Inspirational Professor Given Part In Star Trek January 19, 2008
by Anthony Pascale , Filed under: Star Trek (2009 film) , trackback
Dr. Randy Pausch is a highly respected and honored professor of Computer Science and co-founder of the Entertainment Technology Center at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA. He is also a Trek fan. In November Dr. Pausch was offered a role to be in the new Star Trek movie, and it all started with a very special lecture he gave two months earlier.
In September Dr. Pausch gave a lecture titled “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams,” which was part of what is called “The Last Lecture” series. The series is designed for top lecturers around the country to impart what they feel are their most important life lessons, as if it were their last. What made Dr. Paush’s lecture special was that it really was his last. A year before his lecture Dr. Paush was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. But to see Professor Pausch’s humor-filled talk one would never know that he has been told that he only has months to live. The inspirational lecture was given to just 400 students, but it quickly went ‘viral’ on the Internet. Soon Dr. Paush was getting world-wide media coverage including The Today Show, ABC News, and even Oprah. This video from the Wall Street Journal summarizes the lecture and the subsequent coverage…
Apparently one of the people who was inspired was J.J. Abrams. In November on his personal health blog, Dr. Paush announced that he was contacted by the Star Trek director with the following email:
Dear Randy –
Hi there — I’m JJ Abrams, director of the new Star Trek movie. I read about you and your condition, and ALSO your affinity for things Trek.
So, I just wanted to put the invitation out there — that if you had any desire to be in the film (can’t promise you role as CAPTAIN, but… we could do SOMETHING!), it would be my honor and pleasure.
The last thing I want to do is intrude, so feel free not to reply — but I wanted to make sure you knew that, if you are willing and able, the door is wide open.
I hope that your treatments are going well and that we get to meet one day.
Best,
JJ
After being assured it wasn’t a friend pulling a joke, Dr. Paush was off to LA for his big film debut. On his site he writes of his experience:
I got a custom-made Star Trek uniform and my own station on the bridge, where I had lots of buttons and controls. I even got a LINE!!!!
In addition to publicly thanking JJ Abrams, I just wanted to say what an incredibly egoless and cool guy he was. We chatted a little bit between takes, and he is so tech-savvy (and I’m not saying that *just* because he knew all about Alice!). Anyway, it was a truly magical experience.
TrekMovie.com has confirmed that Dr. Paush will indeed appear in the new Star Trek. Hopefully a year from today Dr. Paush will be able to see his work at the premiere of the new film. In a recent blog Dr. Paush writes that his latest chemotherapy treatments are working, but notes that his long term prognosis is unchanged. But his work will live on. His lectures have been made available copyright free by the university and late last month it was announced that Hyperion Books will be publishing a book based on Dr. Paush’s last lecture.
More about Professor Paush
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Comments»
I think this is a wonderful gesture on JJ’s part and I’m looking forward to see the Professor on the bridge.
A station on the bridge - Very Cool
And “lots of buttons and controls”… I wonder if he had to learn what all of them did?
Geeesss,, Lucky bugger !!
and if JJ wants to give me apart,, I can be contacted though this web-site,,
I’ll take any,,”Captain” role,,
wont be to fond of,,”Red shirt” roles thou,,
:)
Cameo role for anyone is nice. I think that this was a kind gesture not onle to a good man but also to a Trekkie in his final hours. This is probably a greater gift than seeing the movie or even see Shatner’s Kirk return to the big screen one last time if that occurs. To be on Star Trek or even in a large film of a story you enjoy is like living a dream. Good on you JJ. I hope that his sequence does not end up on the cutting room floor.
lucky professer
I WANNA ROLE! Recast Kirk
I’m betta
lol.
Classy!
there is no other word for it .
Wow! That is a really great story.
That is so wonderful!
This guy is a true inspiration.
-I’m preparing myself to became a teacher…great choise ,i almost believed that , star trek is a saga with an exclusive destination for freaks…
This just goes to show what a great guy we have directing this movie. Abrams, you are the man!! :)
You’re the best, JJ!
