Brent Spiner is an American actor best known for portraying the android Data in Star Trek: The Next Generation and its related media. This profile focuses on verifiable roles, career milestones, and the enduring influence of his most prominent work. It avoids speculative interpretations and concentrates on documented credits, production facts, and consistent context. Readers seeking reliable information about his professional trajectory, key performances, and cultural footprint will find this breakdown methodical and practical.
Notable Roles and Main Credits
Spiner’s most recognizable role is Lieutenant Commander Data, an android officer aboard the USS Enterprise-D, appearing across multiple Star Trek series and films. He also played other characters within the Star Trek universe, notably in Star Trek: Voyager and Star Trek: Enterprise. Outside Star Trek, he has guest-starred in genre series and made-for-television movies, though Data remains his most enduring performance. His work in this role established a recognizable persona characterized by precise diction, physical stillness, and inquisitive affect.
Star Trek: The Next Generation
Spanning seven seasons from 1987 to 1994, Star Trek: The Next Generation features Brent Spiner as Data in the majority of episodes. The character evolves across story arcs, exploring themes of humanity, autonomy, and ethics. Spiner’s consistent delivery contributed to the show’s long-form narrative and character-driven episodes. The role persisted through feature films including Star Trek Generations (1994), First Contact (1996), Insurrection (1998), and Nemesis (2002).
Other Television and Film Appearances
In addition to Star Trek, Spiner has appeared in series such as Babylon 5, The Drew Carey Show, and various television films. His performances outside the franchise are less prominent but reflect a breadth of guest and recurring work. These appearances illustrate his range within genre television and mainstream network programming, even if they did not achieve the same level of recognition as his Star Trek tenure.
Biographical Context and Background
Brent Spiner was born on February 2, 1949, in Houston, Texas. Early interests in performance led him to theater and eventually to screen work. He moved between stage and television before securing his breakthrough role as Data. Understanding this trajectory provides context for his sustained presence in genre entertainment and the consistency of his professional output over decades.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Brent Jay Spiner | Public records |
| Date of Birth | February 2, 1949 | Public biographies |
| Place of Birth | Houston, Texas, United States | Reputable biographies |
| Primary Role | Lieutenant Commander Data in Star Trek: The Next Generation | Series credits |
| Years Active | 1978–present | Industry databases |
Career Milestones and Timeline
The timeline below highlights significant, verifiable milestones in Spiner’s career. These events are drawn from production records, official credits, and documented appearances.
- 1987–1994: Regular role as Data on Star Trek: The Next Generation
- 1991: Musical album “Ol’ Yellow Eyes Is Back” featuring songs in character as Data
- 1994–2002: Appearances across four Star Trek feature films as Data
- 1995–1996: Guest appearances on Star Trek: Voyager
- 2001–2005: Recurring role in Star Trek: Enterprise as Arik Soong, an ancestor of Data’s creator
- 2015: Convention appearances and retrospective interviews reflecting on legacy
Public Persona and Cultural Impact
Spiner is frequently associated with Data’s dryness of expression and subtle physical comedy. Fans often cite his performance as a highlight of serialized science fiction in the 1980s and 1990s. The character’s narrative importance in arcs concerning consciousness and choice contributed to the franchise’s thematic depth. His recurring presence across multiple series and films reinforced long-term audience recognition.
Later Work and Current Status
As of the current period, Brent Spiner remains active in public life, primarily through conventions, interviews, and retrospective features. He maintains a connection with the Star Trek fan community through appearances and moderated events. His ongoing visibility reflects the durability of the Data character and the continued interest in cast members whose work defined long-running franchises.
FAQ
Reader questions
What is Brent Spiner best known for?
He is best known for playing Lieutenant Commander Data on Star Trek: The Next Generation and related Star Trek media.
Did Brent Spiner appear in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine?
Yes, Spiner appeared in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, though not in the role of Data.
Has Brent Spiner performed music related to Star Trek?
Yes, he released a musical album titled “Ol’ Yellow Eyes Is Back” featuring songs performed in character.
What other notable series has he appeared in outside Star Trek?
He has guest-starred in series such as The Drew Carey Show and The Big Bang Theory, among others.
Does Brent Spiner participate in fan conventions?
Yes, he regularly appears at science fiction conventions and Star Trek events, often participating in panels and meet-and-greet sessions.
Are there plans for future Star Trek appearances?
There is no publicly confirmed schedule for new scripted appearances, though he remains open to participation in commemorative and convention settings.