Jonathan Frakes

Biography

Jonathan Scott Frakes, born on August 19, 1952, is a prominent American actor and director, best recognized for his iconic role as Commander (later Captain) William T. Riker in the acclaimed television series Star Trek: The Next Generation, as well as in its subsequent films and spin-offs. His versatility extends beyond Star Trek; he has hosted the popular show Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction and lent his voice to the character David Xanatos in Disney's animated series Gargoyles. Additionally, he narrated the History Channel’s documentary Lee and Grant.

Frakes has made notable appearances in several television productions, including Stanley Hazard in the miniseries North and South, Sandy Parris in ABC's Paper Dolls, Marcus Marshall on NBC's Bare Essence, and the recurring role of Damon Ross on Falcon Crest.

Transitioning into directing, he helmed episodes of The Next Generation beginning in its third season and directed the feature films Star Trek: First Contact (1996) and Star Trek: Insurrection (1998). His directorial work also includes episodes of later Star Trek series such as Deep Space Nine, Voyager, Discovery, Strange New Worlds, and Picard, along with films like Clockstoppers (2002) and Thunderbirds (2004). He has directed numerous television projects, including The Librarian series, Leverage, Burn Notice, and Roswell, where he also took on a producer role.

Frakes is the author of the novel The Abductors: Conspiracy, which was ghostwritten by Dean Wesley Smith. He has been happily married to actress Genie Francis since 1988, and together they have two children.