This does make an interesting point. If he is getting a station on the bridge, it means either at some point not all the regular Enterprise crew are on the bridge or, there are multiple bridges, and there for, multiple ships…
#13. martin anderson
“This does make an interesting point. If he is getting a station on the bridge, it means either at some point not all the regular Enterprise crew are on the bridge or, there are multiple bridges, and there for, multiple ships…”
Why is this? He could very well man a station where noone of the main cast sits. Don’t you remember the bridge of the NCC-1701? There were certainly more stations than those of Spock, Uhura, Sulu, Chekov and Scotty.
But the only other crew on the original bridge were officers getting the captain’s autograph and those standing in for Chekov or Sulu when they were not there. I suppose there is another solution. He could be a member of Pike’s crew, or on duty while the others are on an away mission.
There goes my hopes for another vessel other than Enterprise in the film (and not just an Enterprise clone or Enterprise Bridge redress)…
I find all of the “lucky him” comments to be particularly distasteful. The guy has terminal cancer. While I’d love to be in a Trek movie, I don’t think I’d trade my life for it.
Show that you’re thinking, people.
WOW, that’s very nice indeed. What a humble but fitting tribute (the CMU bridge.) I hope he was able to take his family onto the new Enterprise’s bridge with him. A memory that will last a LONG time for them all.
Live longer and prosper, Randy!
That’s the best story I’ve seen posted here.
Saw a new side of JJ as well.
thanks Anthony, for the post.
You’ve shown the best side of Trek spirit.
What a good article, getting him a line is very sweet, and I agree let’s all hope he gets to see the finished product.
In this case, the bridge details are entirely beside the point. Perspective please people. Have an inspired day. :-)
Thats awesome that JJ did that for this great man. I wonder if Zach Quinto knows the professor- didn’t he go to Carnegie Mellon University too?
Awesome thing to do Mr. Abrams! Right on!:)
Kigs
deleted by admin
Being from Pittsburgh, Dr. Pausch’s story was well-known here before it took off around the world. He’s more than just a local celebrity; he’s a hero in every sense of the word. It’s wonderful to hear that his tale reached Mr. Abrams and that he’ll have a role in the new movie. What an incredible gesture.
How can anyone read about something like this and not believe that Star Trek is in good hands? If this story doesn’t define “the human adventure” then I don’t know what does.
What an emotionally touching story. May each of us aspire to face our own last days with the grace and dignity of Professor Pausch.
Seriously, brought a tear to my eye…
Very awesome thing to do, JJ!!! You are a class act all the way!
Cool.>:>}
I´m impressed! JJ, your heart is absolutely in the right place! :)
Greetings from Germany
I was truly moved by this wonderful story. I am a 53 something cop in Texas , who has been a Trek fan since the sixties. I was lucky enough to be invited to the set of VOYAGER during its last season . What a wonderful experience . The actors and crew could not have been more kind. So I can only imagine the thril of actually having a part in a ST film. Mr. Abrams you are a gentleman sir.
Next….
I believe this movle will be the spark to bring new blood to ST. So what if it is not EXACTLY our old Trek! We need new fans, not the same old “when I was a kid it was better” bunch ! For the classic ST message to survlve, young fans are an lmperitive. Good going Mr. Abrams , I and I believe most fans eagerly await the birth of your child.
Dr. Paush, I don’t know you but I know that you will be missed.
man what a cool thing to do for a fan!
If you read further … he gets a line and gets to keep the costume. No replacement for what he’s loosing, but a class gesture all the way. And he got paid for it ( donated to charity ) ….
Very heart warming. I wonder what they have a visual of?
Dr. Pausch is a really inspirational man, I wish him the best and hope the treatments are going well. This is a really nice thing of Mr. Abrams to do. Looking foward to seeing the cameo!
Wow, that warmed my heart on a Sunday morning…
“..I had lots of buttons and controls”
Ahh..good old fashioned buttons on the bridge! The ” I hate the TOS bridge..a bridge shouldn’t have old style buttons and would be laughed off the screen” brigade won’t be happy at all.
But Im delighted.
And yes, JJ, regardless of the movies outcome, you’re a classy guy. Well done.
