Tracee Cocco

[00:00:00] This is the Big Sci-Fi Podcast, the biggest sci-fi podcast in the galaxy, a proud part of the Trek Geeks Podcast Network. Season 6 was a blast, but Season 7 is going to be even more fun as we continue to go where no podcast has gone before, deep into the sci-fi universe. Join Idina, Brian, Chris, and Steve as they explore television, film, and literature for the best sci-fi has to offer.

[00:00:26] Even if you're not a sci-fi fan, you'll love the banter and the epic tangents as these four friends talk about what they love. We invite you to sit back and relax because the journey is just beginning on this season of The Big Sci-Fi Podcast. Welcome back, listeners of The Big Sci-Fi Podcast. Today, we have an incredibly special guest, someone whose presence in Star Trek may have been subtle, but her impact on the franchise is undeniable.

[00:00:56] We are thrilled to welcome the talented Tracy Coco to the show. Ha, Tracy! Hi! Hi! Well, so everybody should know that Tracy is an actress, model, stuntwoman, whose work spans Star Trek The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, and Voyager. So if you've watched Next Gen, then you have seen her in over 100 episodes as a featured regular, the ever-present Lieutenant J.

[00:01:22] And she also played 15 different alien characters on Deep Space Nine and Voyager, donning alien makeup and prosthetics to play everything from Borg to Ferengi. So many of our favorite species from across the franchise. And again, let me emphasize, if you've watched 90s Star Trek, you have absolutely seen her work. Now, beyond Star Trek, Tracy's had an impressive career in Hollywood, appearing in Demolition Man, Baywatch, and even working on projects like Virtuosity and General Hospital.

[00:01:51] She's also been active in the convention scene, connecting with fans around the world who love and appreciate her contributions to the franchise. And I will be seeing her this summer at Shore Leave in Lancaster, PA. And maybe we'll see some of our listeners there, too. And so today, you know, we're going to talk about her experiences on the set, favorite Star Trek moments, and what it was like bringing so many different characters to life. Everyone sit back and relax. And let's welcome the amazing Tracy Coco to the Big Sci-Fi Podcast. Hey, Tracy! Hello, Tracy!

[00:02:22] Hi, everybody. Hey, Adina. Yeah, you forgot to mention, I was also in the first three Star Trek movies. Oh, my gosh. There's so much. You've done such amazing things. I'm literally, I'm not even kidding. Everywhere. Yeah. When you say the first three Star Trek movies, you refer to the next generation three films? Yes, sir. Yes. Yes. Sir? No, no, no. Don't say sir until I'm knighted by the king, all right? Please. Sir Patrick Stewart, you are not, Steve.

[00:02:51] No. Don't have his little hair. Adina, I'm shocked you left that out. I know. That is preposterous. It is. You would leave. It is. Oh, my goodness. You call yourself a star. But then she's done so many amazing things. So much amazing things. So let's start maybe like what just drew you into this type of work? What drew you to Hollywood? Oh, gosh. Well, back in the day, I was a print model for a lot of magazines.

[00:03:20] And I was the Alberto Moose girl. I mean, I'm aging myself. I'm probably older than you guys. But I don't know if you remember that name, Alberto Moose. Anyway. I do. I do. Yeah. Well, I was a print model. And then I don't know. It's like weird, the stuff that's happened to me. One thing led to another. Then I was out at a club, met a casting agent in L.A. from L.A., Burbank, Central Casting.

[00:03:50] And she's like, hey, I'd like to represent you. And would you like to do some extra work? And I'm like, OK. And she told me like, you know, what you get and all this. And, you know, I mean, it was pretty cool little gig. So I'm like, OK. So I started doing it. And I believe my very first thing I got was the movie Gross Anatomy with Christine Lottie and Matthew Modine.

[00:04:17] And I play a medical student through that. Then after that, I don't know if General Hospital, my part came after that or not. But I got on Baywatch as a feature regular lifeguard. Pamela Anderson, Baywatch? No. Oh, OK. I just wanted to make sure about the age. That was before the big boobs. OK.

[00:04:47] Thank you. So I was on Baywatch. OK. Then it was the first season. And then they get canceled. So then I got another movie called Another 48 Hours with Eddie Murphy. And it was filming on the Paramount Watch. And I was I got hired to do a stunt scene in the bar. I was wearing a miniskirt and pumps. That's so not me. If people that know me know, I know.

[00:05:17] No, no, no. That's not me. Anyway, somebody from Star Trek up in the business office was there watching the filming and said, you need to go talk to so and so. They really like your look for Star Trek. And I'm like, OK, I didn't I didn't think about anything like, wow. You know, it's a major deal. No. No. So I went to the audition. They put me in the I got it.

[00:05:45] They put me in the black and gold, which come to find out it's they told me it's one of the best colors to be because obviously it does two things on the ship. Mm hmm. Yeah. Yeah. But I started out as an ensign and I was on the bridge like all the time.

[00:06:15] So I knew the filming when they would call me to to to go film up at Paramount. It was the bridge took three days to film. So I knew three days a week I'd be on the bridge. So then Michael Westmore one day comes up to me, the god of makeup and says, Tracy, can you come into the makeup, you know, word, you know, the makeup trailer? And I'm like, OK.

[00:06:43] He's like, I want to give you an opportunity that I normally give men or, you know, guys to do it. I want to see how you bring to life the Antikin. Now, the Antikin to me looks like a wolf dog. OK, looks like a werewolf to me. I don't know. But I think it was called the boy, the dog face or dog face boy or I don't know. Anyway, so here I am.

