BY IRVIN RIVERA, EDITOR: CLARA SEELY-KATZ

Ashlei Sharpe Chestnut believes that what is meant to be for each of us will happen, so there is no point waiting around or feeling bad about things we’ve missed out on. And so far, her belief is spot on as the actor nailed her part on the new Star Trek series, Star Trek: Picard as Ensign Sidney La Forge. Chestnut has solidified her place in the industry, and is now working on writing her very own show to pitch to a network. Read on to learn more about who Chestnut would love to work with, how she spends her days, and how she feels about being a part of the official Star Trek universe.

Ashlei! How are you?

I’m doing well, thank you!

What’s keeping you busy nowadays?

Aside from my writing projects and auditioning, I feel like I’ve been busy keeping up with the excitement from fans online. I’ve been reading so many tweets and DMs, I’m trying to keep up. Honestly, I’ve been so shocked with how quickly they’ve embraced my character Sidney.

Tell us about Ensign Sidney La Forge’s character evolution throughout the show? Were you a fan of Star Trek prior to playing your character?

I was a fan by default because my mom is a huge Trekkie. She introduced me to this franchise when I was younger and would call me “Number One” when I was a kid. It’s been a blast to see her fangirl over not only the classic TNG characters but now my character too. Also, Geordi La Forge [LeVar Burton] has been my profile picture on instagram for years, so this all has kind of been a lesson in manifesting [laughs].

For my character, we first meet Sidney as this eager pilot, whom we learn had the nickname “Crash La Forge” from crashing shuttles,  speeders in the past, but we see throughout this season that she’s a damn good pilot. I mean, her evolution goes beyond being the Helmsman, she’s fighting bad guys while crushing on Jack Crusher, she taps into her engineering side while simultaneously trying to connect on a deeper level with her father and sister. In her arc this season we really get to see Sidney’s love and adoration for not only her family but her crew.

What’s different about this Star Trek series from the other Star Trek Franchise? What’s the best part about playing your character?

One of the best parts of playing Sidney is the fact that she’s so well-rounded, she’s a pilot, she has some engineering skills, and she can fight… ish [laughs] She’s what you would expect from a legendary character’s kid. Like, yes she’s a #nepobaby but she works hard and can hold her own, and deserves to be in the position she’s at. She’s a pilot! How cool is that? This ensign is warping in space with a lot of lives in her hands- she’s just so cool! 

Picard Season 3 is different because we’re not only catching up with a lot of these esteemed characters after decades, but they’re interacting with each other and calling on one another for help. It’s fun to see where everyone’s journey has landed them. Through Sidney, Alandra and Jack the audience is seeing the Next Next generation of these legacy figures, and throughout this season there’s a lot of ties and references to older storylines across different StarTrek worlds. It’s even wild to see fans connecting the dots throughout Star Trek’s history from the past and present, it’s beautiful. 

What are the challenges and the highs that you experienced during filming?

4am call times [laughs] No I’m kidding, um… Challenging I would say- I mean, it’s not a negative thing, but this was my first time being in all ten episodes of a television series. If anything, it’s been a learning process to see how to care for myself outside of shooting. We’re on set for an extended period of time, so I was trying to keep myself as healthy as possible. I think the highs of learning or the experiences that I’ve taken away, I’m learning more ways to advocate for myself, like asking for another take when I know I can do better. More highs, I would say bonding with this incredible cast! 

How did you manage to rise above the challenges?

Because our work hours can be sporadic, I tried creating a routine outside of work, which really helped. 

What’s the most memorable moment for you throughout the whole process of making the series?

I have two moments, maybe three. But my top moment was meeting LeVar Burton… Reading Rainbow was a significant part of my childhood. I’m not even gonna lie, way past my childhood and into my teen years. PBS would play reruns and I would sit back and watch it. I don’t know, they say don’t meet your heroes because you’ll be disappointed. But that wasn’t the case, that man has been so kind to me along with his daughter Mica. They’ve welcomed me with open arms.

What is your proudest moment ever in your career so far?

So far… and maybe because it’s happening with this specific show, but having my Mom watch me on TV every week, not only because she’s a fan, but having her see the fruits of her labor come to fruition in real time has been a true delight.

How did acting start for you? Was it something that you’ve always wanted from a young age?

Oh god yeah, I was 3 years old watching Barney & Friends, and told my mother that I wanted to be inside of the TV. And I’ve been on a roll ever since.

You’re really good with movement and knowing your angles. 

Thank you.

Does having a background in dance and movement help dictate your actions whenever you create / film something?

Good question! I think so… With each character I obviously am bringing a lot of myself and my own mannerisms, but I do try to go deeper and adjust either my walk or even my stance. I think it came really handy for episode 307 when we had, as someone on twitter called it “Sidney and Jack’s first dance.” Just memorizing the fight sequence which was kind of a dance was a little easier to get a hold on. 

Who and what inspires you?

I feel like I keep bringing up my mom [laughs] but my mom is a huge inspiration for me. She’s just a dope human, her tenacity, mixed with her mama bear vibes, I’m in awe of how she raised me. 

What’s your dream project?

Dream project or role outside of the projects that I write would be Ororo Munroe. I recently found out through Nate Moore at Marvel that Kevin Feige watches Star Trek: Picard. I would love the opportunity to accurately bring the comic book version of her to the screen.

Are there any Directors / Filmmakers do you want to work with?

For sure, I have a very extensive list so I’ll try to keep it brief. Steve McQueen, Guillermo Del Toro, Nia DaCosta, Jordan Peele. God I could keep going, I have a vision book of people I want to work with, um Victoria Mahoney. I’ll stop there, but my list is long.  

Out of all the roles that you’ve played, is there any role/character that resonated with you the most and why?

I think Sidney’s role has resonated with me the most because I’ve had the most time with her. I’m in every episode this season, meaning I’ve been on set for months trying to bring her to life. This role in particular has given me a lot of firsts. My first Sci-fi project, my first television show filming in LA, etc. This character has helped me solidify my place in this industry. And I am forever grateful for this opportunity.  

Aside from acting, what else keeps you busy?

I spoke on this briefly, but I’m a writer. I’m finishing up a pitch now for a TV show which I’m super excited about. No one has seen this type of show and I know for a fact that there’s an audience for it. So I’m thrilled to see which network or platform it ends up on.

What’s a valuable lesson that you’ve learned that you always carry with you?

So many, but in this industry I think…well I don’t know that it’s a lesson or if it’s just a mantra, or a motivational quote but “what’s for you, won’t miss you” I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, and most importantly how it’s supposed to. So I try not to dwell on anything out of my control or things that may have happened in the past. Honestly, there are so many motivational quotes from instagram that I have saved on my phone [laughs] but I’ll leave it at that.


If you were a book, what book would you be and why? (Open question. Could be a title/a genre/a made- up book/ your own book, etc)

“Becoming: Ashlei Sharpe Chestnut”… [laughs] I’m totally kidding, I think Michelle Obama would probably sue me. I’m actually writing a book right now which is funny, but if I were a book I would be a culmination of “ All About Love” by bell hooks, “The Last Lecture” by Randy Pausch, and “When I Grow up” by Mercer Mayer.