Stars Making a Social Impact: Why & How Star Trek Stars Armin Shimerman and Kitty Swink Are Helping To Change Our World
AS: Success? Be born with a “luck” gene as I seem to have. But, I suppose I can reiterate the standard advice: work at your dream every day, find an interesting story or occupation, and have the loved ones around you advocate that “you need to get this done.” My acting career has taught me that “success” is not measured by money or acclaim, but rather by how much you appreciate what you have accomplished. Being proud of your work is true success.
KS: What Armin says. I count us rich in friends and experiences and joy. My career has been nothing like Armin’s, yet pretty fulfilling. But my life is very lucky. I have an amazing husband and family, a community of artists I admire and love, great generous friends. I’ve made some good art, and I have survived cancer twice. And I am able to help others, because of my luck. What could be bad about that?
As a part of our series about stars who are making an important social impact, I had the pleasure of interviewing Armin Shimerman and Kitty Swink.
Armin Shimerman is widely known for his portrayal of Quark on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Principal Snyder on Buffy the Vampire Slayer with other notable appearances on TV shows from Hill Street Blues and The West Wing to CSI and dozens of others. His voice has been heard in many animated shows and popular game series such as Ratchet&Clank and BioShock. Armin is a renown stage actor, having performed on Broadway and stages across the country, and is a Shakespeare scholar and teacher and theatre arts lecturer.
Kitty Swink is a perennial television guest star and sci fi fans know her from Star Trek Deep Space Nine and Babylon Five. She has appeared on regional stages from Massachusetts to Florida, Oregon to Southern California, and produced the web series Riley Parra, which garnered 2 Emmy nominations for its second season. Kitty is an 18- year survivor of Pancreatic Cancer and a proud ambassador for The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
Thank you so much for joining us on this interview series. Can you share with us the backstory that led you to this career path?
Armin Shimerman: As a young man, I had an interest in writing and once had a magazine accept a poem I had written. But I suppose, my acting career and writing career was inspired by my study of William Shakespeare. I attribute this love of the Bard to three influential teachers: Mr. Jellison, a High School Drama Director who cast me in Hamlet; Mr. David Rodes, my U.C.L.A. Shakespeare professor who instilled in me the love of language; and Ms. Ada Brown Mather, my and Kitty’s NYC acting coach who taught us about Shakespeare’s use of rhetoric and how to apply it to acting.
My skills at Shakespearian language were tremendously influential in my finding acting work as a young man and I would venture to say they helped in my getting Star Trek and other television work, especially Science Fiction. These skills also bled into my directing opportunities. I have directed four Shakespearian plays and there are plans for a fifth.
As to my writing career, it was a turn of fate that at two different Sci-Fi conventions, years apart, I connected with two different publishers who gave me the opportunity to write and publish books. In both cases, I had the time and the desire to tell a tale that involved trilogies. As is often the theme in my life, I was in the right place at the right time. As Malvolio says, “Fortune. All is Fortune.” And I was smart enough to say, “yes.”
Can you share the funniest or most interesting story that occurred to you in the course of your career? What was the lesson or takeaway you took out of that story?
AS: I have had an extraordinary life, from to the cover of TV Guide. I’ve had so many wonderfully fortuitous moments. One memorable one does come to mind about the writing.
My first publisher, Baen Books, contracted for me to co-write my first book, Merchant Prince with Michael Scott, a prolific fantasy novelist. I’m quite sure they wanted the two of us to confer over the outline and then have Michael do all the grind of putting the story into words. I don’t think they ever expected me to actually write any of the novel. After all, their only experience of me was as an actor at a Sci-Fi convention; they didn’t know that I had any literary aspirations.
When Michael unexpectantly sent me his first chapter from Ireland (where he lives) for my approval, I was not blown away and spent days expanding on what he had written. I emailed him my edits and expected a lot of pushback. Instead, he was delighted with what I had done and set up a plan whereby he would preliminarily write a chapter, email me his output, and I would flesh it out. This collaboration worked brilliantly, despite the fact that Michael was at times missing in action and non-responsive. I always chalked that up to his many assignments. Though, I must admit that neither Michael nor Baen books ever informed me of any publication deadlines, and I was gob-smacked when they sent me a published version of the book at a time when I thought we were in the midst of writing the story.
Anyway, I believe I composed about 40% of that novel. As the agreement was that Merchant Prince was to be a trilogy, Baen hooked me up with Chelsea Yarbro, and things were not as collegial. I ended up writing about 70% of Merchant Prince: Outrageous Fortune. For the writing of the third book, I penned the whole project myself. The result was A Capital Offense.