[00:07:11] And that's my first alien he gave me dressed up as a full on Antikin. It's on my website. You can see the photo of me in it. And we're filming the part and then they called a cut or break. And so at Paramount, there's like alley. So you go out out of the backstage door to get air because this thing I had a prosthetic in my mouth. So when I bit down, it would do this. Right.

[00:07:40] I'm like, total, like, they don't think you got to drink water, you know, drink water. So I had a straw, you know, and then my big furry, you know, hands. Yeah. And I go out to get air and not kidding. See, this is like the weird, the coolest stuff that's happened to me. I go out to get air. I go out to get air and I look across the, you know, alley at the other stage or whatever. And there's a big white trailer. And I'm like, oh, somebody, somebody big is in that one.

[00:08:08] And it said the movie sliver. Oh, wow. It's a Sharon Stone film. She, who comes out of the trailer in a terry cloth robe directly toward me. I'm like freaking out. I'm going, oh my God, oh my God, oh my God. Because I love her.

[00:08:32] She literally comes like this close to my face and is looking, oh my God, that is so cool. And I'm like, oh, no, no, no, no. And she goes, wow, this is great. She goes, what do you, what do you look like under there? Well, that morning I happened to give the security guy at the stage door, he wanted an autographed headshot. So he had it.

[00:09:01] And he goes, she looks like this. She looks at me, looks at the photo, goes, oh my God, you are gorgeous. Why would you cover your face up? And I said, well, for one, Miss Stone, Miss Stone, I wanted to say Sharon. I said, for one, they pay me good. And for two, I kind of like it. And she's like, wow. She goes, well, she goes, how about this? And I'm like, okay, how about what?

[00:09:30] And she's like, we're having our wrap party and I want to invite you to go. And I'm like, yeah. So here I get invited to her wrap party for the movie Slimmer. Wow. Yeah. And I go, how am I going to get in? She goes, don't worry. I'm giving you some extra security people and they'll walk you in. And I'm like, oh my God, this is really not happening to me. Wow. So I got, yeah, I met her.

[00:09:59] And then basically when I went in, obviously she's over there with her entourage. And she did wave. And I was like, yay, thank you so much. Oh my God. So then, you know, Michael liked what I did and he started giving me all these different aliens to do. Um, another one was the Borg.

[00:10:23] And the way I got that was Mary Howard from Paramount got ahold of me. And she said, Michael wants to dress you in full on Borg wear to be at the Anaheim. This is when they call it the Anaheim stadium or convention center. Or they still do. I don't know. I think it is. And anyway, they want you to be in full Borg wear to promote their pinball game. And I'm like, okay. So, oh, I skipped something. Wait, wait, wait.

[00:10:53] So I got on Star Trek. And then I also got the movie Demolition Man where I play a cop in the movie. And now fast to where I'm at doing the Borg pinball game promo thing for them. And I'm just standing there doing what I'm supposed to do. And then I get a tap on the shoulder and it's this guy from Williams, Bali, Midway. They make all of the pinball games everywhere. And they're based out of Chicago. And I'm like, hi.

[00:11:20] And he's like, hi, I'm so-and-so from Williams, Bali, Midway. I make all the, you know, pinball games. And I really like your voice. And I was wondering if you'd, I'm coming out with one for Demolition Man. And I'm like, oh my God. And he's like, yes. And I love your voice. And I wanted to know if you wanted to be the computer voice for the game. And I go, well, yeah. I go, by the way, I was a cop in the movie. And he's like, oh my God. They called Warner Brothers.

[00:11:50] Got my freaking outfit. Flew me there. We did the, it's on YouTube. If you guys, it's hysterical. You guys got to see it. It's the Demolition Man pinball game promo. Okay. We'll find it. Yes. They had me doing the weirdest stuff on the, oh my God, you're going to die. Anyway. So I couldn't have, what do they call it? When you can see the lines, somebody's holding them up like a. Cue cards.

[00:12:20] Yes. Thank you. You're welcome. Thanks, Steve. Go on. Okay. So I couldn't have those. So I had to memorize all of the science. Oh, wow. The whole game. So I'm freaking out. Well, here's a cool story about that. But I told Brent Spiner, I went up to him and I said, I need to, I need to know how you, how you, how you memorize all this stuff. And he goes, well, he goes, I used, I don't know if he's still does it. Probably not.

[00:12:50] He's like a game. But he said the way that he remembers things, remembered things was, remember back in the day, you have your little cassette tape and you know, the ear thing. He said he, he put all the, what he had to say in it, put it in his ear and just kept playing it, playing it, playing it. So that's what I did. And thank God he helped me out with that because it was a lot of stuff, but that you guys got to check that out. Yeah. So then, yeah.

[00:13:15] So then, um, gosh, um, then I got virtuosity and then just trippy stuff. And then the one day I go in to put in on my golden black outfit and now I have two pips. Oh, and the wardrobe. People didn't do anything. Normally they're like, uh, no, no, no.

[00:13:40] Then the, the, the way I, I got my name, Jonathan gave it to me by accident. He was supposed to give me direction and say, Lieutenant JG, I need you to blah, blah, blah. Instead he said, Lieutenant J, I need you to. And I was like, nobody said, no, nobody said anything. So I'm like, Oh, so yeah, that's my devil issue. Yeah.

[00:14:06] So then, um, I thought, okay, I'm going to spell it J A E and see, I don't know if it takes, I don't know. See what happens. So yeah, obviously people. Yeah. Then they put me with Patrick. Patrick, I had my own special 10 forward outfit. The turquoise with the purple pants, um, is his date all the time. Then I, then I was watching it one weekend.

