Jonathan Frakes
"Riker" on Star Trek: The Next Generation
April 15, 1999

Marc Wade:
Welcome to STAR TREK: CONTINUUM. We are coming to you LIVE from Paramount Studios in Hollywood, California. We're glad you've joined us today for our chat with Jonathan Frakes, "Riker" on "Star Trek: The Next Generation."

Welcome, Jonathan! Thanks for joining us.

Jonathan Frakes:
I feel safe in Jackie's hands. And I won't say anything nasty about Patrick.

Yavris4 asks:
Was it absolutely neccesary to get rid of the beard?

Jonathan Frakes:
Michael Piller actually asked me if I would object to Riker losing his beard as part of the fountain of youth arc in "Insurrection" I asked how he planned to incorporate it into the story. When he told me Marina would be shaving me, it sealed the deal.

Derek asks:
So did Insurrection do well at the box office?

Jonathan Frakes:
It's still doing well. I just returned from opening it in Spain and Brussels, where everyone had gone to Germany to see it. Months before.

#1 fan asks:
Do you volunteer to direct the movies, or do you ask to? And is continuingly being a part of Star Trek cool?

Jonathan Frakes:
I wish it were as easy as volunteering. I've always thought it was cool to be part of Star Trek. Look at Wil Wheaton.

Amazzd asks:
What are some of your favorite things to do now since all the trekkies would recognize you anywhere? Are you thronged with fans anywhere you go. How do you like to hideout the most and enjoy life?

Jonathan Frakes:
I play with my kids as much as I can. I ski where no one can recognize me... if you're moving fast enough.

bb246 asks:
what do you feel are difference between being directed by actors turned directors (such as yourself) and directed by ones that have never acted in their life?

Jonathan Frakes:
I have a soft spot for actor/directors, obviously. I think we understand the actors' psyche problems, neuroses, insecurities, imperfections, self-loathing... need I go on.

From your Fans in the UK asks:
Any chances of you making a guest appearence on Star Trek Voyager to meet Seven of Nine?

Jonathan Frakes:
If they would spring me from prison from DS9, as Tom, maybe he would be available for 7 of 9. Because I think Wil is spoken for with a beautiful Betazoid.

Maestro asks:
Are you planning on attending any conventions near the St. Louis area anytime soon?

Jonathan Frakes:
Is Pasadena close to St. Louis?

The Caretaker asks:
Mr. Frakes- When you helped to make Star Trek Insurrection, did you intend for the renewed romance between Riker and Troi to be a permanent thing, or would it be a one time deal?

Jonathan Frakes:
Marina and I both hope that this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

ColonelSanders asks:
What's the latest update you can give us on your Total Recall gig?

Jonathan Frakes:
The draft of the script we have will cost far more than Dimension Films wants to pay. Negeotions continue.

Sasquatch Lover asks:
Are there any people you wish to thank for having had a profound influence on your career ? For instance, the staff of Rick Berman Productions.

Jonathan Frakes:
I owe everything I have to Udo.

Mat Fabi asks:
Hi Jonathan. I just wanted to know if you enjoyed making the PC game "A Final Unity" with the other members of the next generation cast? By the way I thought the game was brilliant

Jonathan Frakes:
It was a unique experience.

Jonathan Leigh asks:
As most loyal Trek fans know, several scene cuts have been made to Insurrection and First Contact. Any plans to do a special edition DVD or Laserdisc of any of the Trek titles that you've directed?

Jonathan Frakes:
If there were to be a director's cut, "Insurrection" is the one I would rerelease.

Jonathan Leigh asks:
How long did it take you to film your part in ST: The Experience? were you blown away?

Jonathan Frakes:
Actually, we reshot the Experience. I think LeVar and I worked two days.

Jonathan Leigh asks:
Any secret movie projects in the works that the public doesn't know about yet?

Jonathan Frakes:
It's not a secret that I have a movie on UPN... on Thursday the 22nd at 8:00 pm called "Dying to Live." in which I play... an angel, mysteriously named... Wil. Alternative titles I had considered... I'm still Wil... And, Good Wil Haunting.

Lineke asks:
You goof around on the set I like to know if we will ever see a bloopers tape of the next generation? I like what you all did on the series and the movies.

Jonathan Frakes:
I wish I had a bloopers tape of the last 10 years.

Aaron asks:
What kind of experience was it to direct two Star Trek feature films?

Jonathan Frakes:
Exhausting. Exhilarating. Rewarding.

Shimwa asks:
I am a big fan of yours and keep up the good work. Are you and Patrick Stewart as close in real life as Riker and Picard?

Jonathan Frakes:
Even closer.

Hopium asks:
Does the fact that you tower over your colleagues in TNG give you any extra needed authority in directing?

Jonathan Frakes:
It does in all scenes except for those with Worf.

