# Jonathan Frakes

> American actor and director (born 1952)

**Wikidata**: [Q346595](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q346595)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jonathan_Frakes)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/jonathan-frakes

## Summary
Jonathan Frakes is an American actor and director known for his roles in *Star Trek: The Next Generation* and *Star Trek: Deep Space Nine*, as well as his work as a voice actor and television presenter. He is best recognized for portraying Commander William Riker in *Star Trek: The Next Generation* and later directing episodes of the series.

## Biography
- Born: August 19, 1952
- Nationality: United States
- Education: Pennsylvania State University, Harvard University
- Known for: Acting in *Star Trek: The Next Generation* and *Star Trek: Deep Space Nine*, directing *Star Trek* episodes
- Employer(s): *Star Trek* franchise, various television and film projects
- Field(s): Acting, directing, voice acting, television presenting

## Contributions
- Portrayed Commander William Riker in *Star Trek: The Next Generation* (1987–1994), a role that became iconic in the *Star Trek* franchise.
- Directed multiple episodes of *Star Trek: The Next Generation* and *Star Trek: Deep Space Nine*, contributing to the series' artistic and dramatic direction.
- Provided voice work for various animated projects, including *Futurama* and *The Librarians*.
- Hosted and presented television programs, showcasing his versatility in media presentation.

## FAQs
**What is Jonathan Frakes best known for?**
Jonathan Frakes is best known for his role as Commander William Riker in *Star Trek: The Next Generation* and his work as a director for the *Star Trek* franchise.

**Where did Jonathan Frakes study?**
Jonathan Frakes attended Pennsylvania State University and Harvard University.

**Has Jonathan Frakes directed any *Star Trek* episodes?**
Yes, Jonathan Frakes directed multiple episodes of *Star Trek: The Next Generation* and *Star Trek: Deep Space Nine*.

**What other media has Jonathan Frakes worked in?**
Jonathan Frakes has worked in voice acting, television presenting, and various film and television projects outside of *Star Trek*.

## Why They Matter
Jonathan Frakes is significant in the entertainment industry for his contributions to the *Star Trek* franchise, where his portrayal of Commander Riker and his directing work have left a lasting impact on fans and the series' legacy. His versatility in acting and directing has influenced other projects in television and film, and his work in voice acting has expanded his reach in animated media. Frakes' influence extends beyond *Star Trek*, as he has contributed to various television and film projects, showcasing his talent in multiple areas of entertainment.

## Notable For
- Iconic portrayal of Commander William Riker in *Star Trek: The Next Generation*.
- Director of multiple *Star Trek* episodes, shaping the series' artistic direction.
- Voice actor for *Futurama* and *The Librarians*, demonstrating his versatility in media.
- Television presenter, expanding his career in media presentation.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Jonathan Frakes was born on August 19, 1952. He attended Pennsylvania State University and Harvard University, where he honed his skills in acting and performance.

### Acting Career
Frakes gained widespread recognition for his role as Commander William Riker in *Star Trek: The Next Generation*, a role that became central to the series' success. His portrayal of Riker was widely praised and contributed to the franchise's cultural impact.

### Directing Work
In addition to acting, Frakes directed multiple episodes of *Star Trek: The Next Generation* and *Star Trek: Deep Space Nine*. His directing work helped shape the artistic and dramatic direction of the series, earning him respect in the industry.

### Voice Acting and Presenting
Frakes has also worked in voice acting, providing voices for characters in *Futurama* and *The Librarians*. He has also hosted and presented television programs, showcasing his versatility in media presentation.

### Influence and Legacy
Jonathan Frakes' contributions to the *Star Trek* franchise and his work in directing, voice acting, and television presenting have left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. His role as Commander Riker and his directing work have become iconic in the *Star Trek* universe, and his versatility in media has influenced other projects. Frakes' career demonstrates his talent and dedication to his craft, making him a notable figure in entertainment.

## References

1. [Source](http://insidepamagazine.com/index.php/2020/01/31/jonathan-frakes-talks-star-trek-local-ties-and-acting-advice/)
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. BnF authorities
4. datos.bne.es
5. Integrated Authority File
6. MusicBrainz
7. IMDb
8. SNAC
9. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
10. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
11. Jonathan Frakes (15 Character Images) - Behind The Voice Actors. Behind The Voice Actors
12. [Source](https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/Jonathan_Frakes?oldid=2389295)
13. [Source](https://futurama.fandom.com/wiki/Jonathan_Frakes?oldid=90722)
14. [Source](https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/de/wiki/Jonathan_Frakes?oldid=719932)
15. The Movie Database