Biography
A Pennsylvania native, Frakes began his career on stage at the Loeb Drama Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He landed in NYC where he continued to hone his craft in such theatrical productions as the musical "Shenandoah". Frakes began landing roles on TV in the late 1970s and has since found plenty of work in miniseries. His stalwart, manly charm has adorned the Southern-fried soaps "Beulah Land" (NBC, 1980), "North and South" (ABC, 1985), …
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Career Milestones
| Began his acting career onstage at the Loeb Drama Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts | ||
| Born and raised in Pennsylvania | ||
| Formed Goepp Circle Productions, named after a street in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania | ||
| Played Commander William Riker on the hit syndicated science-fiction series, "Star Trek: The Next Generation"; also appeared in episodes of "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" and "Star Trek: Voyager." | ||
| Provided character voices on the animated series "Gargoyles" | ||
| Spent five years in NYC appearing in stage productions, including the Broadway musical "Shenandoah"; also appeared in region theater | ||
1979 | Earliest TV work included a role in the failed ABC detective series pilot, "Beach Patrol" | |
1980 | First notable miniseries work, "Beulah Land" | |
1982 | Recreated his role as Marcus Marshall from the two-part CBS TV-movie, "Bare Essence" for the short-lived drama series of the same name | |
1984 | Played recurring role of Sandy Parris on the short-lived ABC drama series, "Paper Dolls" | |
1994 | Film acting debut, as Riker in "Star Trek: Generations" | |
1995 | Served as host for the Fox special "Alien Autopsy: Fact or Fiction" | |
1996 | Feature film directorial debut, "Star Trek: First Contact," in which he also acted as Riker | |
1996 | Hosted the UPN series "The Paranormal Borderline" | |
1997 | Signed to two-year, first-look deal by Paramount | |
1998 | Helmed and co-starred in "Star Trek: Insurrection" | |
1999 | Was executive producer of "Roswell" (The WB, 1999-2001; UPN, 2001-2002); appeared as himself on two episodes | |
2002 | Directed an episode of the UPN series "The Twilight Zone" | |
2002 | Directed the sci-fi comedy feature "Clockstoppers" | |
2002 | Reprised role of Riker in "Star Trek: Nemesis" | |
2004 | Directed "Thunderbirds" based on the cult British television show from the 1960s | |