Armin Shimmerman Interview

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Armin Shimmerman was interviewed for issue 131 of Dreamwatch magazine. Here is an excerpt from Sci Fi Pulse:

 

Armin Shimerman Lists Star Trek amongst His Career Highlights

By Ian M. Cullen

 

In a brief interview with Mike Thomas for Dreamwatch Magazine actor Armin Shimerman better known to fans of Star Trek: DS9 as Quark talked about some of the things that he feels have had influence in his life.

 

When asked who he would like to be, if he could choose to be someone else he listed another famous Star Trek actor as his ideal choice.

 

“[Odo actor] Rene Auberjonois. I'd like to be as tall as he is, I'd like to be as talented as he is, and I'd like to be as suave and sophisticated as he is. Rene is still a very good friend.”

 

When asked if he is recognised for his role of Quark, the actor revealed that he gets recognised quite often for his role as the Ferengi Barkeep.

 

“Probably every other day, and I'm always pleased and flattered by that. I'd rather have it that way than the other way round, where no one recognizes you for your work.”

 

When asked what has been a big influence on his life career wise, the actor revealed that a certain former Star Trek producer made quite an impression.

 

“There have been a lot of people who have been major influences on my life. But career wise, I'd say it was [producer] Rick Berman – he changed my life so much for the better by choosing me for Deep Space Nine. I wouldn't have been on the map for a lot of roles I did after Star Trek if I hadn't played Quark.”

 

As to one of his most embarrassing career moments, Shimerman holds an episode of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine accountable for having made him blush quite a lot.

 

“I found making the episode of Deep Space Nine where Quark turns into a woman – Profit and Lace – very embarrassing. I also did a movie about ‘The Three Stooges' [stoogemania], which we tend not to talk about.”

 

As to what Quark would think of Armin Shimerman, the actor does not feel that DS9's Ferengi Barkeep would be that impressed.

 

“He probably wouldn't much care for me, because I'm not really a guy who's after a lot of money; I don't think he would understand my artistic goals. He also wouldn't be impressed by my shyness and my sensitivity to other people.”