Brent Jay Spiner(/ˈspaɪnər/;born February 2, 1949) is an American actor best known for his role as the androidDataon the television seriesStar Trek: The Next Generation(1987–1994),four subsequent films(1994–2002), andStar Trek: Picard(2020–2023). In 1997, he won theSaturn Awardfor Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Data inStar Trek: First Contact,and was nominated in the same category for portraying Dr. Brackish Okun inIndependence Day,a role he reprised inIndependence Day: Resurgence.Spiner has also enjoyed a career in the theater and as a musician. He is also known for voicingThe Jokerin the animated seriesYoung Justice(2011–2022).
Brent Spiner | |
|---|---|
 Spiner at GalaxyCon Raleigh in 2023 | |
| Born | Brent Jay Spiner February 2, 1949 Houston,Texas, U.S. |
| Other names | Brent Jay Mintz (1955–1975) |
| Alma mater | University of Houston |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1968–present |
| Notable credit | Lt. Cdr.Datain theStar Trekfranchise |
| Spouse | Loree McBride |
| Children | 1 |
Early life
editBrent Jay Spiner was born on February 2, 1949, inHouston,Texas, toJewishparents Sylvia (néeSchwartz) and Jack Spiner, who owned a furniture store.[1][2][3]When Spiner was ten months old, Jack Spiner died of kidney failure at age 29. Subsequently, he was adopted by his mother's second husband, Sol Mintz, whose surname he used between 1955 and 1975.[4][5]
Spiner attendedBellaire High SchoolinBellaire, Texas.[6]He became active on the Bellairespeech team,winning the national championship in dramatic interpretation.[7]He attended theUniversity of Houston,where he performed in local theater.[7]In 1968, he worked as a performer atSix Flags Astroworld,[8]first as a gunfighter, then in Dr. Featherflowers' Medicine Show with his friendTrey Wilson,with whom he alternated as Dr. Featherflowers. Spiner also performed the role in the 1968 TV specialThe Pied Piper of Astroworld.[9]
Career
edit
Early work
editSpiner moved to New York City in the early 1970s,[10]where he became a stage actor, performing in severalBroadwayandoff-Broadwayplays, includingThe Three MusketeersandStephen Sondheim'sSunday in the Park with George.As Brent Mintz, he appeared as an imposter on a 1972 episode ofTo Tell the Truth.He had a brief non-speaking role in the filmStardust Memories,credited as Fan in Lobby, the one with a Polaroid. He can also be seen as a passenger on the train full of misfits that the Allen character is trapped on in one of the films-within-the-film.
Spiner appeared as a media technician in "The Advocates", a second-season episode of the Showtime cable seriesThe Paper Chase.[11]In 1984, he moved to Los Angeles, where he appeared in several pilots and television films. He played a recurring character onNight Court,Bob Wheeler, patriarch of a rural family. In 1986, he played a condemned soul in "Dead Run",an episode of the revival ofRod Serling's seriesThe Twilight Zoneon CBS. He made two appearances in season three (1986) of the situation comedyMama's Family,as two different characters. His first and only starring film role was inRent Control(1984). In theCheersepisode "Never Love a Goalie, Part II", he played acquitted murder suspect Bill Grand. He also appeared in theTales from the Darksideepisode "A Case of the Stubborns" as a preacher, and portrayed Jim Stevens in the television filmManhunt for Claude Dallas.
Spiner guest-starred inFriendsas James Campbell, a man who interviewsRachel GreenforGucci.[12]
Star Trek
editIn 1987, Spiner was cast asandroidStarfleetofficer Lieutenant CommanderDataonStar Trek: The Next Generation,which spanned seven seasons and four feature films. He appeared as Data in all but one of the series' 178 episodes, and reprised his role in the spin-off filmsStar Trek Generations(1994),Star Trek: First Contact(1996),Star Trek: Insurrection(1998), andStar Trek: Nemesis(2002). Although billed as the finalTrekfilm for theTNGcast, the ambiguous ending ofStar Trek: Nemesissuggested a possible avenue for the return of Data. However, Spiner felt he was too old to continue playing the part, as Data does not age.[13][14]He also played Lore, Data's evil android brother, in severalNext Generationepisodes; and B-4, another brother android with a less developed mind, inStar Trek: Nemesis(2002).
