15 Star Trek Actors Who Directed Episodes

Frakes has the distinction of the most diversity in his directing credits. He sat in the chair 21 times, including episodes of TNG, DS9, VOY, Discovery, Picard, and the films First Contact and Insurrection.

Frakes began acting in high school, but planned to formally study psychology. The lure of drama proved too strong, and his work with an off-campus theater group persuaded him to change his major to Theater, including two years studying drama at Harvard.

He guest starred in many popular shows in the seventies and eighties before his major break in the miniseries North and South, just a few years before landing the role of Riker on TNG. Frakes also parlayed his Star Trek directing work into subsequent TV and films, including credits for The Orville, Clockstoppers, Thunderbirds, Roswell, Castle, and NCIS.

Frakes' favourite episode he directed is also his first, 'The Offspring.' Before being allowed to direct, Paramount told him that he would have to go to 'director's school'. As a result Frakes spent around 300 hours shadowing other directors, learning editing, and refining his skill at directing his peers. Eventually, he mastered the role, earning the nickname Two-Take Frakes for his speed and economy on set.