garrett and Robert will have another special event. You can get information on that and future Creation Entertainment events here.