[00:14:33] You know how BBC plays it like, you know, nonstop. And here I am with Jonathan Franks is a date. There I am with a date. And I'm like, Oh my God. What a hoochie mama. So when did you become, so obviously at this point, you know, you're, you're very well aware that there is a strong fandom, just a little, a little bit of a strong fandom. Yeah. When were you aware when you first got booked on Star Trek or when did that realization set in that this is a thing?

[00:15:04] Um, Oh my God. Uh, well, probably when they were having me do all of this stuff, I mean, I've been the only one to wear every, every color, even the white dress. I always forget the white, you know, the dress white, but I will, I've worn every color. Um, I've been in on just TNG alone, probably a hundred episodes just from that deep space nine and Voyager. I was 15 different aliens.

[00:15:32] So I don't even know how many of those I was in. Um, but yeah, uh, after Patrick came up and he goes, you know, I'm getting mail asking about you. And I'm like, what? And he's like, so yeah, they know, they all know me. Um, when I first got on, it was kind of weird because, you know, I was the new chick on the bridge.

[00:15:57] So, you know, it was kind of, but you know, Marina and I to this day are like, she is awesome. She's had my back ever since. Um, I love her and I love them all, but she, I run into her at cons and run into Jonathan and Michael Dorn and they always drop whatever they're doing and say, come over here, give me a hug. And you know, you should have been on Picard. And I'm like, I know.

[00:16:24] And then it's like, you know, but yeah, that, that I wish I would have been on that one. But, um, but like just stuff has happened. I mean, it, it, it's just been crazy. And then the 15 aliens, my gosh. And then the movies, then the movies, oh my God. Okay. So Jonathan comes up and says, um, I know you do stunts. Would you like to fly the ship in the movie generations? And I'm like, okay.

[00:16:53] I go, but I know you guys are going to come out with more. Can it be in the contract? I don't die. And he goes, we can make that happen in the script. That person was supposed to die. Oh my. Wow. There I am flying the ship. I was, I was, this is how weird things work. Okay. I got fitted for the little pirate outfit to be on the boat. They cut me from there. That's when Jonathan felt bad. And he's like, I feel bad because we had to cut certain this and certain that.

[00:17:23] And it wasn't you. And I'm like, I get it. And that's when he came and said, but would you like to fly the ship? And I'm like, well, yeah. Yeah. He's like, it's going to be with, you know, explosives. And I'm like, okay. So, um, it was really fun and exhilarating. But Marina told a story on a panel, which I forgot about that. The first take was great. And you see the Ambers follow me. Right.

[00:17:52] Then she comes and sits in the seat. Well, the Ambers were on the seat and burned her bum. Um, so that's why we had to do another take. And I, I totally forgot about that. So, and then she crashes, crashes the ship. I didn't. Right. We used to have this thing going back and forth, but yeah, she, and then she goes, well, you never told me how to drive it. And I'm like, so, um, yeah, um, just some cool stuff. And then I, you know, I've done, you know, indie movies. I have some other movies that are out right now.

[00:18:22] Um, alien danger one and two, um, staycation just came out. Um, night mistress where I play a, uh, underworld bodyguard. I play some bad-ass chicks, so I'm pretty good. Cool with that. But, um, yeah. So, and then I, then, uh, in 2012 was my very, very, very first over to the pond con London film and comic con. Okay.

[00:18:51] So that's kind of when this whole con thing started and I love them. I love them. Yeah, sure. I would love to do one once a month. Hit, hit anybody out there. Um, but I love doing it and I love my fans and meeting new people. And it's just been like, I still can't believe it. I still can't even believe I have like a major fan base over there here. Like, yeah.

[00:19:20] And I'm very honored and, and, uh, it's just, you know, cause if it wasn't for you guys, the fans and stuff, I wouldn't, I don't even know what I'd be doing right now. Well, we fans would have lost their minds, Tracy, if you showed up in Picard. This is right here. Right. You know, when they first walk back on the bridge, all of them, I should have been there doing my thing. Turn around, turn around and said to them, what took you guys so long? And then I would have left.

[00:19:49] I could have left. It's no big deal. Just you know. It could have been a hologram. What rank would you have been by then? Uh, probably. Oh, I don't know. What do you think? Well, I feel like if, if, uh, Lieutenant Joe is on the track to be a captain, certainly by then that's, that's not the right thing. Lieutenant commander. Yeah. And then, then here's another thing. Click, click. Since I did every color on the show, did all these aliens.

[00:20:19] And don't you think maybe section 31 ish kind of thing or. Yeah. Yeah. That's a good point. That's a good point. Yeah. So yeah. Yeah. I think you should have shown up in Guinan's bar at the very least somehow. Oh my God. Yeah. I now, now that I hear you say that, I'm like, what a missed opportunity. Like there were so many fun moments of different people coming in and out of that.

[00:20:48] Even if it was just first scene. Yeah. Oh, Tracy. Ah, yeah. That's it. And then I clap, you know, boo, boo, boo. Yeah. Just like that. Boo, boo, boo. Boo, boo. Yeah. So what's it like doing stunt work where you have to put your physique on the line for another actress or for your scene? Basically, I did my own for me. Okay.

[00:21:18] Um, I did some, some for God, who was it? Um, I want to say Christie Alley a long time ago. Cause they even had a, and I looked, you know, it was like long hair. Um, but basically I did my own. I do have limits, you know? Well, like on Baywatch surfing is considered a stunt. You know, when we're on the show on the bridge, every time we'd have to, you know, the ship gets hit and you follow the ground. Considered a stunt. Yep. Yeah.

[00:21:48] So I didn't mind doing it. Um, I, you know, I'm like a Borg right now. And so I have like a lot of metal in my body. I have a very bad, um, uh, degenerative spinal stenosis, scoliosis. So I have literally my x-ray looks like, Oh my God. Like what? Yeah. Um, so you have to carry a card when you go through metal detectors. No, it's not that kind of metal. Thank God. All right. I'd be beefing all the way.