Because of that last book’s autonomy, I had no qualms about accepting the responsibility of composing all three books of my Illyria trilogy. I modestly believe, each book I write is more polished, more readable. It has become a surprise to me to realize that I prefer writing to acting. It is much more creative, and one has more control. Not to mention in a novel, the author gets to play ALL the characters and direct all the scenes.
Kitty Swink: I actually think the time you were waiting for me in the emergency room after yet again another of my sports injuries and struck up a conversation with the woman next to you waiting for her husband is pretty unusual. We were pretty new to LA. They started chatting about their respective spouses. The husband was kind of squeamish and Armin allowed how I was unlikely to take any numbing for the hamburger meat that had once been my ankle. The woman then asked Armin if she didn’t recognize him as an actor, he admitted he was. She said, “I have a role you should come in for tomorrow.” I think you got a guest star spot out of my unfortunate slide into second base.
What would you advise a young person who wants to emulate your success?
AS: Success? Be born with a “luck” gene as I seem to have. But, I suppose I can reiterate the standard advice: work at your dream every day, find an interesting story or occupation, and have the loved ones around you advocate that “you need to get this done.” My acting career has taught me that “success” is not measured by money or acclaim, but rather by how much you appreciate what you have accomplished. Being proud of your work is true success.
KS: What Armin says. I count us rich in friends and experiences and joy. My career has been nothing like Armin’s, yet pretty fulfilling. But my life is very lucky. I have an amazing husband and family, a community of artists I admire and love, great generous friends. I’ve made some good art, and I have survived cancer twice. And I am able to help others, because of my luck. What could be bad about that?
Is there a person that made a profound impact on your life? Can you share a story?
AS: There are many people who contributed and I wish I could name them all. But the foremost person is Kathryn (Kitty) Ann Swink, my wife of over 40 years. She has always pushed me to do my best and supported whatever I chose to do.
It was 9pm in Manhattan, a week after I had closed a Broadway show that had run for nine months. I was home trying to find something to occupy my time which in the near past would have been preparing to walk on stage for a scene in the musical, “I Remember Mama.” My colleague in that show was George Hearn, a splendid actor, story-teller, ballad singer, and frequent visitor to a stage-hand, Broadway bar named Barrymore’s. I had often joined him there after a show for rousing times and gales of laughter. On that night, I figured he would be there and so I put on my Greek sailor’s cap that I wore constantly at that time and my winter coat and subwayed to 45th. George was there talking to a young man, newly come from Portland, OR. He was the ex-boyfriend of an acquaintance of George’s, who was sent to that bar by his ex to wait there for her when she got off work. The three of us got into a BS session about long distance relationships. After an hour of blarney, two lovely ladies walked into the bar: Kitty Swink and her best friend, Julie. I wish I could say it was love at first sight for both of us, but it wasn’t. In fact the rather tall Kitty thought I, (5’5”), might be better suited to the shorter Julie.
No fireworks, no exchanged numbers, just another night at Barrymore’s. Fast forward a couple of weeks and Kitty’s mom and dad, Ann and Don, came to town to visit. Kitty threw a party to have them meet her friends. I was invited. I was the only one there wearing a sports jacket and somehow got into a lovely conversation with Ann and Don. I seemed to have impressed them. So much so that when the party was over and Ann was inquiring about everyone she had met, she asked about me. Kitty said, “Oh, I’m trying to set him up with Julie.”
“Julie” responded Ann, “you should date him.”
And more than two years later, we did more than date, we married. And I can only say, ”I love my mother-in-law for giving me the best gift I ever got.”
KS: She loved you. And was smart enough to say to me, “he’s a keeper.” It should be said that Julie fell in love with and married my old boyfriend from that night. And they had two brilliant, funny daughters.
How are you using your success to bring goodness to the world? Can you share with us the meaningful or exciting causes you’re working on right now?
AS: I’m very glad to share with everyone our participation with PanCAN, a support group and fund-raising organization for finding better treatments and the eradication of pancreatic cancer. This particular cancer is on the rise, and I believe is currently the third most lethal. The nightmare is that the symptoms don’t manifest until late in the disease’s life, making it fatal for many. Kitty and I and our dear friend, Jonathan Frakes, who lost his brother to the disease, have for the last two years formed a fund-raising team to benefit the organization. This past Spring we raised over $80k under the banner of “Trek Against Pancreatic Cancer.”
When people are diagnosed, they rarely have anyone to turn to beside their local doctors who may or may not have expertise in how to attack this killer. PanCAN can answer questions about treatment options, diet and nutrition and support resources. It is ray of HOPE in a time of crisis and A HAND of assistance in a time of anxiety. Kitty often is an ambassador for them, and I help in any way I can.