Christi Clark asks:
Jonathan, your wife is a wonderful actress. What do you think about how her career on GH is going, and how her character is being written?

Jonathan Frakes:
I think that she was glaringly overlooked for an Emmy nomination this year.

Skyfire asks:
Hi Jonathan! What is the most rewarding thing about being a part of Star Trek?

Jonathan Frakes:
All the Earl Gray tea you can drink.

Defiance asks:
I just read your book "The Abductors: Conspiracy", and I was wondering:any chance of a sequel?

Jonathan Frakes:
Doubtful.

Jason Meyers asks:
What is your favorite episode you have directed?

Jonathan Frakes:
I still have a soft spot for "The Offspring".

Jason Meyers asks:
Who's idea was it to grow the beard? Go on, admit it was you.

Jonathan Frakes:
I grew the beard during the writers' stike after the first season and the late, great Gene Roddenberry asked me to keep it because he thought it looked nautical.

Jason Meyers asks:
Do you have any ideas for how to proceed with the future of Star Trek? What would you like to happen?

Jonathan Frakes:
I think some time between this movie and the next is probably a good idea. Let the Star Wars phenomenon die down.

Jason Meyers asks:
Do you feel the franchise owes you a good death for your character, or do you wish him to simply fade into history?

Jonathan Frakes:
Does anyone really die on Star Trek?

Katja asks:
We all know that the whole TNG cast really likes each other. Can you describe the very first day where you met your "crewmembers"at the set?

Jonathan Frakes:
I remember meeting Patrick Stewart outside the make up trailer for our first day of make-up tests. I almost said make-up and hair tests... but only some of us went to the hair trailer. He and I discussed the relative merits of cricket vs. baseball.

Shanara asks:
What would you change in the world if you were God for one day?

Jonathan Frakes:
Save this question for John DeLancie.

Marc Wade:
(John will be here with us on May 20!)

L. G. asks:
I would like to ask you about your acting, and directing experiences. Where can I send the letter to?

Jonathan Frakes:
You can write to me c/o Paramount Studios, 5555 Melrose, LA CA 90038

KarenUK asks:
Have you ever thought of appearing in a current trek series but made up as another species such as Klingon?

Jonathan Frakes:
After serving as a Mentakan.... a Cromagnom man... an Malcorian... and watching Michael Dorn for 10 years... I have the utmost respect for actors who need to be glued into their faces. No thanks.

senote asks:
Do you feel that Trek has evolved to keep pace with the changes in society and is it still true to the original ideals, especially with the darker edge it has taken in recent years?

Jonathan Frakes:
I hope so. I think we're just as current now as Classic Trek was in the sixties. Look at 7 of 9.

Jordan G asks:
What is this DS9 Final Chapter thing? Is the show going off air?

Jonathan Frakes:
They've already ripped the sets down on Stage 17.

asks:
Do you miss being involved with a weekly Star Trek series?

Jonathan Frakes:
Actually, I do. I loved the security of knowing where I was going to work in the morning.

Jacqueline B asks:
How are you and your family doing?

Jonathan Frakes:
All's well in the Frakes household.

Brendan Sheppard asks:
Mr. Frakes, How did you start your career in show business and what advice would you give to someone like myself and many others who want to start a successful career, like yours, in film and Television?

Jonathan Frakes:
Always have a straight job. One that you can fall back on. And actually make money at.

Christina asks:
are you ever in touch with anyone from ST:TNG? If you are could you tell WIl Wheaton that i have a huge crush on him

Jonathan Frakes:
I'd be happy to.

k_christie asks:
What's your favorite (non-Star Trek) movie?

Jonathan Frakes:
I have a few: Good Fellas, Robert Altman's, MASH, Tie a Yellow Ribbon, oh no, that's Brent's favorite...

Star_Trekster_4life asks:
I loved you in Gargoyles, thats how i got into trek, which i love more did they give you a reason for cancelling Gargoyles

Jonathan Frakes:
I'm still waiting for a reason. Maybe there were too many Star Trek actors on it.

Martin Norton asks:
Which do you find more rewarding being at the helm directing or participating as a member of the cast, or do you like the best of both worlds by doing both.

Jonathan Frakes:
Nice choice of words.

Star_Trekster_4life asks:
Are you planning to guest star in any of the current trek shows? :) KISSES :X

Jonathan Frakes:
If asked.

James Kelliher asks:
What was your favourite scene from Star Trek: Insurrection?

Jonathan Frakes:
Spending the day in the tub with Marina Sirtis... the shaving scene.

mike asks:
who created the excellent visual effects for the latest trek film and why did you not choose ILM this time around?

Jonathan Frakes:
Money, money, money...

Tommy Moberg, Sweden asks:
Stanley Hazard you yankie! What are you doing in a Starfleet uniform 400 years into the future?