[00:22:17] But, um, yeah, but lately, no, I don't really do much of that anymore. I mean, if they asked me, I'm game for anything. My God, I don't care. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I just want to go back and tell the creators of Star Trek, Picard. What were you thinking? Well, that, yeah. And then like lower decks. I could have been on that. Oh, yes. Yes.

[00:22:41] Or, or you just, you, since, since we have an all girl gag for a Star Trek legacy, why not? I don't know. The crew. You guys put it out there. Put out the work. I don't know. I will sign that petition. We are trying to make the phone calls. A lot of people are trying to manifest Star Trek legacy. We want that so badly. So. Yeah. I could totally be on that if the time thing or whatever works. I don't know. I mean. Right. They can wake stuff. You know, it's fiction. Everything can be made up. Yes. Anything can happen. Yeah.

[00:23:11] You, you've, you've been cryogenically frozen for a few years. I've been out on my own ship causing some trouble. There you go. Yep. You're another renegade that they bring into the crew. Yes. I was in that too. I was in that Star Trek renegade. Yes. Okay. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. As an alien, but yeah. Okay. Yeah. I remember that. Anything particularly, you know, it's, you're, you're making it sound like, especially

[00:23:38] for your experience, like with the, with the show, with the prosthetics, you're making it sound. Like, I don't want to say easy, but you, you sound, seem like you enjoyed it so much that it wasn't like a hardship. Is that, is that accurate? I loved it. I loved it. Loved it. Loved it. And thank God my skin worked with stuff because a lot of actors, they broke out. That's what I would worry about. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.

[00:24:02] And my, my scenes in my alien wear weren't like, it was great because it wasn't like an all day thing. The one, the one I, that he had me in, which is gorgeous. It had a forked tongue contacts in my eyes, a ponytail. It was on Voyager. It took six and a half hours to put on. Wow. Wow. So I had to be on the lot at three in the morning, got done by nine 30.

[00:24:29] My scene was up right after went in blah, blah, blah, came back. They took it off. It comes off like so quick, like be amazed. And then I made it home by noon. Yeah. Wow. All that effort. Yeah. And then here's a funny story. When I was in London, um, you know how they have photo ops, whatever. Well, they came up and they said, here's a couple that wants a photo up with you.

[00:24:58] And they were both dressed up as boards. And I'm like, cool. They look like, like we, like, like we did on the show. I mean, in crazy. Um, so here's a weird thing that that's happened to me. Um, I'm standing there. Here's the man. Here's the woman. We're just getting, he's getting like setting up the shot, getting ready. And they both lean in and say, at the same time in my ears, we love you. And we want to take you home. How much?

[00:25:28] Oh, that's my face. That was the photo. Oh my gosh. Wow. I've had some. Yeah. And then, and then, um, I did, where was I, um, in the elevator as my, in my board wear. And then these business guys were behind me. And you know, when you're dressed in the board where, or basically a lot of the makeup I did do,

[00:25:57] they, they don't think you, you know, the person's got to go to the restroom. So, oh, here comes the makeup and the wardrobe with you to take you out of all that. So they're in the, in the elevator, elevator too. And I'm listening to these guys and they're like, Ooh, they're talking some wow stuff. Like, oh, I I'd like to, or, you know, it's like, oh my.

[00:26:24] And I'm, I'm looking at my wardrobe girl and she's like, oh my God. I've had some weird stuff. They even had me go to Miami. They flew me to Miami and full on Ferengi wear and had me on the fricking street. With a Klingon. God, I can't remember his, who, who was the Klingon with me. Um, and we're walking the streets. He's full on Klingon. I'm full on Ferengi. And I remember, I even have a photo of it somewhere.

[00:26:54] I love motorcycles. So there was a Harley guy and with a Harley. And I'm like, oh my God. And you know, you have your teeth and you're like. So I walked up to him and he's like, Hey. And I'm like, can I, can I sit on your bike? I sat on his motorcycle. They have a picture of it. And his face is hysterical. He's like, what the F just happened? Yeah. I've had. Yeah. It's like, see what happened. It's just like so many stories. Yeah.

[00:27:24] Do you have a, a particularly fond episode you were in, or maybe even one you weren't in? Maybe both. You know that you're like, man, I just, I love that. I feel good about that. It gives me all the feels. Um, I really, really, really liked rascals. Cause I, you know, it was me. And then I also, you're going to die on this one. They called me in to do this.

[00:27:50] Um, you know, when they turn Patrick Stewart's hand, uh, to a little boy, they called me in and they say, we need to see your hand. And I'm like, why? And they're like, because we want you to double Patrick's hands as, as the little boy when he's on the computer. Ta-da! Oh my gosh. Those are my, those are my hands. Oh my gosh. You're a stunt double, stunt double for Sir Patrick. Okay. I like that. So wait. So that is, that's interesting.

[00:28:18] Like, so the, they didn't like the kids, the kid who played the young Patrick Stewart. They, they didn't like his hands? I guess not. Or he couldn't do it that day. I don't know. I don't know. Oh, that's so weird. That's so interesting. I always tell people, remember back in the day, that commercial, oh, let's get Mikey to do it. That was, yeah. Yes. Because, because I always was on time. I did what they wanted. They never had to ask me twice. I knew what the hell they wanted me to do. Um, and I, you know, they liked me.