In 2004, Spiner returned toStar Trekas Dr.Arik Soong,an ancestor of Data's creator Dr.Noonien Soong,whom he also played in a three-episodestory arcofStar Trek: Enterprise:"Borderland","Cold Station 12",and"The Augments".
Spiner also recorded dialogue as Data that was heard in the final episode ofStar Trek: Enterprise,"These Are the Voyages...", which aired in 2005.[15]
Eighteen years after last appearing as Data, he reprised the role in the 2020Star TrekseriesStar Trek: Picard[16]as well as that of Dr. Altan Inigo Soong, the son of Data's creator. Spiner said that he does not intend to play Data again, though he might be open to playing Altan Soong.[17][18]In Season 2, he plays another of Noonien Soong's ancestors, Dr. Adam Soong. In Season 3 ofPicard,he simultaneously played Noonien Soong, B4, Lore, and a version of Data that was designed to feel emotions and naturally use verbal contractions, which the original Data could not do.
In addition to the series and films, Spiner voiced his character in severalStar Trekvideo games, includingStar Trek: Generations,Star Trek: The Next Generation – A Final Unity,Star Trek: Hidden Evil,Star Trek: Away Team,andStar Trek: Bridge Commander.[19]
Music and stage
editIn 1991, Spiner recorded an album of 1940spop standards,Ol' Yellow Eyes Is Back,the title of which was a play on the yellowcontact lensesSpiner wore as Data, and the title of aFrank Sinatrarecord,Ol' Blue Eyes Is Back.[20]In 1997, he returned to Broadway asJohn Adamsin theRoundabout Theater Companyrevival of the musical1776,whose production was nominated for aTony Award.A cast recording was released.[21]
AfterStar Trek
editSpiner has appeared in many television series, includingDeadly Games,The Blacklist,Dream On,Gargoyles,Law & Order: Criminal Intent,Mad About YouandThe Outer Limits.In the seriesThe Big Bang TheoryandJoey,he appeared as himself. He has acted in the filmsThe Aviator;Dude, Where's My Car?;I Am Sam;Independence Day;Independence Day: Resurgence;The Master of Disguise;[22]Out to Sea;Phenomenon;The Ponder Heart;andSouth Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut.[23]His television-film appearances during this period include the 2000 musicalGeppettoand the role ofDorothy Dandridge's manager andconfidant,Earl Mills, in theHBOproductionIntroducing Dorothy Dandridge.[citation needed]
In 2005, Spiner appeared in a short-lived science-fiction television seriesThreshold,which was canceled in November of that year after 13 episodes. In 2006, he appeared in a feature film comedy,Material Girls,withHilaryandHaylie Duff.[12]
In theFrasierepisode "Lilith Needs a Favor",Spiner made two brief cameos as a fellow airline passenger withFrasier Crane's ex-wife,Lilith Sternin.[citation needed]
In March 2008, Spiner performed alongsideMaude Maggartin a radio show/musical,Dreamland,which was released as a CD album.[24]
In 2008, Spiner playedDr. Stromin the feature film parodySuperhero Movie.In February 2009, he played William Quint in "The Juror #6 Job", an episode of the drama seriesLeveragedirected by hisNext Generationco-starJonathan Frakes.That same year, he voiced himself in theFamily Guyepisode "Not All Dogs Go to Heaven".[citation needed]
On January 13, 2010, Spiner and fellowStar Trek: The Next GenerationactorLeVar Burtonappeared onTWiT.tv's coverage of theConsumer Electronics Show.[25]
In April 2011, Spiner began starring inFresh Hell,a comic webseries in which he plays a version of himself, attempting to put his career back together after falling out of the limelight.[26][27]
Spiner appeared as Dr. Kern in the September 12, 2011, episode of theSyfychannel programAlphasentitled "Blind Spot". In October 2011, he appeared as himself in the episode "The Russian Rocket Reaction" ofThe Big Bang Theory.The day after his guest appearance, it was announced that Spiner would guest-star in theYoung Justiceepisode "Revelation", providing the voice ofthe Joker.[28]Spiner has also guest-starred on the Syfy programWarehouse 13as Brother Adrian in the third and fourth seasons.[citation needed]
In March 2024, Spiner reprised his role of the eternally downtrodden Bob Wheeler, in the 11th episode of the second season ofNight Court.
