Jonathan Frakes Net Worth: Career, Family, Age, Wife, and Life Behind the Star Trek Icon
When people search for Jonathan Frakes net worth, they are usually not just curious about the money. They want the full story—who he is, how he built his career, his family life, and why his name still carries weight decades after Star Trek: The Next Generation. Jonathan Frakes is one of those rare Hollywood figures who successfully balanced acting, directing, hosting, and voice work, all while staying relevant across generations.
This article takes a deep dive into Jonathan Frakes’ net worth, his early life, family background, marriage, career highlights, and personal details, offering a complete picture of the man behind Commander William Riker.
Who Is Jonathan Frakes?
Jonathan Scott Frakes is an American actor, director, television host, and voice artist best known for his role as Commander William T. Riker in Star Trek: The Next Generation. Born on August 19, 1952, Frakes became one of the most recognizable faces in science fiction television during the late 1980s and 1990s.
Beyond acting, he built a respected career as a television and film director, working behind the camera on several major network shows and Star Trek projects. His versatility allowed him to remain active in the entertainment industry long after many of his contemporaries faded from the spotlight.
Jonathan Frakes Net Worth
As of recent estimates, Jonathan Frakes’ net worth is approximately $25 million.
This wealth did not come from a single role. Instead, it reflects decades of steady income from:
- Acting in television and films
- Hosting popular TV shows
- Directing major network series
- Voice acting in animated projects
- Residuals from Star Trek reruns and streaming
At the height of Star Trek: The Next Generation, Frakes reportedly earned around $100,000 per episode, a strong salary for network television at the time. His directing career later added another long-term income stream, making his net worth stable and sustainable rather than flashy.
Jonathan Frakes Age and Birthday
Jonathan Frakes was born on August 19, 1952, which makes him 73 years old as of 2025.
Despite his age, he remains active in the entertainment world, frequently appearing at fan conventions, directing television episodes, and making cameo appearances in Star Trek-related projects.
Jonathan Frakes Young: Early Life and Education
Looking at Jonathan Frakes young, it is clear that education and creativity played a major role in shaping his future.
He was born in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, and raised in an academically inclined household. Frakes attended Pennsylvania State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. He later continued his education at Harvard University, earning a Master of Arts degree.
Before his acting career took off, Frakes worked various jobs, including theater work and stage performances, slowly building experience rather than chasing overnight fame.
Jonathan Frakes Height and Physical Presence
One of the most noticeable features about Jonathan Frakes is his commanding physical presence.
- Height: Approximately 6 feet 3 inches (1.91–1.93 meters)
His height, deep voice, and confident posture made him a natural fit for authoritative roles, especially in Star Trek, where his character often served as the bridge between command leadership and emotional depth.
Jonathan Frakes Family Background
Jonathan Frakes Parents
Jonathan Frakes was born to:
- Father: James R. Frakes, a respected English professor and literary critic
- Mother: Doris J. Yingling
Growing up in an intellectual environment influenced Frakes’ thoughtful approach to both acting and directing. His upbringing emphasized education, discipline, and storytelling, which later became evident in his directing style.
Jonathan Frakes Brother and Sister
- Brother: Daniel Frakes (deceased)
Jonathan Frakes’ brother, Daniel, passed away in 1997 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Jonathan has spoken respectfully about his brother in interviews, though he keeps most family matters private. - Sister: Jonathan Frakes has a sister, but she has remained largely out of the public eye, choosing a private life away from Hollywood.
Jonathan Frakes Wife and Marriage
Jonathan Frakes is married to actress Genie Francis, best known for her iconic role on General Hospital.
- Marriage Year: 1988
- Spouse: Genie Francis
Their marriage is often cited as one of Hollywood’s longer-lasting relationships. The couple met during the early stages of their acting careers and built a family while maintaining separate professional paths.
Unlike many celebrity marriages, Frakes and Francis have kept their personal life relatively low-profile, focusing on stability rather than publicity.
Jonathan Frakes Family and Children
Jonathan Frakes and Genie Francis have two children:
Frakes has consistently prioritized family life, often turning down projects that would keep him away from home for long periods. This balance between career and family is one reason his public image remains positive and respected.
Jonathan Frakes Movies and TV Shows
Star Trek Legacy
Jonathan Frakes is forever associated with Star Trek. His role as William Riker appeared in:
- Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987–1994)
- Star Trek: Generations
- Star Trek: First Contact
- Star Trek: Insurrection
- Star Trek: Picard
His portrayal of Riker blended authority, humor, and emotional intelligence, making the character a fan favorite.
Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction
Another major chapter in Frakes’ career came when he hosted “Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction.”
The show, which aired from 1998 to 2002, became popular for its mysterious storytelling format. Frakes’ calm, engaging narration played a huge role in the show’s success. Even today, the series enjoys cult popularity and strong streaming numbers.
Directing Career
Jonathan Frakes successfully transitioned into directing, earning the nickname “Two-Takes Frakes” for his efficiency on set.
He directed episodes of:
- Star Trek franchise series
- NCIS: Los Angeles
- The Orville
- Burn Notice
- Leverage
He also directed Star Trek: First Contact, widely regarded as one of the strongest Star Trek films.
Jonathan Frakes IMDb Profile
On IMDb, Jonathan Frakes is credited with:
- Dozens of acting roles
- Over 100 directing credits
- Voice acting roles in animated series
His IMDb profile reflects not just longevity, but adaptability—few actors manage to reinvent themselves so effectively behind the camera.
Jonathan Frakes Related Searches and Public Interest
Searches related to Jonathan Frakes often include:
- Jonathan Frakes net worth
- Jonathan Frakes wife
- Jonathan Frakes age
- Jonathan Frakes height
- Jonathan Frakes Beyond Belief
This continued interest highlights how his career spans multiple generations, from classic TV viewers to modern streaming audiences.
How Jonathan Frakes Built His Net Worth
Jonathan Frakes’ financial success comes from career diversification rather than short-term fame.
Key factors include:
- Long-running television contracts
- Film directing royalties
- Residual income from syndicated shows
- Convention appearances and guest roles
- Voice acting projects
This steady approach explains why Jonathan Frakes net worth remains strong decades after his most famous role first aired.
Why Jonathan Frakes Still Matters Today
Jonathan Frakes represents a model of sustainable success in Hollywood. He avoided controversy, focused on craft, and transitioned smoothly from actor to director. His presence in modern Star Trek projects proves that his influence has not faded.
He is respected not just as a performer, but as a storyteller note: matured.
Final Thoughts
Jonathan Frakes’ journey—from a young theater student to a Star Trek legend and accomplished director—shows how consistency, adaptability, and professionalism can create long-term success. His wealth reflects decades of dedication rather than overnight stardom, and his personal life remains grounded and stable.
At Buzstart, we focus on telling complete stories behind well-known names, and Jonathan Frakes is a perfect example of how talent and smart career choices can stand the test of time.