[00:28:47] So it was like, so yeah, I, I mean, who knew when I started? Like, wow. And, and then, and then I even have, um, Coco Pops instead of Funko Pops. I call it Coco Pops. Cause it's my last name. And they're me in each color of, of my outfits. I wore. Oh, that's adorable. I have a guy that does that for me. Um, little figurines and yeah, it's like top tier figures.

[00:29:17] And then, um, Justin Barkley does my, um, Barsky does my, um, Pops. Yeah. Okay. Okay. Yeah. Neat. Yeah. Rascals is one of those episodes too, that just should have, it was so ridiculous, but I loved every second of it. Yeah. Yeah. It just, they pulled it off so beautifully. Yeah. And then I don't know what episode it is, but they literally start.

[00:29:42] The camera starts out on me walking through the doors of the, the bar, you know, the, um, 10th forward. And then follow, follows me all me saying, you know, Hey, hi. And then all the way to where I'm going. And then, um, yeah, it's crazy. Um, I remember the first time I was walked on the set or the bridge, I was like, Oh my, wow. This is crazy.

[00:30:09] Like realistic, really realistic. Right. And back in the day they had a red light and green light and the guys behind the, the, the, the doors to pull the doors open. They thought it would be funny, I guess, cause it's, I'm a newbie or whatever to not open the door when I was supposed to walk through that. Oh my. So I got them all back. Uh, you know how they have craft service, right? Yeah.

[00:30:39] Yes. Yes. Full on spread of stuff. I went to a joke shop and got those fake plastic rubber cockroaches. And I put them all over the, all over the chips and stuff. And I remember hearing a, a scream and it was Marina saying, what the fuck is this? Oh, that's great. Oh, you had way too much fun, but I did. I do.

[00:31:09] Oh, but yeah. My goodness. Yeah. So you go, you do a lot of conventions and you said you love them. And, and just from what I've seen of things you're posting online from those and what fans post with you. One of the things that's gotta be so rewarding, Tracy, is just how the fans do respond to you.

[00:31:30] And, but also I re just from our short time with you here in, on this podcast, like you just, you're a real person who loves to have fun, who really has enjoyed life and all the opportunities you've had. And that just comes across so beautifully. And, um, I'm sure that your interactions with fans, uh, has a real impact on their lives and just, just helps them keep going and you know, all that stuff. Oh yeah.

[00:31:58] I, I, uh, I love them and, um, the little kids. Oh my God. They're so dwarves. Um, I, I had a couple of them, but the one that I remember, um, the little girl comes up with her mom and, uh, she's like, look at me like, Oh my God. Oh my God. And I'm like, I'm just, I'm a, I'm a real person. Yeah. Yeah. Like, I know, but my dad is like, loves you to death. And then the mom's like nodding. Uh huh. Uh huh. Like you got it. Uh huh.

[00:32:28] Yep. And then she, she's looking at the pictures and I know she doesn't, she can't afford anything. So I'm like, so which picture do you think your dad might like? And she's like, well, I think he'd like that one, but I don't, before she can even say anything, I go, it's a secret. Shh. So I took it, signed it, gave it to her and her look walking away and then looking back at me like, Oh my God, I can't even. That's so sweet. It touches my heart.

[00:32:58] Um, I have a lot of, um, is, is, is the correct word autistic? Yes. Mm-hmm.

[00:33:07] Mm-hmm. I'm gay.

[00:33:34] So, um, I don't, I don't think anything's wrong with it. Everybody that knows me knows, um, I love everybody. You know, it's like. Yeah. Yes, exactly. No, it's like, it doesn't matter. So I have a lot of, a lot of the LGBTQ, you know, fans. Um, I, I, you know, I, I, and I even have fans on, you know, things I don't agree with, but I like to listen. I'm open-minded. I like to hear their thoughts.

[00:34:01] And, and, and I mean, I've even had panels where people ask me things that's like nervous, but then, you know what, if you're asking me. Yeah. Then I'm going to tell you. Yeah. And you know what, coming, walking out of there, I made a new, like, I don't know what the word, um, they respect, like, like my opinion. Yeah. And we had a conversation. You're actually connecting with people. Yes. Exactly. Yes. I mean, yes. So, yeah.

[00:34:30] It really, it really comes down to Tracy is, is they, they're respecting you as the actress and you're respecting them as the fans and whatever your other private life is. That's not important. They really, they want to, they're excited about meeting you, the actress, you, the character who played that. And they're probably have a billion questions about, like we do about your involvement on the series and as different characters and the process it goes through and all that.

[00:34:59] So, yeah, I mean. But you said something. Yeah. You said something just very important right then. It's that mutual respect both ways. And that's when people can actually communicate. Yes. Which is what we, we need more of. It's just people communicating with each other. Totally, totally, totally. Well, you know, when they had me as a Ferengi on Deep Space Nine. Oh, who was putting it on me? Thomas Supernit, I think. And he's like, you know, Ferengi women are naked. So you're in drag. Ferengi.

[00:35:29] Because they are, right? They're naked. Right. Yes, they are. They're supposed to be. Except for Mugi. Mugi wore her clothes because she was a rebel. In the rebellion. Yep. But then, you know, I was even a Colbarian. A Colbarian. Every time they'd call me to be a Colbarian, I knew that the nose was fake. So I'd get a sore throat because every time I wore it, I had to breathe through my mouth. Oh. So you learn certain things like, oh, they're calling me for this one.

[00:35:58] Okay, I'm going to get a sore throat or, you know. I was both Borgs, the Borg with all the, you know, hoses and all. I was that. But I was also the Borg drone in one episode where I have the bald skull cap and my eyes out. And I'm sitting on a cave floor. But it's all that packs, the white makeup. You can't, they don't, you can't smile. So, because it cracks and then they get mad. We have to do it again. Yeah.

