There are few “Star Trek” actors who can claim to have a franchise pedigree that rivals that of Jonathan Frakes. He made his “Star Trek” debut in the late 1980s on the widely-adored series “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” following that up with appearances on “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” “Star Trek: Voyager,” and “Star Trek: Enterprise” after “The Next Generation” wrapped up in 1994. Frakes also brought William Riker to the movies for “Star Trek Generations,” “Star Trek: First Contact,” “Star Trek: Insurrection,” and “Star Trek: Nemesis.” “First Contact” and “Insurrection” were even directed by Frakes.
In the modern era, Frakes has continued to lend his talents to the “Star Trek” saga, bringing Riker to a whole new generation of fans and sharpening his directorial skills. He has so far contributed to streaming favorites “Star Trek: Picard,” “Star Trek: Lower Decks,” “Star Trek: Discovery,” and “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.” That’s an immensely impressive résumé no matter how you look at it, and it stands to reason that Frakes will continue to play in the “Star Trek” sandbox as it explores new entertainment frontiers.
To call Jonathan Frakes a steward of the “Star Trek” brand is an incredible understatement. He’s stood at the forefront of it for decades, and if his remarks on the “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” reviews are of any indication, he wants to see it thrive in its entirety.