Simply Awesome. Being about the same age, I can indentify with his childhood dreams. Fantastic video. THANKS!
Truly an inspirational story. This elevates JJ to an even higher level of respect in my eyes, and he was already way up there.
Shame on you fanboys who are using this thread to obsess about bridge details and other trivia or to call the professor “lucky”. It is YOU who are lucky that there are people like JJ and the professor in this world.
I read his “last lecture” story in the WSJ when it was first published and quickly found the media version on line. It brought a tear to my eye - listening to his story by the man himself is a true inspiration.
Spending my childhood summers in Pittsburgh and my brother going to CMU also gave me a feeling of a hometown bond and proud to have such amazing individuals living in Pittsburgh.
I wish him all the best and thank JJ for opportunity extended.
To #27 and #36……….ditto!! The wonderful things you have both stated about Mr. Abrams, I couldn’t agree with you more. Mr. Abrams, you aren’t just a great director, but a great humanitarian. When Dr. Paush stated that you are “cool and egoless”, that is honestly the way you and your team come across to your fans. Thanks for bringing Star Trek back to us.
Salutes to both Dr. Pausch & JJ!
Ah, to be offered such a role.. I’d gladly play a Redshirt and in the midst of my demise I would deliver my best rendition of a “Wilhelm Scream.” (I’d shoot for “A Chekov Shriek” but that’s such a very high pitch.)
Makes our argumentative discussions here seem so small.
Great job, JJ.
Good luck, Randy.
#20 - interesting point. Regardless, it’s a noble gesture by J.J.
As someone WITH cancer, it’s incredible to see another vibrant, upbeat person continuing to live their life with enthusiasm and joie de vive. No matter what stage your affliction is, you continue to LIVE, not succumb regardless of being stage one or stage four. And it makes it ultra-important to do so with determination and courage. Dr. Pausch is living proof of this. May he outlive all of his doctors’ prognoses.
J.J. is indeed a rare, classy man. I hope some of you go to TED.com to witness one of JJ’s speeches. Wit, humor and wisdom = JJ Abrams.
#16 - VERY AGREED.
#30 - Bingo! Anthony, there was far more to this story. I hope you’ll update your posting with the relevant information.
#13 - This does make an interesting point. If he is getting a station on the bridge, it means either at some point not all the regular Enterprise crew are on the bridge or, there are multiple bridges, and there for, multiple ships…
How is this an interesting point? When Scotty was on the bridge he rarely sat at a bridge station. The Engineering station on the bridge was usually manned by an extra. There is additionally another station to the right of Engineering which was also manned by an extra.
In fact, almost every station at one time or another was manned by an extra for any number of reasons with the excpetion of the Captain’s Chair.
As for the news story, great gesture on JJ’s part.
What a neat story. A touch of class to be sure.
That was a kind gesture on JJ’s part. Watching the video of the lecture Dr. Paush gave, it is hard not to have a great deal of respect for the man and his willingness to help others. He has clearly been an inspiration to many. I hope for the best for him and his family.
It’s good to see that JJ is continuing the long tradition that Star Trek has of reaching out to its fans, and also doing great work with those fans who find themselves with terrible illness. this story makes me feel better about JJ and the franchise more than any teaser or picture of the new enterprise!
a really amazing story… what a brave guy!
and as for JJ, what a cool guy, truly ego-less and a real class act.
Star Trek is in good hands.
Really impressive move…I really hope it will add to the humane spirit of this movie and elevate it beyond being just an average blockbuster…
#48: Come one. This is ridiculous. Even within a touching context like that some can’t keep their ludicrous Shatner obsessions out of the big picture…I really wanted Shatner to be part of it somehow. But after this irrational outburst of Shatnermania displayed online over the last couple of months I’m glad the man is out of it!
JJ’s coolness index just keeps rising.
I saw his lecture online a short timeago, and it has so much wisdom and heart.
Randy should be an inspiration to millions, and I applaud the decision for letting him touch one of his childhood dreams.
Not quite being Captain Kirk, but he made it to the Bridge.
Reading this brought a tear to my eye.
