Star Trek: The Next Generation was a television series set 95 years after Captain Kirk (played by William Shatner) underwent his 5-year mission. Beginning in 1987, a new Enterprise with a set of all-new characters embarked on various journeys that lasted close to 10 years in TV land.
The Cast
The main cast of characters and actors for Next Generation included: Captain Jean-Luc Picard (played by Patrick Stewart); Commander William T. Riker (played by Jonathan Frakes); Lt. Commander Data (played by Brent Spiner); Lieutenant Worf (played by Micheal Dorn); Commander Deanna Troi (played by Marina Sirtis); Commander Dr. Beverly Crusher (played by Gates McFadden); and Ensign Wesley Crusher (played by Wil Wheaton).
Patrick Stewart (Captain Jean-Luc Picard)
Patrick Stewart appeared in 176 episodes of the Star Trek: The Next Generation television series, playing Captain Jean-Luc Picard (the one with a mesmerizing accent and voice). This voice would carry him through numerous voice-over projects beyond Star Trek ventures. He has brought life to some of the characters within many popular children’s films and animated projects, such as “The Prince of Egypt,” “Animal Farm,” “Chicken Little,” and “Bambi II.” As far as movies go, he has gained much success playing Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men film series, including the final installment, “X-Men: The Last Stand.” Since the cancellation of the Next Generation television series, he has kept quite busy within the film industry. Be sure to be on the lookout for Stewart in the 2007 production of Magneto, which is supposed to be a spin-off from the X-Men genre.
Did You Know?
1) Stewart married Wendy Neuss, who was a producer for the Star Trek: Voyager television series.
2) Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1996.
3) Began to lose his hair when he was 19 years old.
4) He was in the running for the role of Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Micheal Dorn (Lieutenant Worf)
Michael Dorn appeared in 170 episodes of the Star Trek: The Next Generation television series, as Lieutenant Worf. After the cancellation of the television series, Dorn appeared in several well-known television series, such as “7th Heaven,” “The Outer Limits,” “Family Guy,” and “Danny Phantom.” He has made appearances and lent his voice to several children’s projects, including “Clifford the Big Red Dog.” Dorn has played the Sandman in the movie, The Santa Clause 2, as well as played a pilot in the 2001 adaptation of Mohammad Ali’s life in the film, Ali.
Speaking of playing a pilot, in real life, he is the owner and operator of an older Air Force T-33 trainer jet, which is one of the first jets created in the United States. He has been known to refer to this aircraft as the “starship.” Dorn has been known to be quite an accomplished pilot, as well as owner of numerous aircraft. His flying experience extends to trips with the Blue Angels, as well as the USAF Precision Flight team. Fans can catch Dorn in the movie, Fallen Angels, which wrapped production in 2006.
Did You Know?
1) Dorn played the same character (Worf) in Star Trek: The Next Generation, as well as Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. This role lasted for 12 years, from 1987 to 1999. Only one other actor accomplished this.
2) He is a member of the Air Force Aviation Heritage Foundation.
3) Dorn has made a total of 282 appearances on Star Trek related television episodes.
