Tim Russ, better known to Star Trek fans as Lt. Commander Tuvok, took part in a GalaxyCon virtual panel yesterday with fellow Star Trek: Voyager actors Garrett Wang and Robert Picardo. TrekMovie.com spoke with Russ ahead of the event, getting his insight on connecting with fans virtually, being involved with the Star Trek community and the importance of racial diversity in the franchise.

With Star Trek: Voyager celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the 64 year old actor took a moment to reflect on being a part of the Star Trek franchise for more than a third of his life. “Being on board that train, that seems to be never-ending...I’m going to be tied to it. It’s not ever going to go away.” Russ definitely appreciates his connection to Star Trek, which has opened new doors for him, and his career, over the years. One thing that has been consistent for the actor is his involvement with Star Trek and the many conventions which have continued to be a part of his life since joining the Star Trek family.

Thursday’s virtual panel was a first for Voyager’s security chief. While not having to deal with the expense or logistics of travelling is convenient, Russ said he prefers the in-person, large-scale convention experience. Conventions also give him and his band, the Tim Russ Crew, the opportunity to play their music for Trek fans live.

Diversity has been a focal point in Star Trek since The Original Series. While Russ has seen the positive impact his role has had with audiences, he doesn’t see his character, a Black Vulcan, standing out from others in the franchise. “That was the way Star Trek has done things from the beginning, across the board,” Russ said in the interview. He went on to say, “Look at the diversity of human beings that we have based on evolution on this planet. Do we all look the same? No. To use a phrase I used often with the character, logically, that would make sense for there to be dark-skinned Vulcans.”

The full, in-depth interview with Russ is definitely worth a read, and you can do that at TrekMovie.com.