Jonathan Frakes

Jonathan Scott Frakes was born on August 19, 1952, in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. His father, James R. Frakes, was a professor of English at Lehigh University, and his mother was Doris J. Frakes. Growing up in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Frakes developed an early interest in music, playing the trombone, and was described as friendly and funny. He graduated from Liberty High School in 1970 and initially pursued psychology at Pennsylvania State University. However, an experience as an usher at a local theater inspired him to switch his major to theater arts, earning his bachelor’s degree in 1974. Subsequently, he moved to New York City to pursue acting, taking various odd jobs while performing in the Broadway musical ‘Shenandoah’ and the soap opera ‘The Doctors’ from 1977 to 1978. In late 1978, Frakes relocated to Los Angeles, securing guest roles in popular television series like ‘Charlie’s Angels,’ ‘Fantasy Island,’ ‘Barnaby Jones,’ ‘Quincy, M.E.,’ and ‘The Waltons.’

A significant career turning point arrived in 1985 when Frakes landed the role of Stanley Hazard in the Civil War miniseries ‘North & South: Book 1, North & South.’ This project not only advanced his acting career but also introduced him to his future wife, Genie Francis. In 1987, after a six-week audition process, Frakes secured the role of Commander William Riker in ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation,’ which brought him international recognition. During his seven years on the show, Frakes explored directing, helming eight episodes and subsequently directing for ‘Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’ and ‘Star Trek: Voyager.’ He married Genie Francis on May 28, 1988, with many of his ‘Star Trek’ co-stars and creator Gene Roddenberry in attendance. His son, Jameson Ivor Frakes, was born in 1994, and his daughter, Elizabeth Francis Frakes, in 1997.

Frakes’s directorial career expanded significantly with the ‘Star Trek’ feature films, directing ‘Star Trek: First Contact’ (1996) and ‘Star Trek: Insurrection’ (1998). ‘First Contact’ received critical acclaim and became the highest-grossing film in the franchise at the time. He later directed other films such as ‘Clockstoppers’ (2002) and ‘Thunderbirds’ (2004). His television directing credits are extensive, including episodes for ‘Roswell,’ ‘Leverage,’ ‘Castle,’ ‘NCIS: Los Angeles,’ ‘Burn Notice,’ ‘Falling Skies,’ ‘The Librarians,’ ‘The Orville,’ ‘Star Trek: Discovery,’ ‘Star Trek: Picard,’ and ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.’ Frakes has also contributed to animation through voice acting, notably as David Xanatos in ‘Gargoyles.’ He has been honored with a Lifetime Career Award in 2013 and a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Television Series in 2024 for ‘Star Trek: Picard.’