Posted:
12:18:24 on February 10 2002
By: Alexander Chase
Dept: People
People Magazine has posted an interview with TNG actor Wil Wheaton in their "Where Are They Now" feature. Wheaton talks about his career after Star Trek, his efforts to change from being "obnoxious and selfish" and reinventing himself as a step-dad and comic.
Wheaton on deciding to quit acting at age 19, "I was 19 and lying in bed thinking, 'Oh my God, what has my career come to?' I had left Star Trek: The Next Generation to do more things, and I was actually worse off, doing this awful movie (1993's The Liars' Club). I remember thinking to myself, 'When I'm done, it's time to go on a soul-searching journey.' "
On working in the real world in Kansas, "Being out there, I learned a lot about myself. I'd been very obnoxious and selfish. I made concerted efforts to change."
One incentive to leave was a cruise for Star Trek fans that he took with some cast members from the original series. "Most of them were bitter and sad," he says. "It was like the ghost of Christmas yet to come. I didn't want to be 40 saying, 'Hey, remember what I did when I was a teenager?' "
Finally, Wheaton talks about increasing his Trek convention appearances and doing his improv act for fans, "The fans are incredibly loyal -- and they don't hate Wesley anymore. It's neat. People want to come and see me now."
For the rest of the interview, check out this page.