Book
editIn October 2021, Spiner releasedFan Fiction: A Mem-Noir: Inspired by True Events,a mixture of memoir (taking place during the filming of the fourth season ofStar Trek: The Next Generation) and a fictitiousnoirdetective story about Spiner dealing with a crazed, murderous fan who claims to be the fictitious Lal, the android daughter of Data in the third-season TNG episode "The Offspring".The audiobook version, primarily narrated by Spiner, featured vocal cameos from Spiner's TNG co-stars,Patrick Stewart,Jonathan Frakes,Michael Dorn,LeVar Burton,Marina Sirtis,andGates McFadden.
Filmography
editFilm
edit| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | My Sweet Charlie | Local | Uncredited |
| 1980 | Stardust Memories | Fan in lobby | |
| 1981 | Rent Control | Leonard Junger | |
| 1982 | Ladies and Gentlemen, The Fabulous Stains | Corinne Burns's Boss | Uncredited |
| 1982 | Grease 2 | Student | Uncredited |
| 1985 | Crime of Innocence | Hinnerman | |
| 1986 | Sunday in the Park with George | Franz/Dennis | |
| 1986 | Sylvan in Paradise | Clinton C. Waddle | |
| 1986 | Manhunt for Claude Dallas | Jim Stevens | |
| 1987 | Family Sins | Ken McMahon | |
| 1989 | Miss Firecracker | Preacher Mann | |
| 1994 | Corrina, Corrina | Brent Witherspoon | |
| 1994 | Star Trek Generations | Lt. Commander Data | |
| 1995 | Kingfish: A Story of Huey Long | — | Uncredited |
| 1995 | Pie in the Sky | Upscale Guy | |
| 1996 | Phenomenon | Dr. Bob Niedorf | |
| 1996 | Independence Day | Dr. Brackish Okun | Nominated—Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor |
| 1996 | Star Trek: First Contact | Lt. Commander Data | Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor |
| 1997 | Out to Sea | Gil Godwyn | |
| 1998 | Star Trek Insurrection | Lt. Commander Data | |
| 1999 | South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut | Conan O'Brien | Voice[29] |
| 2000 | Dude, Where's My Car? | Pierre | Uncredited |
| 2001 | I Am Sam | Shoe Salesman | |
| 2002 | The Master of Disguise | Devlin Bowman | |
| 2002 | Star Trek: Nemesis | Lt. Commander Data/B-4 | |
| 2004 | The Aviator | Robert Gross | |
| 2006 | Material Girls | Tommy Katzenbach | |
| 2008 | Superhero Movie | Dr. Strom | |
| 2010 | Quantum Quest: A Cassini Space Odyssey | Coach Mackey | Voice[29] |
| 2016 | The Midnight Man | Ezekiel | |
| 2016 | Independence Day: Resurgence | Dr. Brackish Okun |
Television
edit| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1968 | The Pied Piper of Astroworld | Dr. Osgood T. Featherflowers | TV special |
| 1972 | To Tell the Truth | Himself/Imposter | 1 episode |
| 1978 | The Dain Curse | Tom Fink | Unknown episodes |
| 1979 | Family | Fred | Episode: "Prelude" |
| 1981 | Ryan's Hope | Kim's Doctor | Episode: "#1.1442" |
| 1984 | The Paper Chase | Student in Reeve's Class | Episode: "The Advocates" |
| 1984 | Tales from the Darkside | Reverend Peabody | Episode: "A Case of the Stubborns" |
| 1984 | One Life to Live | Ralph Harley | Episode: "17 December 1984" |
| 1985 | Robert Kennedy and His Times | Allard Lowenstein | Unknown episodes |
| 1985 | Hill Street Blues | Larry Stein | Episode: "The Life and Time of Domonic Florio Jr" |
| 1985–1987 | Night Court | Bob Wheeler | 6 episodes |
| 1986 | The Twilight Zone | The Draft Dodger | Episode: "The Leprechaun-Artist/Dead Run" |
