Jonathan Frakes is widely recognized for his iconic portrayal of Commander William T. Riker in “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” His charm, charisma, and the infamous Riker maneuver have made him a beloved figure in the “Star Trek” universe. Beyond acting, Frakes has also made significant contributions as a director, helming two feature films and numerous episodes across various “Star Trek” series. His dedication to the franchise is evident, as he even reached out to J.J. Abrams to express his interest in directing the long-awaited fourth Kelvin timeline movie.
However, the casting of Riker could have taken a very different turn. According to “The Fifty-Year Mission: The Complete, Uncensored, and Unauthorized Oral History of Star Trek: The Next 25 Years From The Next Generation To J. J. Abrams,” three other actors were seriously considered for the role: Michael O’Gorman, Billy Campbell, and Jeffrey Combs. Frakes himself went through an extensive audition process, enduring seven auditions over six weeks before finally landing the part when the preferred choice for the role faltered during the final audition.
Michael O’Gorman was one of the actors in contention for the role of Riker. His acting career was relatively short-lived, with only six credits to his name from 1987 to 1991. O’Gorman’s most notable appearances include a role in “Miami Vice” and a quirky part in the anthology series “Monsters.” He was considered a handsome actor, reminiscent of Dennis Quaid, and could have brought a unique flair to the character of Riker. A memo from Paramount’s Senior Vice President for Acquisitions & Co-Productions, John Ferraro, indicated that O’Gorman was a favorite for the role, although he was described as an atypical choice.
Jeffrey Combs, another actor who auditioned for Riker, has since become a “Star Trek” legend, known for his roles in multiple series. Combs has portrayed nine different characters across four “Trek” series, including the memorable Weyoun in “Deep Space Nine.” Despite being labeled a “front runner” for the role of Riker, Combs himself felt that he was not the right fit. He humorously referred to the idea of him as Riker as “ridiculous” during a DVD commentary for “Deep Space Nine.” Nevertheless, Combs’s persistence in auditioning for “Star Trek” roles eventually paid off, leading to his iconic characters in the franchise.
Billy Campbell was another actor who was initially cast as Riker. Known for his role in “Dynasty,” Campbell had the physical appeal that Gene Roddenberry envisioned for the character. However, his performance did not resonate with everyone involved in the casting process. Executive producer Rick Berman noted that Campbell lacked a commanding presence, which ultimately led to his dismissal from the role. Despite this setback, Campbell would later make a guest appearance in “The Outrageous Okona,” showcasing his charm in a different context.
The casting of Riker was a pivotal moment in “Star Trek” history, and the eventual choice of Jonathan Frakes has had a lasting impact on the franchise. His portrayal of Riker has become synonymous with the character, and his contributions as a director have further solidified his legacy within the “Star Trek” universe. The alternate reality where O’Gorman, Combs, or Campbell played Riker is a fascinating thought experiment, highlighting how casting decisions can shape the trajectory of a beloved series.
In conclusion, while Jonathan Frakes ultimately became the face of Riker, the journey to that casting decision involved several talented actors who were considered for the role. Michael O’Gorman, Jeffrey Combs, and Billy Campbell each brought their unique qualities to the audition process, but it was Frakes’s charm and dedication that won over the casting team. The legacy of Riker continues to thrive, thanks in large part to Frakes’s enduring commitment to the “Star Trek” franchise.
Source: Static Media, Wikipedia