[00:36:28] So in Star Trek, you said you were in First Contract. So, and I've seen that movie too many times. That's the one, is that the one with Alice? Yes. Yes. I was her stunt double in that too and play me. Ah, really? Nice. Very cool. Very cool. When she's up on that thing, up in that, you know. Yeah. Yes. Jonathan had me strapped in on a board up there.

[00:36:56] And they turning me and stuff. And to her when she speaks as she's coming down. I don't know exactly her words, but, and then she, her arms. Lowers down. And then it connects to the body. That was me. So, and then, and then they call me in to be. Oh, this is crazy. I totally forgot. They called me back to be her arms holding his legs when he's going up something. Oh my goodness. Yes, yes. Oh, me. Those are my arms in her little suit.

[00:37:24] She's grabbing onto, onto, onto data. Yeah. Yep. Wow. Crazy, crazy. Dissolving from the, the, the, yeah. The gas. Yep. I'm telling you, man. It's fantastic. Yeah. I mean, you gotta be so proud of your, you know, to have been these iconic characters in the series. Yeah. And that, you know, and a lot of people, you're in makeup, so we don't really know it's you. You don't know, but the people that know my eyes, they can tell.

[00:37:54] Uh-huh. Now we gotta look back again. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. But, oh, here's another one for you on YouTube. I totally forgot. A fan friend of mine, Chris Dale in, in the UK made me, I'm not, the first time I saw it, I started crying. It was, oh my God. The fans are great. He put together a lot of my clips to the Pretender song, Brass in Pocket. Okay. You know that song, right? Mm-hmm. Yep.

[00:38:23] It's on YouTube and it's called A Tribute to Lieutenant Jay. You gotta watch it. Oh my God. Okay, we'll absolutely find it. It's fantastic. And share it. It's fantastic. Yeah. Yeah. Well, Tracy, you're one of my new favorites. Thank you. I'm just gonna say that out loud. Thank you. I just, I love your story because you just, you just were available for every opportunity

[00:38:49] and just rode the ride and you're still riding it. You're not done. No. And you're just enjoying life and not letting everything bog you down. I'm sure you have moments like we all do, but I just, it's, your energy is just so tangible. Yes. Oh, thank you. Because see, that's what happens when I do the Comic Cons. It brings out like the little kid in me and I, I exploit, you know, whatever, put out a lot of energy.

[00:39:19] And then, so by the time I get home, I am not kidding. I am dead. Yeah. Yeah. Yep. But I love it. I wouldn't, I, yeah, I love it. There's an energy you release to other people. And just when, when you're doing that, that is physical. It's, it's just, you, you get home and you're tired. I'm sure every, I'm sure that's an actor thing. It's any performer on any, in any art form, you know?

[00:39:46] Um, and, and I'm sure business men and women, people in different trades that have to perform in different ways for different people. Put it up, put the show on are everything they need to be. And then when they get home, you know, they're like, Oh man, that expanded a lot. But, but I just want to say thank you for all the fans, um, for what you have done in track and everything else, but just for your life, Tracy, and your joy. Uh, we need, we need more of this in our culture right now.

[00:40:16] We need just to laugh and, and, uh, be able to enjoy life for crying out loud and listen to each other and respect you. Like Adina and I had a conversation the other day about this, like for crying out loud, listen to each other. You don't have to agree with each other. You can even vehemently disagree, but still have peace and still appreciate each other. We all got to live on this planet together for crying out loud. Yeah, I know it. I know it. And, um, yeah.

[00:40:44] So what, what, what everybody's missing, not seeing just hearing her voice, what you're missing. She hasn't stopped moving, vibrating, moving back and forth. She has so much energy. Literally. Can we just tap you? I think you could like run a couple of homes. The amount of energy that's coming out of you while you're, I mean, she, she's going back and forth. She's going to take a nap after this.

[00:41:12] Well, you know, you know, every time I do one of these, I get really nervous before. Really? And then, you know, because I'm going to, like you saw when, when you wanted me, when you wanted me to come on to the zoom, I'm like, I don't know what I'm doing. You can't hear me or see, you know, ah, but once I, even like, even when I go on, do a panel, I get really nervous. But then once I'm out there. Yeah. Yeah. You get warmed up. You get warmed up. The anticipation of. Yeah. There's another story. Really quick.

[00:41:43] Yeah. A couple, not last, not last year. I'm thinking it was the year, the year before when that's, when the Star Trek cruise was, it was going out of Long Beach. That one. Yeah. It was like two years or two or three years ago. Yes. Yeah. So a fan friend of mine now, well, he was a fan friend, acquaintance, messaged me one night or afternoon.

[00:42:12] And he's like, you know, you really need to be, you know, on the Star Trek cruise. And I'm like, oh, dude, I've been trying. They know who I am. I emailed them. They know. They know. I don't know what I got to do. I mean, I'm not, you know, I don't know what I got to do. Like, you don't have to do, you don't have to do anything right now. And I'm like, what do you mean? And he goes, because you're going. And I'm like, what are you talking about? He goes, I'm giving you my extra promenade room. Oh my gosh. So that's how I got to go.

[00:42:41] And it was easy because it was right out of here, out of Long Beach. So I didn't have to fly anywhere and worry about, you know, that. So it totally worked. And oh my God, those cruises are insanely fun. Have you guys ever been? When? So I went last year for the first time. I'm going this year and I'm already booked for next year. What? Yes, they are a blast.

[00:43:06] Highly recommend to anyone who likes Star Trek conventions and likes cruising. This is the place to be for sure. And so here's just another story. So I go, I'm on the cruise. Jonathan and John Delancey, Denise Crosby and Marina. We're all getting ready to do a panel. So I'm in the bar having a cocktail and then I get up and then I literally run into her, Marina. She's like, Tracy.

