AVAAH BLACKWELL has reprised her role as an Osnullus in the third season of Star Trek: Discovery airing now on CBS.
AC: What can audiences expect from Star Trek: Discovery?
AVAAH BLACKWELL – Well, I can’t say too much as I really don’t want to ruin any surprises but a lot of action, incredible storylines, twists and turns, and as we’ve already seen in the first few episodes, we can count on Trek to highlight the goodness and true potential of humanity amidst incredibly dark times.
AC: How does your character fit into the story?
AVAAH BLACKWELL – The character I usually I play is an Ensign Sciences Officer on the bridge of Discovery known simply as “Osnullus” she is a 6 eyed alien with a large head, and though an alien of few words, she’s always there making scientific observations, supporting her fellow Star Fleet Officers, and ready to take over the spore drive, and several other stations of the Discovery bridge when needed.
AC: What do you think is your character’s ultimate goal?
AVAAH BLACKWELL – Captain of her own ship one day. Also, finding the most scientifically optimal yet equally delicious space snack. Both noble goals IMO.
AC: Can you recall any funny moments from on-set filming?
AVAAH BLACKWELL – Check out the season two blooper reel on Blu-ray, you’ll see a great moment where Osnullus almost met her goal!
AC: As an actor, what are you still trying to learn?
AVAAH BLACKWELL – Everything, everyday. Really except maybe calculus.
AC: How can you tell when you’re reading a great script?
AVAAH BLACKWELL – When I’m not thinking about anything else while reading it.
AC: When did you begin to see acting as a potential career avenue?
AVAAH BLACKWELL – I never did and truthfully I still don’t really. It was just always something I wanted to do, so I went out and did it. Career or not. This is an incredible ride, it’s so much fun and it could end at any moment, but it can also keep going. I give everything my best shot, and am so grateful for the incredible opportunities I’ve been given so far. I also look forward to and am grateful for the ones that are coming my way!
AC: What do you want the world to look like in 10 years?
AVAAH BLACKWELL – Better than this. A place where respect for people, the environment and the self is paramount. Where kids learn how to grow their own food, budget, do their taxes, communicate with themselves and each other in school along with everything else. Where we use sustainable resources and protect when need to be protected regardless of profit. More nature everywhere. They say I am a dreamer. (I hope) I’m not the only one.
AC: If you had the chance to put something on billboards worldwide next week, what would it be? Or what would it say?
AVAAH BLACKWELL – YOU ARE F***ING AMAZING.
AC: How important is social media to you right now?
AVAAH BLACKWELL – Interesting question! It’s done a little flip for me. It’s become less important for me to get anything out of it. It’s become more important as a tool to connect to causes, people and resources that I care about, and if I am doing something I’m really excited about that adds value to someone’s day, then I do really love to share it with my online community.
AC: What’s the biggest realization you’ve had this past year?
AVAAH BLACKWELL – Everything can change in an instant, so make sure you’re good with YOU and the people you love. That’s all that really matters, the rest is all extra. Change is the only constant in life – do your best to accept the change, and take it as an opportunity to learn new ways of moving in the world.
AC: Everyone seems to have an app idea at the moment, what’s yours?
AVAAH BLACKWELL – I’m less app, more nap at the moment. Oh god I sound so old.
AC: What makes you feel nostalgic?
AVAAH BLACKWELL – Rocket popsicles, Road trips across the prairies, camping, classic rock, car shows, Lord of the Rings movies.
AC: Do you have a personal fear you’d like to conquer?
AVAAH BLACKWELL – Okay, this is a vulnerable one and I am in the midst of conquering it! It’s not so much a fear, as a..well I guess you could say a habit – I’ve taken some time to be so single. Like – very, very, very, single. I was in two very intense long term relationships over the past 10 years and I ended the last one right before the world as we knew it ended. Quarantine helped me with the initial recovery, and now that the world is moving again I’m committing to it more for a while. I would encourage anyone who has the opportunity to do so, to take some time away from dating and relationships and really get to know themselves again at a base level. It takes a lot of effort at the beginning! It’s not so much a fear that I am conquering, but rather venturing out into the unknown to get a truer feel for my potential, and see who I am without a partner’s influence. And truth be told – I’m way cooler than I thought! (laughs) I realized I like myself a lot and I’m proud of who I am and who I am becoming. I feel way more grounded in my decisions, and free to explore what It is I really like and care about. Super focused on me, my family, my friends, my career and helping out causes I care about when I can. Everything you want is on the other side of fear. Remember that.
AC: Aside from your upcoming projects, what are you excited about for the future?
AVAAH BLACKWELL – I am very excited about my upcoming projects! But I am also excited for the spring so I can get my motorcycle out and start riding again! Icannot wait! Thanks so much for the interview! stay safe out there!
PHOTOGRAPHY: ANDREW JOHNSON
INTERVIEW: ADAM CROOKES
