Jonathan Frakes

Jonathan Frakes, born on August 19, 1952, is a multifaceted American actor and director, renowned for his iconic role as William Riker in the beloved television series Star Trek: The Next Generation. His portrayal of Riker not only captivated audiences during the show's run but also extended into several Star Trek films and series, solidifying his place in the franchise's legacy.

In addition to his acting career, Frakes has made significant contributions as a director. He began directing episodes of The Next Generation during its third season, showcasing his talent behind the camera. His directorial prowess is further highlighted by his work on feature films such as Star Trek: First Contact and Star Trek: Insurrection, as well as episodes of later Star Trek series including Deep Space Nine, Voyager, Enterprise, Discovery, Strange New Worlds, and Picard.

Frakes is also known for his engaging presence as a television presenter, having hosted the anthology series Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction. His voice acting skills brought to life the character David Xanatos in the Disney animated series Gargoyles, and he lent his narration to the History Channel documentary Lee and Grant.

Beyond his work in television and film, Frakes is the credited author of the novel The Abductors: Conspiracy, which was ghostwritten by Dean Wesley Smith. His directorial ventures extend to television films and series, including The Librarian, Roswell, Leverage, Castle, and Burn Notice, showcasing his versatility and commitment to storytelling across various mediums.