As a lifelong Trekkie who’s spent countless hours basking in the glow of the Final Frontier, I can wholeheartedly say that my conversation with Dawnn Lewis was nothing short of mind-blowing. Her passion for Star Trek, which started way back when she was just a young girl watching the original series, is truly infectious.
I take great pleasure in chatting with “Star Trek” actors who were enthusiasts of the series prior to being part of it, and Dawnn Lewis certainly fits that description. Long before she lent her voice to Captain Carol Freeman on “Lower Decks,” she was tuning in to many of the shows – now available for streaming via Paramount+ – when they first aired on TV. Over the course of her career, she even developed friendships with several original series actors, including the late Nichelle Nichols. During a recent interview with TopMob, she shared stories about these connections.
In our conversation, I was fortunate enough to discuss with Lewis the last season of Star Trek: Lower Decks. After discussing the series and her future appearances in various Trek productions, it was only natural for me to inquire about her long-standing fandom before becoming part of the franchise herself. It was truly enlightening to hear about her past, and I was delighted to discover how eager she was to share her feelings towards this franchise, which has played such a significant role in her life.
Dawnn Lewis Has Been A Trekkie Since Childhood
Dawnn Lewis, similar to many others her age, developed a fondness for Star Trek at a young age when she first saw the original series. In an exclusive chat with me, the seasoned actress shared that it was Nichelle Nichols’ character Nyota Uhura on TV during challenging times in America that attracted her to the show.
As a gamer, let me tell you, watching Nichelle Nichols on Star Trek was like seeing myself reflected on screen – diverse characters from various backgrounds working harmoniously, showing mutual respect, and collaborating beautifully. This was something I rarely witnessed while growing up, especially not on other shows or the news back in the 60s.
Dawnn Lewis wasn’t the only one moved by Nichelle Nichols’ character on Star Trek. In reality, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is known for persuading her not to leave the show. He shared with her how impactful she was to African American children and adults in the U.S., according to StarTrek.com. Later on, Lewis had the chance to interact with Nichols personally, an experience that likely would have been unimaginable for her younger self.
Dawnn Lewis Became Friends With Nichelle Nichols Once She Became An Actress
Reflecting on the numerous legends who paid tribute to Nichelle Nichols upon her passing, it’s clear that she held a special place in many hearts. Dawnn Lewis was among the fortunate few who not only admired her but also developed a personal friendship with the late actress. As their paths crossed once Lewis embarked on her acting career, she shared memories of their initial encounter and how their bond deepened throughout the years:
The first time I encountered Nichelle Nichols many years ago left me speechless. I became quite emotional, and she responded by giving me a warm embrace. It turned out she recognized me because she had been following A Different World and Hangin’ with Mr Cooper. I was astonished that she knew my name. From there, we developed a friendship, enjoying dinners, museum visits, concerts, and house parties together. Attending one of Nichelle’s gatherings meant getting to know Walter [Koenig] as well as many others. It was an incredible experience.
It would be incredible as a Star Trek enthusiast to casually socialize with other cast members at a party. Luckily, due to her roles on the sitcoms she mentioned, Lewis was widely recognized and famous in her own right. Therefore, it’s possible that some actors were eager to meet her. Since I admire her vocal support for Black actresses in Hollywood, I felt ecstatic about speaking with her, even though our interaction was remote.
Dawnn Lewis Snuck Onto The TNG Set While Working On Another Show
Apart from her close friendship with Nichelle Nichols and other Star Trek cast members, Dawnn Lewis shared an exclusive behind-the-scenes story with me. While filming another show nearby, she seized a unique chance to step onto the set of The Next Generation. As a devoted fan who had lived through numerous remarkable and bizarre moments on the Enterprise, she couldn’t resist the temptation to witness it firsthand. Here are her fond memories of the experience:
At some point, I worked at the same studio where Star Trek: The Next Generation was filmed. I stepped onto the set and took a seat in the captain’s chair. I explored every nook and cranny. The Holodeck! I was everywhere. It felt like being a grown-up kid in an amusement park. And let me tell you, such experiences never lose their charm. So, no, I haven’t stopped feeling like a fan boy at all.
Speaking as someone who felt deeply moved upon seeing the original TNG chair up close, I can’t help but feel a pang of jealousy knowing that Dawnn Lewis had the opportunity to walk the entire set. But my envy doesn’t stop there – I’m also envious of her ongoing role as Carol Freeman in Star Trek: Lower Decks. I truly hope she continues to be part of the Star Trek universe in future endeavors. Frankly, I think many of us would jump at the chance to see Freeman make an appearance in a live-action production someday! All in all, Lewis deserves recognition for creating her own niche in Star Trek history, especially considering she was once just a dedicated fan herself.
Catch the fresh episodes of “Star Trek: Lower Decks” every Thursday on Paramount+. As we’ve reached the midpoint of the last season at this moment, there are still numerous opportunities for you to follow along and witness the concluding chapters when they premiere.
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2024-11-12 00:07