How Old Is Jonathan Frakes: Verified Age, Birth Date, and Career Timeline
Jonathan Frakes is an American actor and director best known for playing Commander William Riker in Star Trek: The Next Generation. He was born on August 19, 1952, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, which makes him 72 years old as of 2025. Frakes began his professional career in theater before transitioning to television and film in the late 1980s. His portrayal of Riker defined a generation of Star Trek fandom and established him as a recognizable figure in science fiction. This guide provides verified details about his age, birth date, and major career milestones to clarify his timeline for new and longtime fans.
Jonathan Frakes Birth Date and Age Calculation
Verified Birth Information
Based on publicly available biographical records, Jonathan Frakes was born on August 19, 1952. Because his birthday occurs in August, he ages during the summer months each year. To determine his current age, subtract the birth year from the current year and adjust if the birthday has not yet occurred in the current year. For example, in 2025 he turns 72; in 2024, he was 71; in 2023, he was 70; and in 2022, he was 69. These calculations rely on the Gregorian calendar and the confirmed birth year from authoritative sources.
| Year | Age at Year-End | Key Career Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1952 | 0 | Birth year: August 19, 1952, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania |
| 1987 | 35 | Star Trek: The Next Generation begins (1987–1994) |
| 1994 | 42 | Star Trek: Generations released in theaters |
| 2002 | 50 | Joins NCIS as Director Thomas Morrow (2002–2008) |
| 2025 | 72 | Active in voice work, conventions, and independent projects |
Career Overview and Major Milestones
Frakes's career spans stage, television, and film, with Star Trek: The Next Generation forming the core of his public recognition. His work as Riker influenced casting and character archetypes in subsequent sci-fi television. Beyond acting, he expanded into directing episodes of Star Trek and other genre shows, which extended his impact behind the camera. Later work on NCIS as a supervising director introduced him to mainstream procedural audiences. These milestones illustrate a progression from genre icon to versatile television professional.
How to Determine a Public Figure's Age Using Reliable Sources
To verify the age of a public figure like Jonathan Frakes, consult authoritative references such as official agency biographies, reputable entertainment databases, and verified press kits. Birth dates are often listed in encyclopedic references, union records (such as SAG-AFTRA), and official show credits. Cross-check multiple reputable sources to reduce the risk of errors. When only years are cited, calculate age relative to the current year and confirm whether the birthday has passed in that calendar year. Avoid relying on fan wikis or unverified social posts, as these may contain outdated or incorrect data.
Common Misconceptions and Age-Related Questions
Does He Still Act and Direct?
Yes. Frakes continues to work in voice acting, convention appearances, and select directing projects, maintaining visibility in entertainment beyond his original rise to fame.
How Old Was He When Star Trek: The Next Generation Started?
He was 35 years old when production began in 1987, following earlier guest roles in previous Trek series in the late 1980s.
Has His Age Been a Factor in Role Choices?
As with many character actors, typecasting as Riker has shaped his subsequent opportunities, though he has taken on mentor and authority roles that align with his experience and seniority in the industry.
Comparative Timeline with Key Career Milestones
Placing his age within the context of his career highlights how his work evolved over decades. Early theater work led to genre television, while Star Trek opened doors to wider recognition. Subsequent directing work and long-form television roles demonstrate sustained engagement with the industry.
- 1970s: Early acting and theater training
- 1987: Star Trek: The Next Generation premieres; age 35
- 1994: Star Trek film series continues; age 42
- 2002: Joins NCIS as director; age 50
- 2010s–2020s: Convention appearances and ongoing projects; ages 60–70+