That is hands down the coolest thing I’ve ever seen on this website! :)
Wow, how big heart JJ has for the professor! I am sure his generosity has lifted Randy’s inner spirit to the highest level.
I can tell you that terminal pancrateic cancer is a nasty disease. My mother died of terminal pancreatic cancer one month after the doctors found she had it thru biospy eleven years ago. I witnessed my mother went thru during the rapid progress of spreading cancer until God took her into the Heaven. What a learning but terrifying experience for me.
Is there any text document of his Last Lecture? I would like to read it for an obvious reason. I am deaf so I cannot hear what he has said on video clip.
#48″JJ has offered just about everyone except the REAL James T. Kirk aka William Shatner a part in this farce of a movie—-I’m not impressed! ”
Thank God for negativity!
BOLDLY GO WHERE MOST MEN HAVE GONE BEFORE! Oh I think your being impressed is the last thing that anyone cares about. I just wish that for once people would look at the ideals of Trek not just the paltry details.Yknow I am a fan. I like the idea of cannon. I also know that life is about change. This act of condiseration by JJ is a heartfelt action. I used to think that ,more than anything, Trek had heart. No need to impress us. It was somthing he did because he was moved to. A positive spin on such a ‘controversial’ movie. Some people just cannot just put away the bitterness. What a shame. I am not impressed with JJ move I ma inspired. Whether Trek flies or dies this man made someone , who has cancer, happy. What is wrong with just acknowledging that for that?
Oh well back to the pettiness of today. Maybe the future will be filled with more JJs than negative people.One can only hope. Live long and prosper.
Wow! That was touching. Kudos to Dr. Pausch for his upbeat spirit and inspirational words.
Cool. I remember reading about Dr Paush a year ago and watching the video. I don’t claim to understand it all but I love anything to do with science and Astronomy.
I’m glad to read he’s got a part in this movie and what a honour to asked to appear in it.
Wonderful story
I have found documents of his Last Lecture and I am going to read it later today.
Can’t wait to see the Teaser!
For J.J. to do that, this should eliminate ANY doubts about the state of the franchise. J.J. has augmented the essence of Star Trek yet again. Besides canon and the recasting of the characters, J.J. knows what Star Trek is really about. It’s the Human Adventure. And asking the doctor to be a part of the movie, and even giving him a line or two, this professor is about to enter one of the final frontiers of life. One is space, the other is death. It really brings a tear to my eye that J.J. considered to ask the professor to be a part of it. He did not have to do this, but he did. That, everyone, is truly the human element of all things Star Trek. It is that spirit that compels each and every one of us to explore the unknown with, not with resignation or failure, but with joy, fearlessness, appreciation, and pride. Dr. Pausch, may your journey in this life, and in the next to come, be filled with happiness, joy, and thanksgiving. God bless.
I feel like this, more than anything, expresses a side of JJ Abrams that makes me feel good about how the movie will turn out. It was a classy gesture that shows that the guy behind the camera is aware and connected and empathetic: disagreements about details aside, these are surely the best basic qualities we can ask for in the person leading the new Star Trek.
Really beautiful; thanks for posting this news.
Very nice news, and hope to see more of it. This was something Gene Roddenberry was very big on, the involvement of real life scientists and astronauts with the show, particularly the early TNG. That was the jewel of TOS and TNG, which was largely forgotten about during the later series. It’s “Science” fiction!
I’m surprised someone hasn’t complained this is against canon, since we have never seen him before on trek…. go JJ!
Hey, maybe we’ll (and he’ll) be fortunate enough that the editors of the coming trailers that show cast members will have his line(s) on screen. That would be just as terrific: there are 203 crew of the Big E in Pike’s time, and after that the crew roster jumps to 430 (428, according to Kirk’s line in “Charlie X” — which might not [Starfleet-officially include] the XO [Spock] and the Captain, makking the entire crew roster a full 430). But that’s beside the point. Remember all those other “voices” from below-decks that were always heard over speakers on the bridge? Randy could be one of the bridge crew who is a liason between some of them and bridge officers, in addition to the Communications Officer (reasoning that every station has direct links to other areas of the vessel, by operational necessity in a vessel as huge as the NCC-1701).
