Gene Roddenberry Defended Jonathan Frakes’ Role in Star Trek: The Next Generation
In the iconic series “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” Commander Riker, portrayed by Jonathan Frakes, stood as the charismatic first officer aboard the USS Enterprise-D. In contrast to the reserved and serious Captain Picard, played by Patrick Stewart, Riker’s charm was evident. He built camaraderie with his crew through his friendly demeanor and amusing personality, all while being cast as the show’s main heartthrob thanks to his tall, athletic frame and good looks.
When “The Next Generation” launched in 1987, Frakes brought a wealth of experience, having supported numerous television shows such as “The Doctors,” “Charlie’s Angels,” “Fantasy Island,” “Hill Street Blues,” and “Highway to Heaven.” Although he had not yet landed a leading role, Frakes was no stranger to the industry, previously capturing attention in “Falcon Crest.”
Initially, the casting call for Commander Riker, originally known as “Number One” or William Ryker, described a character between 30 and 35 years old, Caucasian, born in Alaska, and possessing medium height, athleticism, and psychological insight. This broad profile drew a pool of aspiring actors eager to fill the part, with Frakes among the finalists. An oral history recounts that actor Billy Campbell, along with Michael O’Gorman and Jeffrey Combs, were on the short list, while a casting memo mentioned Ben Murphy as another contender.
Frakes shared in a 2012 interview that during auditions, Gene Roddenberry, the show’s visionary creator, took a particular liking to him. Despite Frakes’ standing, it was widely believed that Paramount executives were leaning towards Campbell for the role. Ultimately, Roddenberry needed to advocate for Frakes, who noted that he felt the pressure of the decision between him and Campbell.
For those intrigued about what Campbell might have brought to the role, he guest-starred in the “Next Generation” episode “The Outrageous Okona,” portraying a charming rogue akin to Han Solo, showcasing the charisma that could have translated to Riker. Nevertheless, Frakes recounted that Roddenberry kept contacting him at home, fueling his confidence that the role might indeed be his. Frakes revealed, “Gene called me directly. By then, he had invested time explaining Riker’s character and the 24th century vision. I think he had to advocate for me.”
It’s worth noting Riker’s character, with his romantic escapades, mirrored some of Roddenberry’s own desires, possibly making Frakes a reflection of the creator’s image. Frakes deftly embodied Riker, but his significant career milestone evolved when he pursued directing. Over his tenure on “The Next Generation,” which spanned 178 episodes, he also directed 29 episodes and two feature films within the franchise, establishing himself as a key figure in “Star Trek” history.
Meanwhile, Billy Campbell has continued to thrive as an actor, maintaining a steady presence in the industry, recently appearing in an episode of “Mr. & Mrs. Smith.” The legacy of “Star Trek” and its beloved characters, such as Riker, remains inseparable from the creativity and vision of its creators.
