Brent Spiner Filmography and Television Roles
Brent Spiner is an American actor best known for portraying Lieutenant Commander Data in the television series Star Trek: The Next Generation, which aired from 1987 to 1994 and spawned multiple feature films. He reprised the role in Star Trek: Picard, which ran from 2020 to 2023 on Paramount+. His film credits include Star Trek: First Contact, Star Trek: Insurrection, and Star Trek: Nemesis, all released between 1996 and 2002. Spiner has also appeared in television series such as Night Court, Friends, and The Big Bang Theory, where he played himself in a guest role. For a detailed filmography, refer to his verified profile on IMDb Brent Spiner IMDb profile.
Beyond science fiction, Spiner has taken on dramatic and comedic roles in independent films and stage productions. He starred in the 1996 television movie The Outer Limits and appeared in the 2002 feature film Independence Day. His stage work includes Broadway and off-Broadway performances, and he has narrated audiobooks, including a reading of the Star Trek novel Immortal Coil. These projects reflect a career spanning multiple formats and genres within the entertainment industry.
Earnings, Net Worth, and Career Finances
Brent Spiner's net worth has been estimated in the range of several million dollars, with the bulk of his earnings tied to his long-running role in Star Trek: The Next Generation and its feature films. Television actors in recurring roles on major network series during the 1990s typically earned per-episode fees that increased with the show's success, and syndication residuals continued to generate income for years after the series ended. Spiner's continued association with the Star Trek franchise through conventions, guest appearances, and related media has contributed to his ongoing earnings. Public financial details are limited, and Forbes and other business outlets have not published a dedicated profile on his finances Forbes entertainment business coverage.
Independent film and television projects generally operate on smaller budgets than major studio releases, and actor compensation varies based on production scale and contract terms. Spiner's involvement in smaller independent films and voice work in animated series and video games represents a segment of his career that is less well-documented financially. Earnings from convention appearances and branded merchandise tied to his Star Trek role also form part of his income, though exact figures are not publicly disclosed by the actor or his representatives.
Career Milestones and Industry Context
Brent Spiner's portrayal of Data earned him critical recognition, including a Saturn Award for Best Actor and multiple nominations. Star Trek: The Next Generation aired 178 episodes across seven seasons and remains one of the highest-rated science fiction series in television history. The franchise's total revenue, including box office, home media, and licensing, has been estimated in the billions, with the series and films contributing a significant share. The SEC filings of publicly traded media companies that have held Star Trek licensing rights provide some insight into the franchise's commercial scale SEC EDGAR filings for media companies.
Spiner's career intersects with broader trends in the entertainment industry, including the growth of streaming platforms and the revival of legacy franchises. Paramount+ and other services have made Star Trek content available to new global audiences, increasing the visibility of Spiner's work. The actor has also engaged in public discussions about his career, including his experiences on set and his relationship with the Star Trek fan community. These factors continue to shape the public perception and commercial relevance of his roles in film and television