[00:43:36] I'm like, hi, honey. She's like, how are you? And I told her, blah, blah, blah. She's like, are you going to come watch the panel? And I'm like, okay. Okay. So the guys that got me on the boat or ship, they're like, you're going to do this. When they ask the audience, if they have a question, you're going to go down and you're going to ask a damn question. I'm like, I can't do that. I'm too shy. And they're like, no, you're freaking not too shy. You're going to do it. And I'm like, oh my God.

[00:44:06] And so now I'm stressed out going, oh my God, oh my God. So I go, okay. And I'm wearing this hat and I can't remember top. Well, probably black. I love wearing black. So anyway, I go down in the aisle and they had a, you know, kneeling and everything. And then I'm like, I hope I can get up when the light shines on me. So all of a sudden I stand up and the light shines on me and Marina goes, oh my God, Jonathan, look who it is. And he's like, who is it?

[00:44:36] And she's like, it's Tracy Coco. And he's like, Tracy. And she's like, yeah. And I'm like, hi. I have a question for you, Jonathan. And he's like, what is it? And I said, do you think you can catch me now? Because there's a blooper of him chasing me down the corridor and he yells my name, Tracy. And I keep running. I don't know if you've seen it. It is hysterical. Oh, I'm going to look that up. We have a lot to look up after. Yeah. So he's like, yes, I believe I can.

[00:45:05] And I was just like, oh, I didn't have a combat. I was just like, I didn't have a comeback. Oh, my God. Oh, my God. And so I'm like, ha, ha, ha, ha. And so then I think, I think, you know, all of them. Well, basically Marina and Jonathan. And I, I never really worked with Denise. I took her place when she left. That was the year, 80 something. Gotcha. But I kind of think, you know, I thank them for letting me be a part of, you know, being on the show. It was life changing for me and it was fantastic. And I love you guys. And then Marina's like, we love you too, Tracy.

[00:45:35] And then she's like, she just went on and on. And so I'm like, yeah, you know, like the little kid goes, yes, I did it. So I'm running all the way up the ramp, you know, the aisle doing, yes. And everybody's like, yes, we're trying to talk. And I'm like, oh my God. I went, I was running to go to the bar to get shot because I was literally like this. So then Marina says, Tracy, how many episodes were you in? I turn around and somebody already had the mic.

[00:46:05] And I'm like, over a hundred episodes. And she's like, yep. She goes, and she flew the ship. She had my back. Nice. I love her forever. Yeah. And you do her accent really well too. Sort of, sort of. Yeah. Better than I could do. But that was my, that was my first, you know, experience on a ship and it was fantastic. Yeah. Wow. That's a great story. I have only good things to say about the cruise last year.

[00:46:33] And I'm, I'm, I'm so looking forward to it this year and next year. So. Where are they going next year? Next year it is back. So this year is out of Miami and they're going to Mexico, like Cozumel and places. Next year it's out of Cape Canaveral again. I don't remember all the ports to call. I think there are three of them. So they probably won't ever have one out of Long Beach. Yeah. I know the preference is, is Florida, you know, out of Florida. I think the Long Beach one, that was an anomaly. Yeah. Yeah.

[00:47:03] Which again, on my side, I like to drive to Florida. I'd rather not, I'd also, I'd rather not fly. Yeah. I like it being on the East coast. It works. I would totally go again. Yeah. I mean, but yeah. See, the only way I love doing my cons, but yeah. The only way I do them is obviously they pay for this thing for that. Sure. Sure. Yep. So, and who knew? Who even knew that would happen? Like, who knew? I'd be getting this much for an autograph. Oh my.

[00:47:33] Yeah. Yeah. Like crazy, man. So cool. Yeah. Is there a convention coming up? You will be doing? Yes. Thank you for asking. You're welcome. The beginning of May, second, third, and fourth. I'm going to be in Lompop, California. Oh, okay. Yeah. Rocket Town Comic Con. Right there near Vandenberg Air Force Base. Yeah. Mm-hmm. And then in June, I'm coming back.

[00:48:02] They had me last year, so I'm a repeater, which is always nice. Then in June, I believe I'm going to Subspace Comic Con in Illinois, Bloomington, Illinois. I don't know exactly the dates in June. And then July, I just got the one that Adina said. Yep. Shore Leave in Lancaster. Shore Leave. Which, what? What? And then hopefully again, I'll be in Vegas in August. Oh, wow. Okay.

[00:48:30] Have you been invited to Vegas? Or? I've been to Vegas for the last five times. Well, yeah. They invite me every year. That's great. So I'm praying they do it again. Because I drive there myself. So it's an experience for me. The first time I did it, I was really nervous. And my girlfriend's like, don't worry. I have, I'm tracking your car. So I, and I'm like, good.

[00:48:58] Because I was like, you know, God, if I get a flap, the hills have eyes. Brothers are going to come out and eat me. You know, I was like, so. The hills have eyes. Oh, my God. Now that is an old movie reference. It's creepy. It's creepy. Yes, it is. Yes, I saw that movie. Yeah. Or like, or like the wrong turn. Yeah, that could happen. You make a wrong turn and you're in the freaking woods somewhere. Yeah. Yep. Great.

[00:49:25] The one, I think I want to ask you about one of your non-Star Trek things. Because this was just very random from my point of view. You were in a Snoop Dogg music video. Yes. As a SWAT officer holding a double barrel shotgun up to his face as he's on the stage. Oh, my gosh. Yeah. Hysterical. I was like, I was literally, I don't know if I was the only, you know, Caucasian woman there. But I pull up in a white car. I'm white.

