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Jonathan Scott Frakes is an American actor and director whose career spans stage, television, and cinema. Born August 19, 1952, in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, and raised in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, he studied theatre at Pennsylvania State University (BFA, 1974) and earned a Master of Arts at Harvard University (1976). Frakes rose to prominence as Commander William T. Riker on Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987–1994), a role that established him as a durable presence in the franchise and opened doors to directing both for television and the Star Trek feature films. While on TNG he began directing episodes and later directed Star Trek: First Contact (1996) and Star Trek: Insurrection (1998). Outside Star Trek, he voiced David Xanatos in Gargoyles and hosted documentary and anthology programs. He has remained active as a director across television, film, and streaming series, while continuing to appear in Star Trek projects. He has been married to actress Genie Francis since 1988, and they have two children, maintaining a long-standing collaboration and involvement in teaching and film workshops.

... Jonathan Frakes was born August 19, 1952, in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, and raised in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. He studied theatre at Pennsylvania State University (BFA, 1974) and then at Harvard University (MA, 1976), performing on stage and in early television soap and guest roles (including The Doctors, The Waltons and Falcon Crest). Frakes’ casting as Commander William T. Riker in 1987 established him as a familiar face in science fiction; during the run of Star Trek: The Next Generation he began directing episodes and learned production craft by sitting in on casting, editing and post-production. That experience led to two theatrical directorial credits in the Star Trek film series (Star Trek: First Contact, 1996; Star Trek: Insurrection, 1998) and a steady career directing television drama, action and genre shows (examples include Leverage, NCIS: Los Angeles, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and The Librarians). Frakes has continued to reprise Riker in other Star Trek series and projects, sustained a parallel career in voice acting (notably David Xanatos on Gargoyles), and hosted nonfiction television series. He is married to actress Genie Francis (since 1988) and has two children; he has also engaged in teaching, workshops, and collaboration on filmmaking projects in Maine and other locales. Then & Now The 1980s During the 1980s Frakes moved from stage work and guest spots on soap operas and primetime dramas to breakout television stardom when he was cast as Commander William T. Riker on Star Trek: The Next Generation in 1987. His portrayal quickly established him as a durable presence within the burgeoning Star Trek franchise and made him a recognizable face on network television. The visibility of the role opened doors behind the camera—he began directing episodes of TNG, laying the groundwork for a parallel career as a television and film director. His late-1980s success set the stage for later feature-film directing within the franchise and broader work in genre television. Now (2026) As of 2026 Frakes has solidified a legacy as both an actor and director: he remains active directing television, film, and streaming series while continuing to appear in Star Trek projects and related voice or hosting roles. He is widely regarded for successfully transitioning from a high-profile franchise actor into a sought-after director and mentor. Married to Genie Francis since 1988, he also stays involved in teaching and film workshops, sharing decades of on-set and directorial experience with new generations. His career is remembered for its longevity, versatility across stage and screen, and lasting influence within the Star Trek community. Career timeline 1952 Born August 19 in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania; raised in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. 1974 Graduated Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater Arts. 1976 Completed a Master of Arts at Harvard University and performed with the Loeb Drama Center company. Late 1970s–1980s Built television résumé with guest roles on The Doctors, The Waltons and Hill Street Blues. 1987 Cast as Commander William T. Riker on Star Trek: The Next Generation. 1994 Star Trek: Generations released; Frakes appears as Riker in the film. 1994–1997 Voiced David Xanatos in Gargoyles, continuing as a recurring voice actor. 1996 Directed Star Trek: First Contact. 1998 Directed Star Trek: Insurrection. 2020–2023 Portrayed Admiral/Captain William T. Riker in Star Trek: Picard. Public reference sources Public biography and credit reference.Jonathan Frakes – Wikipedia reference search Public biography and credit reference.Jonathan Frakes – IMDb name search Biographical and credit details were checked against Jonathan Frakes – Wikipedia reference search, Jonathan Frakes – IMDb name search.