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Star Trek is an iconic science fiction franchise that has introduced viewers to unforgettable characters and the talented actors who bring them to life. Among these actors is Brent Spiner, renowned for his portrayal of the android Data, whose journey spans numerous Star Trek series and films. Fans often seek details about the ages and lives of Star Trek actors, both past and present, and are also interested in related facts, such as notable deaths in the cast. This article explores the lives and careers of key figures like Brent Spiner and Jonathan Frakes, who played William T. Riker, and also discusses Loree McBride and other connections in the Star Trek universe.
Data From Star Trek Actor
Data, the beloved android from Star Trek: The Next Generation, is brought to life by actor Brent Spiner. Data is a fascinating character—an android who is self-aware, sentient, and strives to understand humanity despite being a machine. He serves as the second officer and chief operations officer aboard the USS Enterprise-D and later the Enterprise-E. What makes Data so compelling is his quest to become more human, offering a unique “outsider’s” perspective on human emotions and behavior, somewhat like Spock from the original Star Trek series.
Brent Spiner’s portrayal of Data earned him widespread acclaim, including a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor for Star Trek: First Contact. Beyond Star Trek, Spiner has had a diverse career in theater, film, and voice acting. His performance as Data is memorable for blending the character’s logical android nature with moments of genuine curiosity and even humor. Episodes like Data’s Day give viewers a glimpse into Data’s perspective, showing his efforts to adapt to human customs and emotions, which makes him relatable and endearing.
Overall, Data stands out as a symbol of the search for identity and understanding, made unforgettable by Brent Spiner’s nuanced and heartfelt performance.
Data Star Trek
Data is a beloved character from the Star Trek universe, known for being a highly advanced android with a quest to understand humanity. Created by the brilliant cyberneticist Dr. Noonien Soong, Data serves as the second officer and chief operations officer aboard the starship USS Enterprise-D. What makes Data so fascinating is his unique blend of superior intelligence and innocence, as he tries to grasp human emotions and social nuances despite being an artificial life form.
Throughout Star Trek: The Next Generation and later appearances in Star Trek: Picard, Data’s journey explores what it means to be human. He even experiences true emotions and learns to rely on intuition, which adds depth to his character. His interactions with the crew, especially with Counselor Deanna Troi, highlight his ongoing struggle and growth in understanding feelings. Data’s story is touching because it shows a machine striving for humanity, making him an inspiring symbol of curiosity, empathy, and self-discovery. Fans appreciate his logical mind paired with his heartfelt desire to connect, which makes Data one of the most memorable and relatable characters in Star Trek.
Data From Star Trek Actor Age
Brent Spiner, the actor who brought the android Data to life in Star Trek: The Next Generation, was born in 1949. When he first took on the role in 1987, he was around 38 years old. Over the years, Spiner’s portrayal of Data became iconic, showing the character’s journey to understand humanity despite being an android. This role resonated with many fans, especially because Data’s unique perspective and quest for humanity made him relatable in a special way.
Other notable cast members from Star Trek: The Next Generation also started their roles in their 30s. For instance, Michael Dorn, who played Lieutenant Worf, was 34 when he began in 1987 and is 72 years old as of 2025. Gates McFadden, who portrayed Doctor Beverly Crusher, was 38 at the start and is now 76 years old. Both actors have remained active in the Star Trek community, attending conventions and continuing their careers in acting and education. It’s fascinating to see how these actors have grown alongside their characters over nearly four decades.
Data From Star Trek Actor Death
The actor who famously portrayed Data in Star Trek: The Next Generation, Brent Spiner, is very much alive as of now. However, several other beloved Star Trek actors have passed away over the years, marking poignant moments for fans. For example, DeForest Kelley, who played Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy in the original series, died in 1999 after battling stomach cancer. James Doohan, the original Scotty, passed away in 2005 due to complications from pneumonia and Alzheimer’s disease. His ashes were even sent to space, a tribute befitting his role as the Enterprise’s chief engineer. More recently, guest actors like Paul Sorvino, who appeared in Star Trek: The Next Generation, have also died, reminding fans of the wide range of talent that contributed to the franchise’s rich history. These losses are deeply felt within the Star Trek community, but the legacy of these actors endures through their iconic performances and the ongoing passion of fans worldwide.
Brent Spiner
Brent Spiner is an American actor best known for his iconic role as the android Data on Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987–1994) and its related films and series, including Star Trek: Picard (2020–2023). His portrayal of Data, a character with superhuman intelligence but a childlike innocence, earned him a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor in Star Trek: First Contact and a nomination for his role in Independence Day as Dr. Brackish Okun.
Born in Houston, Texas, in 1949, Spiner showed early talent in dramatic arts, winning a national championship in dramatic interpretation during high school. He later studied theater at the University of Houston and moved to New York to perform in Off-Broadway plays before transitioning to television and film. Beyond acting, he has also pursued music, releasing an album featuring classic standards with backing vocals from his Star Trek co-stars. Spiner’s career spans theater, television, film, and voice acting, including voicing the Joker in the animated series Young Justice. His warm, thoughtful performances have made him a beloved figure among sci-fi fans and beyond.
