Star Trek Nearly Chose Different Actors for William T. Riker Over Jonathan Frakes
In the decades since he stepped into the shoes of Starfleet officer William T. Riker on Star Trek: The Next Generation, Jonathan Frakes has established himself not just as an actor but also as a director, significantly influencing the franchise behind the camera. However, during the casting process in the late 1980s, Frakes was not the initial frontrunner for the role of Riker, the charmingly roguish first officer. The casting decisions could have taken a very different turn had other talented actors landed the part.
Among those vying for the coveted role was Billy Campbell, who later starred in the cult superhero classic The Rocketeer in 1991. According to the oral history The Fifty-Year Mission: The Next 25 Years by Mark A. Altman and Edward Gross, producer Rick Berman shared that Campbell had originally been cast as Riker. Yet, Paramount’s president at the time, John Pike, expressed doubts about Campbell’s suitability: “For the role of Riker, we cast an actor named Billy Campbell, who later did a bunch of other good things. However, [John] Pike didn’t like him. He felt he lacked a sense of command. I think it was really more that he didn’t audition that well for the part, and that’s when we went to our second choice, Jonathan Frakes, who turned out to be a terrific choice.”
It’s intriguing to consider what might have been had Campbell played Riker. His portrayal might have posed a challenge for viewers, especially when visualizing other iconic characters like Worf taking orders from a clean-shaven Campbell resembling his character in The Rocketeer. But Campbell wasn’t the only actor in the running. An audition memo from ABC Casting for Star Trek: The Next Generation outlined a desire for various actors for the series’ characters, dating back to March 1987. By April 13 of that year, the memo indicated that Michael O’Gorman, star of Ironweed, was the “favorite” for Riker due to his unique charm. Even though O’Gorman was relatively unknown at the time and soon departed from acting, his rugged demeanor might have aligned well with the vision producers had for the character.
Also included in this competitive roster were well-known figures such as Gregg Marx, a soap opera star recognized for roles in Days of Our Lives and As The World Turns, and Ben Murphy, known for his part as Kid Curry in the 1970s series Alias Smith and Jones. Despite the stiff competition, Frakes ultimately outshined them all, but there was another notable contender who went on to become a significant figure in the Star Trek universe.
Jeffrey Combs, a legend in both horror and science fiction realms, also auditioned for the role of Riker. Combs, famed for his role as the deranged doctor Herbert West in the Re-Animator series and his appearances in various Star Trek productions, lost out to Frakes for Riker but caught the latter’s attention when Frakes directed an episode of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. He cast Combs as Tiron, leveraging his skills despite the formidable makeup challenges. This collaboration not only furthered Combs’ career within the Star Trek franchise but also introduced him to other iconic roles, including his portrayal of the Ferengi Liquidator Brunt, all thanks to Frakes’ recommendation.
Ultimately, Frakes’ selection as Riker proved to be a masterstroke. The casting decisions shaped the character dynamics and storytelling of Star Trek, leading to captivating moments that would resonate with fans for years to come. The what-ifs surrounding these casting choices add an intriguing layer to the legacy of one of television’s most beloved series.
