Episode 182 – From Warp Drive to Director's Chair: The Incredible Career of Robert Duncan McNeill – Part 2
Hollywood ObsessedShow Notes
In Part Two of Tony Miros' unforgettable conversation with actor, director, and producer Robert Duncan McNeill, the beloved “Star Trek: Voyager” star takes listeners behind the scenes of one of television's most iconic science fiction series. He shares fascinating stories about the pressure of launching ‘Voyager’ and the fledgling UPN network, recalls the brief tenure of Geneviève Bujold as Captain Janeway, and explains how he instantly knew Kate Mulgrew was the perfect person to command the USS Voyager.
He discusses earning his first opportunity behind the camera on ‘Voyager,’ how directing changed the course of his career, and what makes ‘Star Trek’s’ larger-than-life storytelling so rewarding for both actors and audiences.
Fans will love his behind-the-scenes memories of some of ‘Voyager’s’ most memorable episodes. He also recalls the cast's biggest pranksters, and offers his candid thoughts on the arrival of Jeri Ryan as Seven of Nine.
The conversation also explores the enduring legacy of “Star Trek.” He remembers attending his first convention, explains why the “Star Trek” community has kept the ‘Voyager ‘cast connected like family for nearly three decades, and discusses returning as both Tom Paris and Nick Locarno on “Star Trek: Lower Decks.” He also talks about producing acclaimed series including “Resident Alien,” “Chuck,” “The Arrangement,” and “So Help Me Todd".
Finally, he shares the story behind launching The Delta Flyers podcast with Garrett Wang and what's still on his creative bucket list—from directing his first feature film and writing a book to the possibility of one day stepping back into Tom Paris' shoes.
ROBERT DUNCAN MCNEILL
Robert Duncan McNeill is an acclaimed actor, director, producer, and writer whose career spans more than four decades in television, film, and theater. Most recently, he served as Executive Producer, Director, and Writer on all four seasons of the hit sci-fi comedy "Resident Alien," earning an ASTRA Award nomination in 2024 for directing and co-writing the acclaimed Season 3 finale, "Homecoming." The series also received the Hollywood Critics Association Award for Best Cable Comedy Series in 2021.
A highly respected television director, Robert has helmed more than 100 episodes across comedy, drama, action, and science fiction. His producing and directing credits include "Chuck," "Turner & Hooch," "The Gifted," "The Arrangement," "Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce," "666 Park Avenue," and "What About Brian," as well as the pilot episodes for "Samantha Who?" and "Heartbeat."
Before stepping behind the camera, Robert enjoyed a successful acting career after graduating from The Juilliard School. He appeared on Broadway in "Six Degrees of Separation," earned a Daytime Emmy Award nomination for "All My Children," starred in "Masters of the Universe," and became a fan favorite as Lieutenant Tom Paris throughout all seven seasons of "Star Trek: Voyager." It was during 'Voyager' that he launched his directing career, which has since made him one of television's most accomplished filmmakers.
In 2020, Robert reunited with his longtime 'Voyager' co-star Garrett Wang to co-host the hit podcast "The Delta Flyers," where they revisit every episode of "Star Trek: Voyager." Now expanded to include "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine," the podcast remains a favorite among "Star Trek" fans and reflects Robert's enduring connection to one of television's most beloved franchises.
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