Jonathan Frakes:
All I do is period dramas.

Deborah Labelle asks:
How do you think Star Trek The Next Generation has affected your career?

Jonathan Frakes:
I'm having trouble getting jobs where people drive cars instead of spaceships.

Commander Troi asks:
Is it true you are going to apear as Boromir/Faramir in new "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy?

Jonathan Frakes:
I haven't heard that rumor.

Vic, UK asks:
Do you feel that Riker's 'pulling' power is a legacy of Captain Kirk?

Jonathan Frakes:
I would be honored if it were.

Sherene asks:
First let me congratulate you on Star Trek Insurrection. I loved the movie. I love your edits. I've watched every Star Trek episode and film you've directed and have been in awe. I would like to know if you will be directing any upcoming episodes?

Jonathan Frakes:
Thank you, and I hope so.

some guy by the lake asks:
How long did the shoots of First Contact and Insurrection take, respectively?

Jonathan Frakes:
Each movie was 60 shooting days.

Jesse asks:
Who's the better singer: Riker or Picard?

Jonathan Frakes:
Riker can carry a tune.

Mike Loihle asks:
Did you prefer directing the TV show or the movie and why?

Jonathan Frakes:
Both were great experiences... obviously the stakes were higher with the movies. But the storytelling is the same.

Star Trekking in Ohio asks:
How old are your two children???

Jonathan Frakes:
4 1/2 and almost 2.

josie asks:
Did you ever go to film school or were your directing skills learned on the set?

Jonathan Frakes:
I got a theatre degree from Penn State but I learned about directing film at Paramount University.

Rondahl asks:
Mr. Frakes, I think that in the next star trek movie, #1 needs to have a romantic encounter with a beautiful blonde alien creature.....how about your wife playing the part ???????

Jonathan Frakes:
Good idea.

Ariane asks:
I'm a huge fan of yours! Can you just say "Hi Ariane!"! Please!

Jonathan Frakes:
Hi Ariane...

Olaf asks:
How was the bubble bath? Did you enjoy it?

Jonathan Frakes:
Every minute.

Juliane from Germany asks:
First of all: You did a great job on directing "Insurrection". The film is really superb. Where do you see your future: in acting or in directing ?

Jonathan Frakes:
Hopefully both.

Derek asks:
Do you think the "Odd Number Curse" has been dispelled?

Jonathan Frakes:
Absolutely.

George Albertson asks:
Hello Jonathan I am the President of Ceti Alpha V Productions Inc./PSCI-CON Entertainment and as I find it very hard to contact the Cast to do apperences for my Convention in NY, I am contacting you in this way.

Jonathan Frakes:
Try the Paramount address...

Jon Perry-Gardner asks:
Will you be directing any further Trek episodes now that your career has turned primarily to movies? Your episodes and Weinrich Kolbe's will always be the best delivered and it would be a shame to waste that.

Jonathan Frakes:
Thank you, and I hope so.

Hannah asks:
Who's your favourite Spice Girl, and you should keep the beard.

Jonathan Frakes:
My favorite Spice Girl was Old Spice.

Aaron Mount asks:
I've know that you actually played the trombone in various episodes. How long have you actually been playing, and how did you get started?

Jonathan Frakes:
I started playing in fourth grade because my arms were longer than the other kids'. So I was given the lone trombone.

SMW-1 asks:
Why do you swing your left arm when you walk?

Jonathan Frakes:
I stole that walk from John Cullum, who I think stole it from John Wayne.

Al asks:
If you're going to direct Totall Recall 2, do you think it's hard to direct it, because TT1 is one of the best Science Fiction movies ever made. What do you think of Paul Verhoeven( director of TT1)?

Jonathan Frakes:
Those would be tough shoes to fill but it's been a long time since TR1, and visually we're light years ahead.

Jess6 asks:
Whatever happened to Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction? I thought it was a really good show...any ideas why FOX cancelled it?

Jonathan Frakes:
I think Beyond Belief will return this fall to a Fox station near you.

Tristin Raudabouhg asks:
On the Enterprise Ncc 1701-D John de Lancie (Q) is real annoying is he annoying on the set too?

Jonathan Frakes:
Only 'Q' is annoying; de Lancie is delightful.

James Chen asks:
Do you regret ending the series Star Trek: The Next Generation?

Jonathan Frakes:
I didn't end it. If it were up to me, we'd still be out there somewhere and on TV every week.

Jeff asks:
Ihave seen you other Star Trek roles such as "Generations." What was it like to work with Star Trek legends such as William Shatner and James Doohan?

Jonathan Frakes:
It was always a thrill to work with castmembers from the show that gave us our careers.

Stanik of Vulcan asks:
Given the celebrity of both you and your wife, do you find it hard to go out alone together?

