Jonathan Frakes was “uncomfortable” as Riker when Star Trek TNG began

When it comes to Star Trek captains, William Riker is famous for his confidence, charm, and laid-back attitude. You might assume that the actor behind Riker shares those same qualities, but that’s not quite the case for Jonathan Frakes, who brought the character to life.

In an interview with Deadline, Frakes admitted that, during the earlier seasons of Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG), he often felt physically uncomfortable on set. “I was clearly nervous,” he reflected. “I didn’t seem centered or relaxed, even if I might have looked okay on screen.” Over the course of TNG, Frakes not only played Riker but also appeared in four Star Trek movies and various other series.

Frakes explained that it wasn’t until about the third season of TNG that the cast really began to hit their stride in terms of chemistry. “The writers were still figuring out who each character was supposed to be,” he noted. “Plus, I had to get used to wearing those ridiculous spandex suits that had no pockets. I was so used to putting my hands in my pockets, and suddenly I couldn’t do that. It was a whole new learning experience for me. And don’t even get me started on all the technical jargon—thank goodness for Brent Spiner and LeVar Burton, who had to tackle most of that!”

Years later, Frakes returned to his iconic role in the Star Trek series Picard, showing that he still has a place in the beloved franchise.