By GustavoLeao / 06:21, 20 February 2009 / Star Trek: Nemesis

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TrekWeb talks to actor Anthony Montgomery, who played NX-O1 helmsman Ensign Travis Mayweather on Star Trek Enterprise, about his role in the prequel series, the new Star Trek movie and his current and future projects.

1) Anthony, please tell us about your current and upcoming projects. 

I recently finished guest-starring on Navy: NCIS, House and the new TNT television series, Trust Me. My episodes for NCIS and House have already aired. I wasn't given an air-date for Trust Me, so people will need to check their local listings. On NCIS I played a marine, on House I worked for the "Department of Child Protective Services" and on Trust Me I was a lawyer. Acting is my first love so I'm continually working on staying in front of the camera. I'm also promoting my first Hip Hop album.

I also created an animated television series and started writing a children's book but had to put them on hold so I could focus on acting and promoting my album. I'll be getting back to work on them as soon as my schedule allows.

2) What can you tell us about your Hip Hop album, "A.T" ? Please tell us about your singing career.

I love Hip Hop. With my music I'm a story teller and like the Hip Hop artists I admire, I paint pictures with words. My album is a lot of fun and also engaging. There's no profanity (although I do say "hell" on one song and "damn" on another). It's not disrespectful to women, but you can still bounce to it in the clubs. I take you on a journey on the album, giving a look into my life with dedicated songs to my daughter, mother and brother. A little treat for my Star Trek fans, some songs have Sci-FI themes and references. The album doesn't "dis" other rappers or preach violence. That's not my style. I've heard the album described as "feel good music like back in the day when Hip Hop was fun." I put a lot of hard work, energy and time into completing the album and I'm proud of my freshman effort. I hope everyone will support me and go out and buy a copy today. As a bonus, I'm the first (and only) actor in Star Trek history to have a Hip Hop album, so the album is truly a collector's item. 

The album is called, "A.T", searchable under my full name and available on Amazon.com in different parts of the world. The Amazon links are accessible through my Myspace page @ www.myspace.com/ATmusic5; or the THE MUSIC section of my website @ http://www.anthonymontgomery.com/. Regardless of where people are around the world, I welcome all fans and friends to join my friend network on Myspace. In the USA and Canada the album is only available on iTunes.com and Rhapsody.com. To go directly to iTunes, please click the following link. Thank you for all the support.   

3) Your movie, The Inevitable Undoing of Jay Brooks, got very good reviews. What can you tell us about this experience ?

I learned a lot from that process. It was my first Romantic Comedy and lead role in a feature film. It was an interesting and great experience. I, along with the director, Jennifer Sharp, put in a lot of hours to get the most out of the script we could. We wanted to make the movie the best it could be and I was determined to make my character multi-dimensional and not the stereotypical guy. I'm glad the picture has been so well received, having won 10 awards. The title has been shortened to "I'm Through with White Girls" and the movie is now available online and throughout the US. 

4) Do you see yourself stepping behind the camera anytime soon?

Yes, I do intend to get behind the camera at some point in my career, but for now I'm keeping my focus on being in front of the camera. I've written a short film that I plan to direct as my first directing project when the time comes. 

5) People get into acting for a lot of different reasons. What drives you? 

I love the craft of acting. I love breaking down scripts and creating characters. Most of all, I love being able to touch people with my work. I didn't get into acting with any expectations except to do my very best on each role. I want to have a long career in Hollywood.  

6) Looking back at Star Trek Enterprise, what do you treasure the most about being involved with the series and the Star Trek franchise ?

I'm honored to be a part of the Star Trek franchise and to be attached to such an amazing tradition in cinema. The optimistic outlook of Gene Roddenberry's original vision is something that will stand the test of time. I'm proud to be a member of the Star Trek family. I treasure the relationships that I have with all of my former cast mates and the fact that I now have loyal fans all around the world.

7) What do you miss the most about Travis ?

Travis was a fun character to play because of the excitement he had going into the different scenarios. I really enjoyed the show and miss the adventures. 

8) Manny Coto, now a producer on 24, took over the writing staff during season 4, which is considered by many the finest season of Enterprise. Do you agree ?

I feel like we came into our own during the fourth season. The Xindi arch (which took place during the third season) really gave more of a "sense of urgency" to the show and I believe that momentum carried over into the fourth season. Manny is a fantastic writer and definitely changed the dynamics of the direction of the show. 

9) The final episode "These Are the Voyages", was heavily criticized by fans. Looking back, what are your feelings regarding the finale ?

I didn't watch the finale. I'll keep my feelings to myself.

10) After all these years since the end of the series, do you still enjopy going to Star Trek conventions and meeting the fans ?

Star Trek fans are the most loyal fans in the world and the conventions are a great time for me. I love meeting the fans and being able interact. 

11) As you know, J.J. Abrams is producing and directing a new Star Trek movie which is a reboot of The Original Series. Do you think this movie can renvigorate the Star Trek franchise ?

J.J. Abrams is very talented and there's a wonderful cast attached to the new movie. I'm sure it's going to do very well and the fans will love it. Star Trek has been around for more than 40 years and I believe it will live forever.

12) You have said in the past that the original Uhura, actress Nichelle Nichols, was a role model for you. Actress Zoe Saldana is playing Uhura in the new movie. Do you have any advices for her ?

Zoe Saldana is a very gifted actress and a positive role model. I know she's going to be great as "Uhura." I would simply say, "Have fun, enjoy the ride, and welcome to the family."

13) Do you think Star Trek Enterprise could be made into a good Star Trek motion picture ? Would you like to reprise the role of Travis for a TV or movie project if Paramount ever come and ask you again ?

Yes, I do believe our series would make a good motion picture, especially given the strength of season four. I'd be glad to be involved if Paramount wanted to do a feature film. It would be great to work with Scott, Jolene, Connor, Dominic, John and Linda again.

14) Finally, Anthony, tell us about your site AnthonyMontgomery.com

My website was created to give fans a place to learn more about me. It was created while I was on Enterprise and when I signed my record deal, my German record label, AGR Television Records, revamped the site and currently run it for me. People can visit: http://www.anthonymontgomery.com/ to learn more. I encourage fans to join the website as a member and spread the word. Again, I thank you all for your continued support of me and my career.