Jonathan Frakes Age and Biographical Facts
Jonathan Frakes was born on August 19, 1952, making him 72 years old as of the latest public records. He is an American actor, director, and author best known for his role as Commander William Riker in Star Trek: The Next Generation. Frakes was born in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, and later studied at Pennsylvania State University and Harvard University. His career spans decades in television, film, and voice acting, with a consistent presence in science fiction and family entertainment franchises.
Frakes has remained active in the entertainment industry well into his seventies, taking on roles in series such as The Orville and Star Trek: Picard. His age is frequently referenced in interviews and profiles that highlight his longevity in Hollywood. Public databases, entertainment industry directories, and verified biographical sources consistently list his birth year as 1952. This makes him one of the longest-working actors in the Star Trek franchise, with a career that began in the 1980s and continues into the 2020s.
Career Highlights and Financial Context
Jonathan Frakes built his reputation through a combination of on-screen acting and behind-the-camera directing work. He directed multiple episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and Star Trek: Voyager. His directorial credits also include television series such as Castle, Bones, and The Librarians. In film, Frakes directed Clockstoppers and the Star Trek: First Contact feature, which became one of the higher-grossing Star Trek movies at the time of its release.
While Frakes is not primarily known as a finance figure, his career intersects with the business side of entertainment through long-term contracts, syndication royalties, and franchise participation. The Star Trek franchise generates billions in revenue across streaming, merchandise, and licensing, and actors like Frakes benefit from backend participation in these ongoing revenue streams. For broader context on how entertainment franchises create long-term financial value, see this overview of franchise economics on Forbes.
Public Profile and Current Activities
Jonathan Frakes continues to appear at science fiction conventions, charity events, and media interviews. He has also been active on social platforms where he shares updates about upcoming projects and personal interests. His public profile remains tied to Star Trek, and he is frequently cited in articles about the franchise's history and cultural impact. Frakes has also been involved in educational and philanthropic efforts related to the arts and sciences.
In terms of financial and corporate context, Frakes has participated in panels and events connected to major entertainment companies such as Paramount and CBS Studios, which control the Star Trek intellectual property. His involvement with these organizations places him within the broader ecosystem of media companies that are publicly traded and closely watched by investors. For details on the corporate structure and financial reporting of companies involved in major entertainment franchises, you can review the latest SEC filings for Paramount Global.