Brent Spiner

Brent Spiner is an actor known for his versatility across stage, screen, and music, and is recognized as a significant figure in science fiction. Spiner began his career as a stage actor in New York, appearing in off-Broadway and Broadway productions such as "A History of the American Film," "Sunday in the Park with George," and "Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." He further demonstrated his theatrical range by starring as John Adams in the Broadway revival of "1776," earning a Drama Desk Award nomination for best performance by a lead actor in a musical.

Spiner is best known for his role as the android Data on the television series "Star Trek: The Next Generation," four subsequent films, and "Star Trek: Picard." Cast as Starfleet officer Lieutenant Commander Data, Spiner appeared in all but one of the series' 178 episodes and reprised his role in the films "Star Trek Generations," "Star Trek: First Contact," "Star Trek: Insurrection," and "Star Trek: Nemesis." He also co-wrote the story for "Star Trek Nemesis" with Rick Berman and John Logan.

Outside the Star Trek franchise, Spiner is recognized for his portrayal of Dr. Brakish Okun in "Independence Day" and its sequel, "Independence Day: Resurgence." He is the only actor to be nominated for the Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor twice in the same year, for both "Star Trek: First Contact" and "Independence Day," winning for the former. His film work also includes a role in Martin Scorsese's "The Aviator." In animation, Spiner is known for voicing the Joker in the series "Young Justice."

Spiner reprised the role of Data in "Star Trek: Picard," as well as portraying Dr. Altan Inigo Soong, Noonien Soong, B4, Lore, and a version of Data designed to feel emotions and use verbal contractions. The cast of "Star Trek: The Next Generation" received the Saturn Awards Lifetime Achievement Award.

In addition to acting, Spiner is a professional singer and has released two albums, including "Ol' Yellow Eyes Is Back," recorded with an 80-piece orchestra and his Star Trek castmates. In publishing, Spiner released "Fan Fiction: A Mem-Noir: Inspired by True Events," a blend of memoir and noir detective story set during the filming of "Star Trek: The Next Generation." Spiner also co-hosts the podcast "Dropping Names with Brent and Jonny" with Jonathan Frakes. His career spans science fiction, television, film, theater, music, and literature, making him a prominent presence in popular culture.