| 1986 | American Playhouse | Dennis / Franz | Episode: "Sunday in the Park with George" |
| 1986 | Hunter | Willie Vaughn | Episode: "The Contract" |
| 1986–1987 | Mama's Family | Billy Bob Conroy | 2 episodes |
| 1987 | Cheers | Bill Grand | Episode: "Never Love a Goalie (Part 2)" |
| 1987 | Sledge Hammer! | Soldier | Episode: "The Spa Who Loved Me" |
| 1987–1994 | Star Trek: The Next Generation | Lt. Commander Data (series regular) Lore (4 episodes) Dr. Noonien Soong (3 episodes) |
177 episodes Nominated—Viewers for Quality TelevisionAward for Best Supporting Actor in a Quality Drama Series |
| 1988 | Reading Rainbow | Himself | Episode: "The Bionic Bunny Show" |
| 1991 | Crazy from the Heart | — | Television film; uncredited |
| 1995 | Mad About You | Bob, The Dog Agent | Episode: "Just My Dog" |
| 1995 | Deadly Games | Danny Schlecht | Episode: "The Practical Joker" |
| 1995–1996 | Gargoyles | Puck(voice) | 4 episodes[29] |
| 1996 | Dream On | Dr. Strongwater | Episode: "The Spirit of 76th & Park" |
| 1996 | The Outer Limits | Professor Trent Davis | Episode: "The Deprogrammers" |
| 1999 | Introducing Dorothy Dandridge | Earl Mills | Television film Nominated—Satellite Award for Best Actor – Miniseries or Television Film |
| 2000 | Geppetto | Stromboli | Television film |
| 2001 | A Girl Thing | Bob | Television film |
| 2001 | The Ponder Heart | Dorris Grabney | Television film |
| 2003 | Frasier | Albert | Episode: "Lilith Needs a Favor" |
| 2003 | An Unexpected Love | Brad | Television film |
| 2004 | Jack | Vernon | Television film |
| 2004 | Friends | James Campbell | Episode: "The One with Princess Consuela" |
| 2004 | Law & Order: Criminal Intent | Graham Barnes | Episode: "Shrink-Wrapped" |
| 2004–2005 | Star Trek: Enterprise | Dr. Arik Soong / Lt. Commander Data (voice) | 4 episodes |
| 2005 | Joey | Himself | Episode: "Joey and the Premier" |
| 2005–2006 | Threshold | Dr. Nigel Fenway | 13 episodes |
| 2009 | Leverage | William Quint | Episode: "The Juror #6 Job" |
| 2009 | Family Guy | Himself (voice) | Episode: "Not All Dogs Go to Heaven" |
| 2010–2013 | Generator Rex | Dr. Gabriel Rylander (voice) | 4 episodes[29] |
| 2011 | The Guild | Himself | Episode: "Ends and Begins" |
| 2011 | Alphas | Dr. Kern | Episode: "Blind Spot" |
| 2011 | The Big Bang Theory | Himself | Episode: "The Russian Rocket Reaction" |
| 2011, 2021 | Young Justice | The Joker(voice) | 2 episodes[29] |
| 2011 | Fresh Hell[30] | Brent Spiner | 15 episodes |
| 2012 | The Simpsons | Robots (voice) | Episode: "Them, Robot" |
| 2012 | The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes | Purple Man(voice) | Episode: "Emperor Stark"[29] |
| 2012 | Warehouse 13 | Brother Adrian | 6 episodes |
| 2013 | Robot Chicken | Dr. Noonien Soong, Gondola Jack, Medic (voice) | Episode: "Caffeine-Induced Aneurysm" |
| 2013 | Wendell & Vinnie | Himself | Episode: "Swindle & Vinnie" |
| 2014 | Ray Donovan | Therapist | 3 episodes |
| 2014 | Star Wars Rebels | Gall Trayvis (voice) | 2 episodes[29] |
| 2014 | Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H. | Silver Surfer(voice) | Episode: "Fear Itself"[29] |
| 2015 | Comedy Bang! Bang! | The Sandman | Episode: "Zach GalifianakisWears Grey Corduroys and Brown Leather Shoes " |
| 2015–2016 | Blunt Talk | Phil | 4 episodes |
