Jonathan Frakes: Biography in Details
Who is Jonathan Frakes?
Jonathan Frakes is an American actor and director. He is best known as Commander William T. Riker in the TV series Star Trek: The Next Generation.
Jonathan Frakes: Birth, Age, Parents, Ethnicity, Siblings
This actor was born on August 19, 1952, in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, the United States with a birth name Jonathan Scott Frakes. He belongs to German and English descent.
Jonathan was born to his father Dr. James R. Frakes, and mother Doris J. His father James was a professor of English literature at Lehigh University, where he was the Edmund W. Fairchild Professor in American Studies.
He was also a critic for NYTBR and book editor till his death in 2002. Jonathan had a younger brother Daniel, who died due to pancreatic cancer in 1997.
In which school did Jonathan Frakes attend?
He graduated from Liberty High School in 1970, where he played and ran track with the high school Grenadier Band. Jonathan graduated with a BFA degree from Pennsylvania State University in 1974.
In 1976, he received a MA degree from Harvard University.
Jonathan Frakes- Early Career, Professional Life
Early Career
Earlier, in 1970, Jonathan Frakes appeared in costume as Captain America for Marvel Comics. After moving to New York City from Pennsylvania, he became a member of the Impossible Ragtime Theatre. Frakes did his first acting in the play The Hairy Ape.
His first appearance was in a musical Shenandoah. At the same time, he worked on the NBC soap opera The Doctors. His character was dismissed from the show, and Jonathan moved to LA. After moving to Los Angeles, he made a guest appearance in some of the top TV series including The Waltons, The Dukes of Hazzard, Eight is Enough, Hill Street Blues, and more.
In 1983, he starred in an episode of the TV series Voyagers! titled ‘An Arrow Pointing East’. The same year, he had a role in Bare Essence which also starred his future wife Genie Francis.
Jonathan was cast as Commander William T. Riker on Star Trek: The Next Generation. He was one of an actor who appears in every episode until the series’ conclusion in 1994.
Frakes also directed 14 episodes of the show. He is one of only two actors to regulars to appear on five different Star Trek series. In addition to acting, he has been an animation voice actor.
His most notable voicing was in the role of David Xanatos in the animated series ‘Gargoyles’. He has given his voice in several series and movies including Futurama, Camp Nowhere, Adventure Time.
Professional Life
Jonathan appeared on an American rock band Phish album Hoist on the track titled ‘Riker’s Mailbox’. Apart from his, he has hosted a TV series The Paranormal Borderline, and presented an interview of reporter Yolanda Gaskins with veteran astronaut Gordon Cooper.
He appeared together with his wife Francis in Lois & Clark in the episode Don’t Tug on Superman’s Cape. Frakes also narrated That’s Impossible on History Channel.
Jonathan was an executive producer, directed several episodes, and starred in three episodes for the WB series Rosewell. In addition to Rosewell, he has directed several episodes of Castle, Hit the Floor, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, Switched at Birth, The Orville, Falling Skies, Leverage, and more.
He teaches classes on film direction with the workshops, the Waterfall Arts Center, and the Saltwater Film Society, all located in Maine. He alongside his wife owned a home furnishing store called The Cherished Home, which closed in 2012 due to their busy schedule.
Salary, Net Worth
At his peak, Frakes was earning $100,000 per episode. He earned $400,000 for Star Trek Generations followed by $5 million for Star Trek: First Contact.
Meanwhile, according to some sources, he has an estimated net worth of $25 million.
Jonathan Frakes: Social Media Profile
Jonathan Frakes has over 28 K followers on Facebook, 112 K followers on Instagram, and around 482 K followers on Twitter.
Jonathan Frakes: Rumor, Controversy
Jonathan Frakes is the number one actor in the heart and mind of Star Trek. There is no rumor and scandals about this actor. He is doing great in his career.
How tall is Jonathan Frakes?
Jonathan Frakes is standing height of 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighs 90 kg. Likely, he has dark brown hair and hazel-blue eyes.
Jonathan Frakes’s Anniversary Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | May | Tuesday |
| 2025 | May | Wednesday |
| 2026 | May | Thursday |
| 2027 | May | Friday |
| 2028 | May | Sunday |
Jonathan Frakes’s Birthday Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | August | Monday |
| 2025 | August | Tuesday |
| 2026 | August | Wednesday |
| 2027 | August | Thursday |
| 2028 | August | Saturday |