After seven seasons of exploring the cosmos as Commander William Riker in “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” Jonathan Frakes continues to live among the stars, 25 years after leaving the bridge of the USS Enterprise.
“Being involved with the Star Trek family has been life changing, obviously,” he said. “The Star Trek world has provided hope and inspiration for so many, and I have been blessed to be a part of that. We, as a cast, were one of the lucky ones to all get along — we’ve been godparents to each others kids, keep in touch and enjoy opportunities to work together when possible.”
Along with numerous guest appearances on various television shows and voice-over work on animated series such as the “Guardians of the Galaxy,” Frakes has been busy directing a variety of episodes for shows such as “The Orville,” “Star Trek: Discovery” and involved in the upcoming “Star Trek: Picard” series on CBS All Access.
“It’s like we picked up right where we left off, and in these newer shows, it is neat to see the new family forming. I have felt like the wacky uncle on (Star Trek:) Discovery.”
Jonathan Frakes
Rural Pa. roots
Frakes’ top piece of advice for aspiring performers — “It doesn’t matter where you come from.”
He was born August 19, 1952, in Bellefonte, the son of then-Penn State professor Dr. James R. and Doris Frakes.
“We lived in State College, but Bellefonte was where the babies were born,” said Frakes. “Ironically, I supposedly was visited by numerous members of the Penn State English department while in the hospital, because there were no liquor stores in State College, either. Bellefonte, at that time, was the place to buy booze and have babies.”
Frakes lived in State College until he was five, when his father took a position with Lehigh University in Bethlehem. Frakes returned to Penn State several summers for high school music clinics and eventually attended Penn State University, starting a week after graduating from Liberty High School, where he ran track and performed with the school’s band.
“Regardless of where you are from, experiences are experiences, and you take your history with you no matter where you are working,” he said. “My father, being such a big movie buff, greatly influenced me.”
A changing of the guard within Penn State’s theatre department at the time with incoming influences from well beyond Happy Valley helped spark Frakes’ career. He attributed mentorship from John Shearin, the late head of theater at East Carolina State, as another inspiration.
After some time working for Marvel Comics, appearing at conventions as Captain America, Frakes eventually moved to New York City, became a member of the Impossible Ragtime Theater group and appeared in his first Broadway show — “Shenandoah.”
Frakes performed on a couple of soap operas in the early 1980s, including “Bare Essence,” where he met his future wife, Genie Francis. He secured recurring roles on “Falcon Crest” and “North and South” before agreeing to his role on “Star Trek: The Next Generation.”
Inspired entertainment
“The Next Generation” bridged the gaps between reality and fantasy in ways that only Gene Roddenberry could manage, according to Frakes.
“It was his genius — to be able to hit all the social issues of the time, including sexism, immigration problems and human rights,” Frakes said. “He created shows that entertained, that were an escape from reality while still dealing with major issues from reality. He inspired bigger hearts, bigger brains and less hostility.”
Another science fiction influencer with similar abilities, according to Frakes, is Seth McFarlane, who Frakes worked with on several episodes of “The Orville.”
“Seth is one of the industry’s renaissance men. He was always a huge ‘Next Generation’ fan, and wanted to be the captain of his own starship since he was nine years old,” said Frakes. “Fast-forward through his career, and he made hundreds of millions from his success as an animator on shows like ‘Family Guy,’ but he always yearned to do a show about a star ship.
“Knowing Seth, I thought it (‘The Orville’) would be sillier and less serious — but it was very much Roddenberry, dealing with cultural and ethical problems.”
Frakes has learned to especially appreciate animation and voice-over work.
“It is interesting to use that part of your instrument to do most of the work — there is a freedom in the recording studio and a way to use your voice in a way that is more distinct and broader,” he said. “Plus, you get to work in your pajamas if you want to. There’s good food and it’s a tight-knit group, which is why it is so hard to get into voice acting.”
Changing lives
To Frakes, one of the biggest perks of his career so far has been his connection to the devoted Star Trek fan base.
“The greatest fans in the world are Star Trek fans,” he said. “They are also the smartest and most tolerant.”
Which is why Frakes attends so many conventions — to share an experience with fans who have been inspired by the show to become astronauts, scientists and even teachers.
“Growing up in homes with troubled relationships with their parents, sometimes the only time of the week when the family dynamics were civil was during the hour of ‘Star Trek,’” Frakes said. “On one panel, a veteran from Afghanistan who lost both his legs brought us all to tears when he shared how laser discs of ‘Star Trek’ was the one thing that got him through the tragedy of his injuries.”
Frakes has been overwhelmed by the massive therapeutic ripple effect created by the Star Trek universe.
“When a show you look at as entertainment has the profound effect on people like this show has, it is amazing. Those in recover, drug and alcohol rehab, tough family dynamics — there are so many things addressed in this show that allows people to feel safe in who they are, and encourages them to become the people they were meant to be,” he said. “Every convention, someone will surprise you, sharing a story you’ve never heard before.”
Those stories have reminded Frakes of the value of positive role models.
“You hear some athlete who says he doesn’t want to be a role model,” he said. “You may not want to be one, but if you behave like an idiot, it hurts you and those who look up to you.”
Looking ahead
“Star Trek: Picard,” the newest chapter of the Star Trek universe, is set to begin Jan. 23 on CBS All Access, and Frakes is excited to be a part of the pilot episode.
“It is filled with nostalgia, laughs and smiles,” he said. “I hope to continue. I am not sure if I’ll be back as Commander Riker (in future episodes), but I’m definitely hoping to be back to direct more episodes and honor Sir Patrick (Stewart, who plays the lead role of Jean-Luc Picard).”
Despite some of the notable returnees for the pilot, Frakes suggested “Picard” is not just another Star Trek show.
“For one, the (USS) Enterprise is no longer a character,” he said. “This is a different story about a man much later in his life.”
As he matures in the business, Frakes admits that he is drawn more to directing than acting.
“Each job has its pros and cons — not everyone is suited to being either an actor or a director,” he said. “I feel I am a better director and much happier in being involved in creating the whole car. I like the preproduction, working with the design and casting staffs, with the cameraman planning the shots and I like to edit. I like the whole process.”
Acting, he added, has its own set of challenges and rewards.
“As an actor, you are primarily concerned about your character and the relationships with the other characters. Acting isn’t for the feint of heart,” he said. “It is a complicated profession, and I have a great respect for all actors. I am fortunate to work with some of the best in the industry.”
Industry advice
For those who are looking to pursue a career in drama, whether on stage or screen, Frakes admitted he has some advice that goes against what he was taught in school.
“As an undergraduate at Penn State, we were told to just take the classes and not to audition for all the shows — but to be selective based on our strengths,” he said. “My advice is to do the opposite, do as much as you can. The auditions, acting, dancing, theater, comedy — you learn from doing and broadening your skillset.”
For those who have dreams of creating a movie or show: “Don’t just talk about making a film. You can make your own movie on an iPhone. Write the story. Get your friends together. There is so much to be learned in the doing,” Frakes said. “I am realizing now as an older guy that I have a lot of people who shadow me on set, and it is my responsibility to pass along respect for the craft and tricks on how to do it.”
Frakes then reiterated his top nugget of theatrical advice.
“It doesn’t matter where you came from; take your experiences and use them. Don’t be afraid to get your hand dirty and put in the long hours by doing the doing. There is so much to be learned by trial, errors and successes.”
Jonathan Frakes