| 2016–2018 | Outcast | Sidney | 17 episodes |
| 2016 | The Blacklist | The Architect | Episode: "The Architect" |
| 2017 | Justice League Action | Edward Nygma / The Riddler(voice) | Episode: "E. Nigma, Consulting Detective"[29] |
| 2019 | The Goldbergs | Dr. Emry | Episode: "This is This is Spinal Tap" |
| 2020–2023 | Star Trek: Picard | Data, Altan Soong, Adam Soong, Daystrom Android M-5-10 | Series regular
14 episodes |
| 2020 | The Ready Room | Himself | Episode: "Episode 20" |
| 2020 | Penny Dreadful: City of Angels | Ned Vanderhoff | 6 episodes |
| 2024 | Night Court | Bob Wheeler | Episode: "Wheelers of Fortune" |
| 2024 | Star Trek: Lower Decks | Purple Data | Episode: "Fully Dilated" |
Theater
edit| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1978 | A History of the American Film | Hank | |
| 1983 | Sunday in the Park with George | Franz/Jed | |
| 1984–85 | Franz/Dennis | ||
| 1984 | The Three Musketeers | Aramis | |
| 1985–1987 | Big River | The Duke | |
| 1992, 1993 | Every Good Boy Deserves Favour | Ivanov[31] | |
| 1997–1998 | 1776 | John Adams | Nominated—Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actor in a Musical |
| 2003 | Life × 3 | Hubert | |
| 2009 | Man of La Mancha | Cervantes[32] |
Video games
edit| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Star Trek: The Next Generation – A Final Unity | Data | [29] |
| 1999 | Star Trek: Hidden Evil | Data | [29] |
Audiobooks
edit| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Rain of the Ghosts | Setebos, Ducky Simpson | |
| 2021 | Fan Fiction: A Mem-Noir: Inspired by True Events | Brent Spiner, Various |
Discography
edit| Year | Title | Artist | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Ol' Yellow Eyes Is Back | Himself | |
| 2010 | Dreamland | Brent Spiner and Maude Maggart |
Awards and honors
edit- 2024 –Saturn Awards– Lifetime Achievement Award – The Cast ofStar Trek: The Next Generation[33][a]
Notes
edit- ^"The Lifetime Achievement Award is usually presented to an individual for their contributions togenre entertainment.Top luminaries likeStan LeeandLeonard Nimoy,Mr. Spockhimself, have received this top honor. It's not new, but we extended this award to cover the entire cast ofStar Trek: The Next Generation,due to its continued influence on the face of general television. It was originally doomed to failure since it was following in the footsteps ofthe originalStar Trek,yet it carved its own identity, and its diverse cast was light years ahead of its time! "—Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films[33]
References
edit- ^Wills, Adam (May 7, 2009)."Top 5 Jewish moments in 'Trek'".The Jewish Journal.RetrievedAugust 9,2019.
- ^"Tweens: Celebrities: Brent Spiner".Jewish United Fund.Archived fromthe originalon May 14, 2016.RetrievedJune 28,2016.
- ^"Brent Spiner".Yahoo! TV.February 2, 1949. Archived fromthe originalon July 23, 2012.RetrievedDecember 9,2010.
- ^Lipton, Michael A. (June 8, 1992)."Can Data Find a Mate-A?"ArchivedMay 13, 2016, at theWayback MachinePeople,vol. 37, No. 22.
- ^Spelling, Ian (July 23, 2012)."Brent Spiner set to return to Warehouse 13"ArchivedNovember 9, 2013, at theWayback Machine.Reading Eagle.
- ^"Distinguished HISD Alumni".www.houstonisd.org.Houston Independent School District.Archivedfrom the original on July 27, 2018.RetrievedJune 5,2019.