KS: I can’t say enough about their work in supporting research into early detection and new targeted treatments and in bringing together researchers so they can share ideas and information. Too often this kind of research stays in silos, but with leading doctors working together and sharing information, change happens much more quickly. PanCAN was a pioneer in encouraging genetic testing for pancreatic cancer. It doesn’t just help the current patient get the kind of specific treatment they need, but it also tells family members if they are at risk, so they can be monitored. That kind of prophylactic information saves countless lives. And the thing that always knocks me out is that they pushed very hard and succeeded in changing one of the main components in clinical trials. Instead of locking people into trials that are not working for their cancer, patients now have the ability to move to a trial that might be better for them.
Can you share with us a story behind why you chose to take up this particular cause?
AS: Kitty was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer 18 years ago and has survived. A procedure called “The Whipple” performed by Dr. Fallas and post treatment and observation by Dr. Decker saved her life. Subsequent to her recovery, my wife took it upon herself to respond to every person who called asking for advice on how to face pancreatic cancer, whether it was a patient, a friend of the patient, or a family member. Doing that she met the incomparable actress, Charlotte Rae of “Facts of Life.” Kitty became Charlotte’s rabbi and befriended her through her treatment and recovery. Charlotte, was already a spokesperson for PanCAN and introduced us to that organization. Kitty often accompanied Charlotte to speaking engagements. When Charlotte passed (not from pancreatic cancer), Pamela Acosta Marquardt, the founder of PanCAN asked Kitty to become an ambassador because of her amazing success story — to offer hope to those who felt they faced a death sentence.
So, we have been happily supporting them for several years now, knowing the panic and despair that the diagnosis can generate. But also knowing that emotional support, proper doctoring and future research, prompted by PanCAN fundraising, can make all the difference in the world.
Can you share with us a story about a person who was impacted by your cause?
KS: There are so many. One of the real gifts in life is to be of service and PanCAN has afforded me many chances to help. And it has offered me examples of how to do it. A week doesn’t go by that I don’t receive a call asking me if I could talk to someone. I always say yes. But I want to highlight a few people I know through PanCAN that have changed the course of this disease. Pam Marquardt Acosta, who founded PanCAN after her mother died from pancreatic cancer. She didn’t have a road map. She just did it. Julie Vasquez, who is Associate Director of Public Relations for PanCAN and ropes me into all kinds of stuff, and Julie Fleshman, President and CEO. Julie lost her dad to pancreatic cancer when he was just 52. She has pioneered so many of the programs that have moved the survival rate from 3% the year I was diagnosed to 11% now. But my hero is Roberta Luna. She has been a survivor longer than I have. She has had relapses and kept coming back fighting. I met her at the first PanCAN event I went to with Charlotte. No matter what is happening with her, she and her husband are tireless in offering help and hope to others. They never get discouraged and they never quit. In fact, I am doing her podcast with her tomorrow, Living Hope: Your Journey With Pancreatic Cancer.
Are there three things or are there things that individuals, society, or the government can do to support you in this effort?
AS: 1)The first is that more doctors should be aware of the symptoms for pancreatic cancer. Overlooking them is fatal to patients. Examinations should include tests for the disease. 2) Patients diagnosed with the disease should contact PanCAN immediately for guidance and support. If you can, donate to PanCAN’s annual “Purple Stride” marches that take place all around America. 3) And lastly, people must be made aware that the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer is not an immediate death sentence. People do survive and lead productive lives. Thanks to new procedures and early detection, the survival rate has increased substantially in the last year. Hooray!
You’re a person of enormous influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.
AS: Immediate and universal fact checking. It would be ideal if nothing could be sent out via social media that was an untruth. All opinions would be welcome, but any opinion based on evidence that was untrue would be noted as not factual. I believe the spreading of falsehood whether intentional or accidental is what is dividing the world and creating communal silos. Rumor has become too much of a motivating force in people’s lives.
Can you please give us your favorite life lesson quote? And can you explain how that was relevant in your life?
AS: Years ago, a wonderful actor named Truman Gage and I were backstage in the midst of a Broadway show. I said to him that that I thought the performances and the audience response was abysmal. In response, he counseled me, “Eleven o’clock (the traditional curtain time) always comes.”
I have massaged that wisdom to understand that not only bad things must come to an end, but good ones as well. Thus, I have learned to endure strenuous times as well as appreciate the good times. Truman’s words have schooled me in moderation and patience.
KS: Truman also gave us one other brilliant aphorism, “I’ve been in hits and I’ve been in flops. They all close.”
We are blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them.
AS: I suppose Bill Gates would be that person for me. I would simply want to thank him for all the charitable enterprises his organization has sponsored and his efforts to cure the ills of the world.
Thank you so much for these amazing insights. This was so inspiring, and we wish you continued success!
Stars Making a Social Impact: Why & How Star Trek Stars Armin Shimerman and Kitty Swink Are Helping was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.