Jonathan Frakes

Born: 19 August 1952
Where: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA

Frakes - or 'two takes Frakes' as he's known on set, is best known for his role as Riker in the Star Trek movies.

However, he's also made a name for himself as a director and was in the chair for the live action adaptation of kids' favourite Thunderbirds.

He's had small parts in small films but his silver screen career is mostly made up of Star Trek features, to go with the TV series he's also done as Riker.

And he hasn't just restricted his Star Trek dedication to being in front of the camera...

During the third season of Star Trek: The Next Generation, he made his directorial debut with an episode of the series entitled The Offspring.

He so impressed the executive producers with his efforts that he directed a number of episodes in the remaining four seasons as well as episodes of Star Trek: Voyager and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

Frakes then had the double duty of acting and directing in his feature film directorial debut in Star Trek: First Contact. Jonathan repeated this effort to much success in Star Trek: Insurrection.

Before he boarded the Enterprise, Frakes had recurring roles in TV shows Falcon Crest, Paper Dolls and Bare Essence.

His other television work includes the television movie The Nutcracker and the critically praised roles in the mini-series Dream West and North & South (Parts I and II).

In 2002, he directed the sci-fi thriller Clockstoppers before taking the reins of the blockbuster Thunderbirds.