Funny thing is that Gates McFadden worked for the Jim Henson Creature Shop for a long time before she was ever in Star Trek. In fact, she was a choreographer in the movie Labyrinth for that creepy-ass scene where the creatures all sing while pulling their heads off.
Wtf
Edit: she also choreographed several other scenes. This is just the one that stuck out in my memory from when I was a kid.
Yes, well, I love Star Trek a lot, and I also love the movie Labyrinth a lot. This resulted in a Venn diagram of me learning a bunch of things about Gates/Cheryl McFadden.
I really don’t know. But I will say one thing: all these decades later, I would prefer the name “Gates McFadden“ to “Cheryl McFadden“, but that’s really a matter of personal preference, and certainly not in any sort of objective creative judgment, or critique.
The name “Gates“ certainly aged better than the name “Cheryl“, at least in my opinion. She very likely came to this decision in the late 70s or early 80s. The choices certainly reflect the era.
The Screen Actor’s Guild requires one’s name to be unique. If anyone has ever used Cheryl McFadden, that name is off the table. No idea if that’s the case here.
Yeah, that was 100% one of those situations where the actor’s [non-acting] talent/hobby/quirk influences the characterization. Like Riker mounting chairs because of Jonathan Frakes’ bad back, or various characters playing musical instruments because the actors had that skill.
So that WAS her in the behind the scenes documentary. She was never interviewed but was visible in the background showing a group of dancers how to move. I went to look this up just now and learned she used Cheryl McFadden for dancing and Gates McFadden for acting.
Funny thing is that Gates McFadden worked for the Jim Henson Creature Shop for a long time before she was ever in Star Trek. In fact, she was a choreographer in the movie Labyrinth for that creepy-ass scene where the creatures all sing while pulling their heads off.
Wtf
Edit: she also choreographed several other scenes. This is just the one that stuck out in my memory from when I was a kid.
She uses the name “Cheryl McFaddon” when working as a choreographer.
That’s her real name. She uses the stage name “Gates” when she acts.
Bold of her to ditch the “Cheryl” and keep the “McFadden”
Holy crap! I thought it was the other way around!
This thread is full of TIL!
Yes, well, I love Star Trek a lot, and I also love the movie Labyrinth a lot. This resulted in a Venn diagram of me learning a bunch of things about Gates/Cheryl McFadden.
And knowledge, I find, is best shared.
Why would she pick a name like “Gates” on purpose?
I really don’t know. But I will say one thing: all these decades later, I would prefer the name “Gates McFadden“ to “Cheryl McFadden“, but that’s really a matter of personal preference, and certainly not in any sort of objective creative judgment, or critique.
The name “Gates“ certainly aged better than the name “Cheryl“, at least in my opinion. She very likely came to this decision in the late 70s or early 80s. The choices certainly reflect the era.
Cheryl may have fallen out of popularity but I wouldn’t say it hasn’t aged well.
Maybe of she chose Karen McFadden…
The Screen Actor’s Guild requires one’s name to be unique. If anyone has ever used Cheryl McFadden, that name is off the table. No idea if that’s the case here.
The Dancing Doctor, indeed.
Yeah, that was 100% one of those situations where the actor’s [non-acting] talent/hobby/quirk influences the characterization. Like Riker mounting chairs because of Jonathan Frakes’ bad back, or various characters playing musical instruments because the actors had that skill.
She also did the ballroom masquerade scene
Edit: and many others
TIL! That’s awesome.
So that’s why she reminds me of the babe…
The babe with the power
What power?
The power of voodoo
Who do?
You do.
Do what?
Remind me of the babe.
So that WAS her in the behind the scenes documentary. She was never interviewed but was visible in the background showing a group of dancers how to move. I went to look this up just now and learned she used Cheryl McFadden for dancing and Gates McFadden for acting.
OK, now I didn’t know that. What documentary are you referring to? I should check it out!
Inside the Labyrinth
Now THAT’S a Rock Fact!
Chilly down with the fire gang
That was my absolute favorite scene as a kid tbh.
Even though it scared the absolute shit out of me when I was a kid, that is definitely my favorite scene, still
So I can blame her for traumating my childhood? I had nightmares for weeks.