- ^ab"Before Brent Spiner was Famous".National Forensic League. Retrieved June 17, 2011
- ^"The Cuero Record (Cuero, Tex.), Vol. 74, No. 228, Ed. 1 Tuesday, September 24, 1968".The Portal to Texas History.September 24, 1968.RetrievedFebruary 26,2022.
- ^Dansby, Andrew (September 5, 2021)."Q&A: Houston's Brent Spiner talks 'Star Trek,' fans and fiction".Houston Chronicle.RetrievedFebruary 26,2022.
- ^P., Ken (December 9, 2002)."An Interview with Brent Spiner".IGN.com.RetrievedSeptember 3,2018.
- ^"The Advocates".The Paper Chase.Season 2. Episode 17. August 7, 1984.
- ^ab"Brent Spiner- IMDb".IMDb.com.IMDb, Inc.RetrievedMarch 6,2021.
- ^"".TrekMovie.com. June 29, 2011. Retrieved September 3, 2018.
- ^Polowy, Kevin (June 23, 2016)."Brent Spiner on Reprising 'Star Trek' Data Role: 'I'd Look Ridiculous in That Makeup Now'".Yahoo! Entertainment.Retrieved September 3, 2018.
- ^""These Are the Voyages..." Nine Years Later ".startrek.com.CBS Studios Inc.RetrievedFebruary 25,2021.
- ^"Star Trek: Picard (Official Site) Watch on Paramount+".January 22, 2020.
- ^Spencer, Samuel (March 26, 2020)."What happened at the end of 'Star Trek: Picard' and what it means for Season 2".Newsweek.RetrievedApril 6,2020.
- ^"Brent Spiner And Patrick Stewart: Saying Goodbye To Data On 'Star Trek: Picard'—And Forever".TrekMovie.com.RetrievedApril 6,2020.
- ^Lee, Luaine (January 9, 2003)."A Data with Star Trek again".The New Zealand Herald.RetrievedDecember 9,2010.
- ^Baio, Andy (February 2008)."Brent Spiner's Ol' Yellow Eyes is Back".waxy.org.RetrievedFebruary 24,2021.
- ^1776: The New Broadway Cast Recording (1997),Amazon.com.Retrieved July 23, 2012.
- ^P., Ken (December 9, 2002)."An Interview with Brent Spiner".IGN.com.RetrievedJune 28,2016.
- ^"Brent Spiner".Behind The Voice Actors.RetrievedJune 28,2016.
- ^Tenuto, John (April 27, 2008)."Review: Brent Spiner's Dreamland + Interview + Signed CD Giveaway."TrekMovie.com
- ^Laporte, Leo (January 13, 2010)."TWiT Live Specials".TWiT. Archived fromthe originalon April 25, 2010.RetrievedSeptember 3,2018.
- ^"Celebrate Brent Spiner's Birthday With Every Episode of 'Fresh Hell'".TrekNews.net. February 2, 2014. Retrieved September 3, 2018.
- ^Pascale, Anthony (March 22, 2012)."Exclusive Interview: Brent Spiner Talks Fresh Hell and Star Trek: TNG @25".TrekMovie.com. Retrieved September 3, 2018.
- ^Sands, Rich (October 14, 2011)."Young Justice Recruits Brent Spiner and Alyssa Milano for the Injustice League".TV Guide.RetrievedSeptember 3,2018.
- ^abcdefghijk"Brent Spiner (visual voices guide)".Behind The Voice Actors.RetrievedMarch 30,2024.A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.
- ^Spiner, Brent."Fresh Hell".YouTube.RetrievedMarch 15,2020.
- ^Mangan, Timothy (February 17, 1992)."MUSIC / STAGE REVIEW: A Starry Staging of 'Every Good Boy'".Los Angeles Times.RetrievedApril 24,2024.
- ^Verini, Bob (February 17, 2009)."Man of La Mancha".Variety.RetrievedFebruary 2,2021.
- ^abPascale, Anthony (February 4, 2024)."'Star Trek: Picard' Wins 4 Saturn Awards, 'Strange New Worlds' Wins 1 ".TREKMOVIE.com.Archivedfrom the original on February 5, 2024.
External links
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