Andrew Jackson as Captain D'Chok in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Photo courtesy of Andrew Jackson.
When it comes to the worlds of Science Fiction, fantasy, and the supernatural, Andrew Jackson is certainly no stranger. Having worked in the entertainment industry for over 35 years, the Canadian-born actor has guest-starred in several genre TV shows including Highlander, PSI Factor: Chronicles of the Paranormal, Charmed, Stargate SG-1, First Wave, Andromeda, Lost Girl, and Earth: Final Conflict, in which Jackson underwent an extensive makeup process to portray the first-ever representative seen in the series of an extraterrestrial race called the Jaridians. In 2023, he once again performed behind a mask as Captain D’Chok, a member of the iconic Star Trek alien species known as Klingons in The Broken Circle, the season two opener of the newest Trek spin-off Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. An officer in the Klingon Defense Force and captain of a D7-class battle cruiser, D’Chok crosses paths with Mr. Spock (Ethan Peck), who while in temporary command of the U.S.S. Enterprise, takes the ship and its crew into a disputed region of space. Their mission threatens to reignite tensions between the Federation and Klingons. Recently, Jackson took some time out of his busy schedule to talk about his work on the series.
How did you first become involved in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, and can you tell me about the audition process for your role of Captain D'Chok?
Covid protocols dramatically altered the audition process. We rarely, if ever, audition in person. My agent sent me a mysterious audition for the role of a military alien in a Sci-Fi series. It was not identified as Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Given the audition material, I suspected I might be auditioning for one of the more recent Star Trek shows. I had two options: I could audition via a zoom meeting or do a self-tape audition at home and email my agent my audition. I opted to do a self-tape. I read the character description and chose to play the razor-sharp military strategist with the spirit of a primal warrior. I imagined my alien character was part reptilian. Keep in mind, I didn’t know I was auditioning for the role of a Klingon. I was simply following my instincts.
Casting later relayed to my agent that I had done an “excellent audition.” That said, I was shocked and very pleased when informed that I’d landed a role on a Star Trek series. Wow…I was about to fulfill a childhood dream.
How familiar were you with the Klingon race (classic Trek and/or spin-off series) and in what ways did you incorporate that knowledge into your prep for your character?
I loved watching the various Star Trek series over the years. The ever-evolving interpretation of the Klingon race had made a strong impression. Klingons practice authoritarianism and are known for ruthlessness. They are a society based on war and combat. Protecting the integrity of one’s honor is central to their cultural and spiritual way of life. There is something attractive about a culture that emphasizes the importance of honor, especially given we live in a world that’s largely devoid of honor. I could readily embrace such a role.
Captain D’Chok is a career military man and strategist. I needed to demonstrate a controlled demeaner and intellect. I immediately thought of a man who directed me at Canada’s Stratford Festival named David William. The late British director was a tall, imposing intellectual giant. He was a brilliant academic with a directorial approach that often terrified young actors. His memory kept popping into view as I explored the text and character. I also enjoyed developing the character’s primal energy.
The face behind Captain D'Chok; actor Andrew Jackson. Photo courtesy of Andrew Jackson.
Can you tell me a bit about the make-up as well as costuming for the role?
The wardrobe department was nothing short of amazing. I filmed at a time when Covid was at an all-time high. I was required to make multiple trips to the city for Covid tests. Once cleared, I was free to attend my scheduled fitting. Wardrobe was very excited about the new look of the Klingons. The costume’s design paid tribute to the original series. Great passion and meticulous detail went into every inch of the costume. The artistry was nothing short of inspiring. Everything was built in a series of layers. Once they built the base of the costume, they set about cutting and re-cutting various paper shapes and applying them to my body. Once they settled on the size and shape, they used the design to cut large pieces of beige leather. The next step involved dyeing the leather black or gold. The sash was made with interwoven leather. I spent multiple days standing in a wardrobe room or trailer, undergoing a costume building process. It was fascinating to watch.
Prosthetics are always an adventure. I loved the look of my character. I was told by the makeup artist that the prosthetic materials used for film and television had evolved over the last few decades. The soft foam is perfectly molded to one’s face. I love the way prosthetics still allow for expression, while also creating shapes that bear no resemblance to one’s features. I was asked to attend a zoom read-through on the day of a wardrobe and makeup camera test. The wig as well as many of the finishing touches had not been applied. There I was in my trailer attending a zoom read-through, being introduced to the leads and producer in attendance. I looked a lot like the Game of Thrones’ Night King. The transitional look was a little creepy and unsettling. It wasn’t the best way to make an introduction. The false teeth were amazing. A dentist created a mold and added fine stripes to the teeth. I had to practice speaking with the guard-like object in my mouth. Initially the false teeth resulted in a speech impediment.
Following up on a previous answer, how would you describe Captain D'Chok and what were some of the biggest challenges you found bringing him to life on the small screen?
Captain D’Chok is a military strategist who is sitting in a position of military supremacy. The captain chooses a less impulsive strategy in his handling of a threatening military decision. He grants Spock the opportunity to explain his actions as well as intentions and they both manage to undermine a subversive plan to ignite a war. A wise warrior makes a point of knowing his enemy. I loved the interrogation scene, but I also loved the playful exchange when D’Chok learns that Spock is willing to drink [Klingon] bloodwine. It is something he “simply cannot miss.”
We filmed the toast scene first. I was blown away by the enormous and elaborate set. Dozens of background performers were made up in prosthetics or alien masks. An enormous curved background screen projected moving images of the planet sky complete with migrating birds. It was incredible. They shot the scene using a large crane before coming in closer for the bloodwine drinking and toast coverage. The wild warrior drunken scene, surrounded by other Klingons, reminded me of my drinking scene experience as a hardened biker on Gangland: Undercover.
What sticks out most in your mind about your first day on the Strange New Worlds set, and then just, in general, your experiences shooting this episode? Is there a scene you found especially challenging and/or memorable?
We were taken to set for the first time to do a camera test. I recall looking at the bridge of the U.S.S. Enterprise with my mouth agape. I felt like I’d stepped through a portal into an alternate universe. I stood next to another newcomer and we both just stared in awe. They promptly asked us to sit down with our backs to the bridge. That was difficult.
What was it like working with the show's cast, in particular Ethan Peck (Spock), as well as the episode's director Chris Fisher?
Ethan Peck is a prince. He is an absolute joy to work with. I thoroughly enjoyed previously working with Chris Fisher on Warehouse 13. I particularly liked working with him on Strange New Worlds and fine tuning my performance as Captain D’Chok during the viewscreen scene with Spock.
Besides Strange New Worlds, can you bring me up to date on your other recent projects?
I recently filmed a Hallmark romantic comedy called Catch Me If You Clause. I was cast as the “real Santa.” A week after wrapping, I filmed several days on a TV movie called, Love in High Gear (working title). I am currently recurring on the animation series My Little Pony: Tell Your Tale, and I continue recording a role on an undisclosed video game. I recently wrote a short film script and I’m in the process of developing a docu-style reality series. In my spare time I play trumpet and sing with two bands.
Steve Eramo