Regardless of his specific role/character, it would be just that sooner we (–and he–) would see that moment: Randy’s character on the bridge, doing what his character is trained to do—and inspiring all of us in the process. This perhaps harkens a bit to Gene R’s inspired idea of having a so-called ‘handicapped’ man [wearing his VISOR] as a bridge officer, and later Chief Engineer, aboard the Enterprise-D. SMILE ON, RANDY! (JJ: you’re the best thing to happen to ‘Trek for a long time, along with your already-amazing writing staff, cast and crew. Gene R., Lucille Ball [Desilu], and the rest of the originals would be proud.) Yes!
Amazing story! Good for Dr. Pausch, and good for Abrams. Another great example of how something that is “just a movie” proves indeed to be a little more. Nothing in the human endeavor is “just” this or that; everything we do is important and informs something else. Now we’ve been made aware of Dr. Pausch; in part, and in my own case entirely, because of our silly little interest in a television show/movie. A kind of real magic, that! Empirical, verifiable, concrete. Awesome story!
It is an uplifting aspect of the human nature that we are often at our best when things are at their worst.
Dr. Pausch, I salute you!
And in the future so will your sons and their families.
Great story!
I only hope that Dr. Pausch is there to see that particular childhood dream up on the screen with the rest of us. If not, I intend to honor his memory by remaining in the theater throughout the credits in hopes of seeing a dedication to yet another outstanding Trek fan, and by extension to each and all of us for keeping our own childhood dreams alive and well by supporting this film franchise.
“While I’d love to be in a Trek movie, I don’t think I’d trade my life for it.”
Um, he’s not trading his life to be in a Trek movie; he’s already losing his life. J.J. Abrams simply made the good doctor’s childhood fantasy a reality by inviting him onto the bridge of the Enterprise for a scene in the new movie.
So now in addition to living on through his life and his work, the doctor will live on through being a very real part of something fantastical that brought him some happiness, which is an extra special gift not only for him, but for his family as well, as they will have the movie as an additional remembrance of him that, for better or worse, will last as long as the media of recorded sight and sound does.
As for J.J.’s act, it does not give me any confidence in the quality of the movie. For all I care, the movie can be the worst thing committed to film since Gigli. In fact, as great as the movie might be, it will never be as special for me as the original episodes and films with William Shatner et al.
All J.J.’s act gives me confidence in is the fact that J.J., being in a position to make somebody’s life just a little bit extra special and doing so, is a wonderful human being.
Thank you, Anthony, for one of the best Trek-related human interest stories I’ve read in a long time.
And Dr. Pausch, as Dr. Lacombe (Francois Truffaut) said to Roy Neary (Richard Dreyfuss) in Close Encounters of the Third Kind, “I envy you.” (In a good way!)
P.S.: I’m confident that if it is clear that the doctor will not be around for the premiere, J.J. and company will arrange a screening of an early cut for the doctor and his family and friends.
Good God, someone tell the Prof about DCA, QUICK!
http://www.expressnews.ualberta.ca/article.cfm?id=8153
This post is incredible! Wow! I am touched that Hollywood reached out to a dying man, all in the name of Star Trek - “The Cadillac of Science Fiction.”
Stories like this make me love it all the more. Go JJ.
It’s a wonderful gesture by J.J. As the comment above noted: “all in the Name of Star Trek - The Cadillac of Sci-Fi”
Star Trek is all about people and their gifts..and what they can do to use these gifts to the common good. And having this man, one that’s so noted and intelligent, in the bridge of Enterprise in the new Star Trek, will be amazing to see this man in the silver screen….even for a brief moment.
I’m a fan of ST since 2006…….a short time indeed…..but I can’t wait to see this one and what themes the writers Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci will bring to the Trek universe, one that is already filled with good themes.
Live Long and Prosper
PS: sorry for the english…..I’m from brazil and I’m just learning this language
see ‘ya 12 - 25 -08
Star Trek has a great history of being inspirational and changing (sometimes saving) people’s lives. Dr. Randy Pausch is a fine addition to the Star Trek universe.