[00:49:54] And it smells like freaking pot everywhere. His trailer opens up and it's a poof. And I'm like, oh, boy. So they're telling me what I'm supposed to do. And I'm like, oh, shit. Okay. So I literally had a, yeah, double barrel shotgun. I don't know what the song, it was a groovy song. I can't remember the song. And he's doing his look at me like, yeah, uh-huh. You know? Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.

[00:50:22] So crazy, man. That's so random. I mean, it just, it seems like that's just such a random thing in the mix of all these things that you've done. So random that here's another random thing. Back in the day, Madonna was having a contest for fans to make a video for her song, True Blue. So a friend of mine, he's passed since then, Dave. He says, we got to do this.

[00:50:51] And I'm like, okay. I go, but I'm filming Star Trek until I don't know when. And, you know, and then I get home and I'm tired. He goes, we got to do it. We got to do it. We only have this much time to do it. We did it in two days. Filmed it in two days at Belmont Shore. I got second place. Wow. Nice. That is also, that I think is also on YouTube or my YouTube. It's, yeah, Madonna. It's the Madonna True Blue video. I mean, yeah.

[00:51:17] I've done a commercial for McDonald's singing through McDonald's back in the day, you know, looking at hamburgers and singing a little song that I had to try out three times at the Hilton in downtown LA. That's where, that's where I met Grace Slick in the lobby. I mean, just like crazy. So my, my great aunt who lived in San Francisco when I was visiting her a few years before she passed, this is like more than a decade ago. Yeah.

[00:51:45] She was, she was showing me around, showing me around her neighborhood. Like Grace Slick used to live in her building, like back in like the 60s. And I'm like, I'm like, what? And so for our listeners who might not know who we're referring to, Grace Slick was from Jefferson Airplane. Jefferson Starship, Jefferson Airplane. Yeah. Yes. Yeah. So White Rabbit, those songs and everything. Yes. Oh, I love it. So random. So random. I love the randomness. Yes. Yep. Yep.

[00:52:14] So what is the latest thing you've done, Tracy? The latest thing I've done was probably staycation. And it basically, it just came out. And by the way, we got an award for it and I didn't send in the money to get my trophy, but I was all excited. But I don't know. Anyway, I played DeAndre Walsh. Kind of like the head, like the CNN news anchor in the movie. And basically, it starts out as like a virus.

[00:52:44] They don't know what it is. And then it turns, obviously, here we go, into a zombie thing. Of course. Why not? Yeah. Zombies always. Then Alien Danger 1 and 2. Oh, staycation was Russ Emanuel. He was the director. And I'm also in Assassin's Apprentice 2 with him as the director. And Marina Sirtis and Armin Shimmerman are in it. Oh, wow. And I play a retired assassin in that.

[00:53:13] Then James Balsamo, Alien Danger 1 and 2. The first Alien Danger, I play like an alien in the spaceship called Vex. Then Alien Danger 2, I have two parts. Cleo Catra and Vortex 47. Oh, my gosh. It's kind of like, it's just a funky, funky, funky beat kind of fun movie. Kids can watch it. But basically, it's like, here's the spaceship, but you can see the wires.

[00:53:46] He likes doing stuff old school way, which is totally cool. And he's a director that, like, I didn't have to learn a script. He throws you the lines, which is cool. Okay. Yeah. And then Night Mistress is out. I don't know if it's out yet, but I play, that's where I play the head bodyguard for the Underworld Boss. Okay. Yeah. IMDB says that one is in post-production right now. Yeah.

[00:54:12] And then I'm supposed to be doing another one with Rayster, who did that one, called Night, I think it's called Night Realm or something. And Doug Jones, there's a lot of people that are supposed to be in it. I don't know when it's supposed to start, but he says I have a part, so we'll see. Yeah. Awesome. Yeah. You still have tremendous energy. You still have tremendous desire to be in films and different productions, and that's wonderful. And, you know, I don't need, like, the lead role.

[00:54:42] Everybody's like, why not? And I'm like, because I don't. I just like to have come in, blow it up, and then leave. Or, you know, come in. Just, yeah. Like, yeah. But I always, I want to play, like, badass women. Like, put me all in black, like, what, oh, my God, you know, Michelle from, she's awesome, section 31. Oh, my God. She's so perfect. Yes. But, like, wearing the black, I love it. Like, yeah.

[00:55:12] And in The Matrix, I kind of look like Keanu. That's how they had me dressed in the night in black with my hair slicked back. Yeah. Wow. Awesome. Awesome. Wow. This has been such an hour full of amazing stories. Yeah, we got cocktails coming. Hang on. Tracy, I want to thank you so much for just sharing your stories with us. This has been, like, this has been such a hoot listening to you tell all your stories. It's so much fun. Thank you.

[00:55:41] A huge thank you to Tracy Coco for joining us and sharing her incredible stories from her time on Star Trek and beyond. Woo! She is truly a part of Star Trek history. Thank you. And we've had an absolute blast hearing all these adventures. Mm-hmm. Thank you, guys. Yes. Well, thank you. My goodness. Yes. So, thank you to our listeners, too, for tuning in. And we'd always love to hear your thoughts. You know, who's your favorite Star Trek background character or alien? Anything.

[00:56:11] Drop us a message on Facebook. She probably played it. Yes. Exactly. Exactly. You were talking about Tracy there. You can also send us an email at thebigscifipodcast at gmail.com with any other thoughts or questions you might have. Until next time, everybody, keep exploring the final frontier. And as always, live long and prosper and never underestimate the power of a great background character. See you on the next episode of The Big Sci-Fi Podcast.

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