Brent Spiner Star Trek
Brent Spiner is best known for his iconic role as Lieutenant Commander Data, the android officer on Star Trek: The Next Generation. He brought this beloved character to life across all seven seasons of the show, appearing in 177 out of 178 episodes, and reprised the role in four Star Trek films. Data’s quest to understand humanity and his unique android perspective made him a fan favorite. Beyond Data, Spiner also portrayed Data’s evil brother Lore and the less advanced android B-4, showing his versatility within the Star Trek universe.
Spiner’s connection to Star Trek goes even deeper. He played Dr. Arik Soong, an ancestor of Data’s creator, in Star Trek: Enterprise and later appeared as Dr. Adam Soong in Star Trek: Picard, marking his seventh distinct character in the franchise. His charm and wit off-screen have made him a beloved figure among fans, often sharing stories and jokes in interviews and conventions. Spiner’s portrayal of Data remains a defining role in sci-fi television, blending emotion, curiosity, and humor in a way that continues to resonate with audiences.
Brent Spiner Movies And TV Shows
Brent Spiner is best known for his iconic role as the android Data in Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987–1994), a character that earned him a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor in Star Trek: First Contact (1996). He reprised this role in four Star Trek films and the recent series Star Trek: Picard (2020–2023), where his portrayal brought depth and emotion to the beloved android. Beyond Data, Spiner showcased his versatility by playing multiple characters within the Star Trek universe, including Data’s creator Dr. Noonien Soong, the android Lore, and other members of the Soong family across various series and films.
Outside of Star Trek, Spiner appeared in the blockbuster sci-fi film Independence Day (1996) as Dr. Brackish Okun, a role he reprised in Independence Day: Resurgence (2016), earning another Saturn Award nomination. He has also lent his voice to animated projects, notably voicing the Joker in the series Young Justice (2011–2022). Alongside his screen work, Spiner has a background in theater and music, highlighting his broad artistic talents. His career reflects a rich blend of science fiction, drama, and voice acting, making him a beloved figure among fans.
Brent Spiner Young
Brent Spiner was born on February 2, 1949, in Houston, Texas, into a Jewish family. His early life was marked by the loss of his biological father when Brent was just ten months old. Later, his mother remarried, and Brent was adopted by his stepfather, Sol Mintz, whose last name he used for a time before reverting to Spiner. Growing up, Brent showed a strong interest in acting, encouraged by his high school drama teacher, which set the stage for his future career.
He attended the University of Houston, where he honed his acting skills in local theater productions. Early on, he worked at Six Flags Astroworld, performing in shows that helped him develop his stage presence. Brent Spiner eventually moved into professional theater and film, but he is best known for his iconic role as the android Data in Star Trek: The Next Generation. This role earned him critical acclaim and a devoted fan base. Beyond acting, Spiner has also explored music and writing, blending his talents in creative ways throughout his career.
William T. Riker
William T. Riker is a beloved character from Star Trek: The Next Generation, known for his confident and sometimes unorthodox style as the Enterprise’s first officer. He’s got that classic “swagger” — a smooth-talking, bearded guy who often flips his leg over the back of his chair, exuding a relaxed but commanding presence. Riker is a skilled strategist and tactician, often coming up with clever solutions that others might not consider, which earned him a reputation for thinking outside the box. Despite his laid-back demeanor, he’s deeply loyal and courageous, stepping up to command the Enterprise during critical moments, like in the famous “The Best of Both Worlds” episode where he orchestrates Captain Picard’s rescue.
Later in his career, Riker finally took command of his own ship, the USS Titan, where he and his wife, Deanna Troi, started a family and continued their adventures in space. His leadership on the Titan showed his growth into a confident captain who balanced action with diplomacy. Beyond his professional life, Riker is also a master poker player and known for his love of music, which adds layers to his charismatic personality. Overall, William T. Riker is a character who blends charm, skill, and heart, making him a fan favorite in the Star Trek universe.
Loree McBride
Loree McBride is a film and TV producer best known for her work on the 2000 film Real Doll. She has a natural talent behind the scenes, contributing to the creative process in the entertainment industry. Beyond her professional life, Loree is married to actor Brent Spiner, famous for his role as Data in Star Trek: The Next Generation. They have been together for a long time, dating since 1996 and marrying in 2001, and they share a son named Jackson, born in 2002.
Loree keeps a relatively private life, with no public record of other relationships. She has blonde hair and is often recognized for her supportive presence alongside her husband at various events. While she may not be a household name, her contributions to film production and her enduring family life with Brent Spiner paint a picture of someone dedicated both to her craft and her loved ones. It’s always interesting to see the people behind the scenes who help bring stories to life on screen.
In conclusion, the insights drawn from the life and experiences of the Star Trek actor highlight the profound impact of science fiction on popular culture and individual lives. Their journey not only illuminates the struggles and triumphs of working in a groundbreaking franchise but also reflects broader themes of exploration, diversity, and social progress. By using their platform to advocate for meaningful change, this actor embodies the spirit of Star Trek, inspiring generations to dream of a better future. Ultimately, their story serves as a reminder of the lasting influence of art on society and the power of storytelling in shaping our collective consciousness.