I downloaded and watched his lecture. Few people have embodied the Star Trek philosophy as eloquently as Dr. Pausch . He deserves his place on the bridge.
I hope he enjoys having thousands of new friends.
Vince
#73
Your English is very good! I love hearing from the international Trekkies/ers. They provide some interesting new perspectives on the Trek universe.
Peace. Live long and prosper.
The Vulcanista }:-|
That was friggin’ cool for JJ to do. This guy has a great look on things and is an inspiration for some of us who also have had and are still dealing with cancer.
This is the true spirit of Star Trek. Welcome home old friend its been a while
As others have stated, trek has always been about humanity and its struggle to better itself. When we watch either the 23rd century or the 24th, we are inspired by what we can become.
In a way Dr Pausch embodies the soul of Star Trek which has always been hope. Hope for a better future, hope that we can become something greater. More compassionate, more rational. That humanity is more then it seem’s. That we will solve the problems that are facing us and we will thrive, even when its our darkest hour we will succeed in greatness.
I think we the fans need to remember this. When we are fighting over canon and whether Shatner will be in the movie we should recall Dr Pausch and his story. for this helps us to remember what the philosophy of Star Trek is all about.
In the end whether the Enterprise is built on earth or on mars or in middle earth is not important. What is important is how the message of Star Trek will live on. How will our children react to this message and how will it help to shape the world. Because in a way Roddenberrys vision has done just that..
JJ Abrams has made a very compassionate and Star Trek like move by giving this man his time on the bridge. I hope his role is on the Enterprise and its that as secondary helmsman plotting his way through the stars, to where new worlds are born and possibilities are infinite.
“First star on the right and straight on till morning” James T Kirk
As for Dr Pausch, as Mr spock said “there are always possibilities “
Very cool! I haven’t heard of professor Pausch before, but I’ll have to check out the video & stuff. I hope all goes well with his treatments.
Thank you Vulcanista!!! =]
Here in Brazil: Star Trek is most loved….I converted my family to the Star Trek “religion” since they all watch the movies along with me (one general favourite in Brazil is The Wrath of Khan….but the Motion Picture also has it’s audience….(actually, The Motion Picture was the first time ever I’ve something Trek…and I was bewildered)
Cloverfield is still to play on theaters here (it opens Feb. 8th on Brazil) but I have seen the teaser….and I must say…..when I hear Nimoy’s voice on big screen……well……I don’t know….I think I’m gonna go crazy!!!!
Is the line for Mr. Pausch be “Captain, we have visual??
Gustavo, from Brazil, signing off for now
Live long and prosper……for anyone who wants to talk to a foreigner Star Trek fan….just send mail: valente_140@hotmail.com…I’d love to talk to all of ‘ya!!!!
[…] televisin. Conmovido por la historia, y sabedor de que Pausch era un fan de Star Trek, el director J.J. Abrams le ofreci participar en la prxima entrega de la saga, donde incluso tiene una […]
[…] Conmovido por la historia, y sabedor de que Pausch era un fan de Star Trek, el director J.J. Abrams le ofreció participar en la próxima entrega de la saga, donde incluso tiene una […]
#53: You asked for a version of Randy Pausch’s lecture in text. If you go to his website, he has posted various videos. Scroll to the bottom and you see versions of those videos prepared by others. He has a version with Closed Captioning, one with English subtitles, as well as versions in German, Chinese, powerpoint slides, and a transcript. They are all published there. I’m not sure if posting links is allowed here…just google “Randy Pausch” and the first link is straight to his page ;)
I am not a “true” trekkie. I’ve always loved the Star Trek movies, as I love many scifi and fantasy movies. But I’m far from being a trekkie. As proof of concept, I wasn’t even aware that a new movie was in the works. By the time it came out, I’d know…but chances are I wouldn’t watch it for a year or two (as I do with most movies). I only found this site following links about Pausch…
JJ’s heartful move has made me want to watch the new movie earlier, just to see this man living one more of his dreams. I also believe that this invitation wasn’t given so that the movie makes extra profits from people like me (not that it matters even if that were the case). I applaud JJ for his considerable and human behavior.