Jonathan Frakes:
Can you really go out alone, together?

Tommy Moberg, Sweden asks:
Mr Frakes, just one last thting: If Data really is going to die in the next movie, i think that seeing him dance to "popcorn" and have fun with the crew one last time would be very nice and then you can let his death take place near the end of the movie.

Jonathan Frakes:
Do androids die? I hope not.

Rob Jelley asks:
Has playing Riker on TNG affected your acting and directing career in a way you didn't think it would before you started filming the pilot?

Jonathan Frakes:
It changed not only my career but my life. I now own a car.

Kyle Parker asks:
What was it like without the beard in "Insurrection"?

Jonathan Frakes:
Smooth.

Mary and Ruth Bryant asks:
Mr. Frakes, concerning the cartoon series the "Gargoyles", we have noticed a certain--shall we say "trend" in that the voices of many guest stars and regular characters are preformed by former TNG actors.

Jonathan Frakes:
Disney has good taste in actors, too.

Captain Tuvok/Ambasador Neelix asks:
What was your favorite TNG episode? favorite TNG movie? and favorite TOS movie?

Jonathan Frakes:
Best of Both Worlds, First Contact, and Let That Be Your Last Battlefield.

Jason asks:
How long will it be until the next Star Trek movie is released? I've heard it could be another three years?

Jonathan Frakes:
I've heard the same thing.

Jason asks:
I've heard Rumors that you've been pitching an Idea for a new Star trek show is this true? and if so what will it be about?

Jonathan Frakes:
It's just a rumor.

JonathanT asks:
One of Riker's hobbies is playing the trombone. Is that simply part of the character, or is it also one of your interests? If so, what kind of music do enjoy playing.

Jonathan Frakes:
Jazz.

Vek asks:
How much more time do you put in when you are the director?

Jonathan Frakes:
As a director, it's all your waking hours and your sleeping hours.

Shana voden asks:
Do you know any details for the next movie? Rick Berman said in Communicator Magizine it's being discussed now.

Jonathan Frakes:
I know as much as you do.

Sorella (Kate) from the UK asks:
What do you think of the Riker action figure?

Jonathan Frakes:
I don't see any gray in his beard.

John Keenan asks:
What do your kids think when they see you as Commander Riker?

Jonathan Frakes:
I don't think they get it yet.

Amy asks:
Do you ever watch TNG on TV?

Jonathan Frakes:
I've been known to stop and watch an episode I haven't seen before.

Russell asks:
Which was your favorite type of Uniform. How do you like the latest syle. It looks great, but how comfortable is it?

Jonathan Frakes:
I like when Riker wears a blue shirt.

Maytrix asks:
What kinds of music do you listen to in your "free time"?

Jonathan Frakes:
Lyle Lovett.

R'ika asks:
I heard you dive sometimes. Where do you dive and with whom? Do you know any places to dive in Europe?

Jonathan Frakes:
You must be thinking of Patrick and Brent.

Andrea asks:
What can you tell us about "Dying to Live"? Did you enjoy working on it?

Jonathan Frakes:
It is my first project as a producer. I've talked myself into acting in it. And I enjoyed not wearing a spacesuit. Seriously, the character is a departure from Riker... and I think you'll enjoy the black comedy. But grab some tissues... Just in case. April 22nd at 8:00 PM on UPN.

Marc Wade:
We're chatting with Jonathan Frakes, "Riker" on "Star Trek: The Next Generation"

Marc Wade:
Every weekday there is a lively chat on a "Star Trek" topic in the Academy Lounge.
- Monday's topic is movies and books about Star Trek series.
- Tuesday we chat about Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.
- Wednesday is Star Trek: The Next Generation.
- Thursday's topic is the original Star Trek series.
- Friday we chat about Star Trek: Voyager.
Visit www.startrek.com and look for "Academy Lounge Chat" for details.

HYpErLinK 4of9 asks:
Is the bridge and the rest of the Enterprise D still there or have they destroyed some of to make room for other sets?

Jonathan Frakes:
The Enterprise D only lives in our memories and the Voyager bridge has been nailed in its place.

Matrix Michaels. asks:
How did you get the part of Riker on Next Generation? Also, how close in similarity is Riker to yourself?

Jonathan Frakes:
Both Riker and I think this chat has been great fun... speak to you next time. Thank you very much, Jonathan, for taking the time to chat with us today.

Several exciting chats are coming your way:
- John de Lancie ("Q" on ST:TNG, ST:DS9 and ST:VOY)
- Leonard Nimoy ("Spock" on the original "Star Trek" series)

Check www.startrek.com for details.

And don't forget to stop by every weekday for one of our exciting themed chats! Check the "Academy Lounge Chat" for details.

Copyright (C) 1999 by Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved.