Fans of Star Trek: The Next Generation were treated to an out-of-this-world experience on October 4th and 5th. Celebrities John de Lancie and Gates McFadden appeared at the Nickel City Convention Fall Edition at the Buffalo Convention Center. The beloved stars—known respectively for their roles as the mischievous omnipotent being Q and the compassionate Dr. Beverly Crusher—drew Trekkies from across the region for a weekend celebrating sci-fi, fandom, and pop culture.
The event featured autograph sessions and photo opportunities with both. A lively Q&A panel by John de Lancie shared behind-the-scenes stories from his time on Star Trek: The Next Generation and insight into his current projects.
The Star Trek Bridge Experience, built by artist Charlie Richie, also made an appearance. Gates McFadden was slated to appear in John de Lancie’s panel. Unfortnately, she had a last-minute flight change and had to leave early. Her convention representative declined media questions.
“Q” and A with John De Lancie
After spending two days signing autographs and meeting local fans, John de Lancie took to the panel stage. Leading a rich conversation about his life and career, the actor shows no signs of slowing down.
After a fan asked him about the infamous scene in the third season, when Q appears nude onto the bridge of the Enterprise, de Lancie explained that it was quite an ordeal. For starters, the episode was shot in the lead-up up to Thanksgiving. The cast and crew were working tirelessly to get everything wrapped up when they encountered their first problem – the body makeup wasn’t sticking.
“I use a real green olive oil soap and it left an actual film on me – which is good, just not for makeup. So they gave me a bottle of Dishwasher Detergent which I had to shower with… then I was on two A-frame ladders and across that was a board. And They’re now shooting the bridge, and I’m on the board and the cameras behind me, and they’re shooting in different directions, but they’re always having to work around the fact that I have a jock strap. I didn’t want my acting time to be cut by all of this, which was taking a long time. finally, I said. Anybody who wants to stay, stay. Anybody who wants to leave, leave – This is coming off. We shot that scene very quickly”
John De Lancie, during a Q&A panel at Nickel City Convention in October 2025
Q Shares Some Wisdom
Among the audience was a pair of hopeful parents. They asked John de Lancie his best advice as their daughter wishes to take up acting and theater in college. He put his educator hat on, as de Lancie used to teach at university. He explained the natural bell curve all actors and actresses experience between roles. Then, he went on to explain acting techniques and how he becomes a character. The inspiration of a character comes from the outside or from the inside.
De Lancie shared that he’s always worked by the idea that characters come from within. He shared an example of this from a few years ago, when he played played the character of Hans Biebow. Biebow was the chief Nazi administrator for the ghetto of Lodz and the character was very difficult to play.
” How do I become Biebow? And I’m struggling. Because in the end, Biebow is sort of a monster. I mean, excuse me, he’s still figuring out ways to say ‘Alright? Well, how about if we take the kids who are one-year old to five-years-old?’ so he has to go through those type of thinking. How do you do that? And I’m struggling, and I’m looking for an answer. It was lunch time and I went across the street. And there was a guy in front of me who pulled out his money and he dropped a $5 bill onto the ground. And I said, oh sir, excuse me, you dropped your money. I walked away and I went ‘Oh my God, I could have stepped forward and put my foot on that five dollars. And no one would have known.
So, there it is. There’s the answer. It’s not all of a sudden, going from zero to a hundred where you’re saying, I need your five-year-old children. But I would’ve been a person who covered that $5 bill. That’s the beginning of a trajectory that 20 years later allows them to go ‘I need those children.’ Those are the things that you go through as an actor.”
John De Lancie, during a Q&A panel at Nickel City Convention in October 2025
John de Lancie’s panel at Nickel City Comic Con offered fans a rare blend of humor, insight, and reflection. As the conversation wrapped up, it was clear that de Lancie’s presence left a lasting impression.
Fans Talk Trek’s 60th Anniversary
In the bustling halls of the Buffalo Convention Center, Star Trek fans gathered and enjoyed common interests. Vendors offered everything from original playsets to autographed memorabilia. As fans reflected on the coming 60th anniversary of Star Trek, the collective mood wasn’t merely one of looking back, but of stepping forward. They’re ready to embrace what’s next in the Star Trek universe.
For fans in Buffalo and beyond, the celebration wasn’t just about honoring the past. It was a powerful reminder of the franchise’s enduring message of unity, exploration, and optimism. It is clear that Star Trek continues to inspire generations to boldly go where no one has gone before.
Star Trek Bridge Experience
Attendees were thrilled to encounter the centerpiece of one exhibitor’s booth. A meticulously crafted, life‑sized recreation of the bridge of the original USS Enterprise. Built and presented by prop‑maker Charles Ritche, the setup included the iconic captain’s chair and surrounding consoles. He invited fans to actually sit in the big chair and pose for photos. A lifelong fan himself, he reflects on Star Trek‘s longevity as we approach its 60th anniversary.
Charlie Ritchie’s Enterprise bridge replica proved to be more than just a photo op. It was a celebration of imagination, craftsmanship, and the enduring legacy of Star Trek. For fans at Nickel City Comic Con, it offered a chance to step into the final frontier.
Wrapping Up Another Successful Con
As the lights dimmed on Nickel City Comic Con’s 2025 Fall Edition, John de Lancie’s engaging panel stood out as a highlight of the weekend. Paired with the immersive exhibits and the shared excitement of the franchise’s approaching 60th anniversary. His appearance helped make the convention a heartfelt celebration of exploration, creativity, and the enduring power of science fiction to bring people together. We look forward to the next convention in Spring 2026.
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