Jonathan Frakes Net Worth, Career, and Legacy
Jonathan Frakes is a famous American actor, director, and author. As of 2025, his net worth was thought to be around $25 million. Frakes’s career has been going strong for over forty years, and he is best known for his iconic part as Commander William T. Riker in Star Trek: The Next Generation. He is also known for being a respected director, having worked on big Star Trek films like First Contact and Insurrection as well as episodes of popular TV shows like The Orville and NCIS: Los Angeles. His wealth comes from his starring jobs, directing work, writing books, hosting shows, and doing voice work. The actor Genie Francis, who is married to Frakes and with whom he has two children, shares their huge net worth. Even though he had a long and varied career, playing Riker is still one of the most famous roles in science fiction TV.
Social Profile
Quick Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | John Cerasani |
| Date of Birth | March 12, 1985 |
| Age (2025) | 40 years |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Northwestern University (Football Scholarship) |
| Profession | Entrepreneur, Investor, Author, Venture Capitalist, Podcaster |
| Notable Ventures | Founder of Northwest Comprehensive, Inc. (sold in 2015); Founder and Managing Partner of Glencrest Global |
| Estimated Net Worth | Between $50 million and $100 million |
| Key Income Sources | Business sale proceeds, venture capital investments, book sales (“Paid Training”), podcast revenue |
| Marital Status | Previously married to Natalia Cerasani (divorced) |
| Children | Two children (daughter Anastasia and son Jacob) |
| Residence | Greater Chicago Area |
| Early Career Highlights | Former college football player (tight end, Northwestern University); insurance consultancy and brokerage career |
| Social Media Presence | Active on Instagram, LinkedIn, podcast host of “2000 Percent Raise” |
| Philanthropy | Mentorship and support for entrepreneurship education |
Who is Jonathan Frakes?
Early Years and School
Jonathan Frakes was born in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, on August 19, 1952. He grew up in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, in a family that really cared about education and the arts. Jonathan’s father, Dr. James R. Frakes, taught English and edited books. This academic background shaped Jonathan’s early views on the world. Before going to Pennsylvania State University to get his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater Arts, he went to Liberty High School. Frakes became more skilled as an actor while he was a graduate student at Harvard University, where he took part in the school’s prestigious acting program and summer stage festivals.
Careers in theater and early TV
Jonathan Frakes got his start in the entertainment business by playing small parts in plays. He has since gone on to perform at the Loeb Drama Center and at big US festivals. He moved to New York in the late 1970s and got guest roles on soap operas like “The Doctors” and “Another World.” Later, he had recurring parts on TV classics like “The Waltons,” “Eight Is Enough,” and “Hill Street Blues.” These formative years set them up well for a career in movies and TV shows.
Get well-known as Commander William Riker
When he cast as Commander William Riker in “Star Trek: The Next Generation” (TNG) in 1987, Jonathan Frakes‘ life changed. His part as Captain Jean-Luc Picard’s strong and charismatic first officer made him famous all over the world. Riker became one of the most beloved characters in the Star Trek world because of how he portrayed. He praised for having both a strong command presence and a friendly, caring side. This part would shape a lot of Frakes’ public image and solidify his place in the Star Trek series.
Jonathan Frakes Net Worth Breakdown (2025)
- Details about the category (guess)
- Value (2025) $25,000,000
- Main Sources of Income Voice acting, convention performances, syndication royalties, acting, directing, and residuals
- Growth from One Year to the Next Since the 1990s, there have been steady rises due to ongoing projects and payments.
- More Business Ventures Writing, production advice, and licensing items
- Frakes’s money mostly comes from his work as a director on Star Trek, his lucrative syndication deals, and the many convention appearances and cameos he does for fans.
| Category | Details (Estimated) |
|---|---|
| Net Worth (2025) | ~$25 million |
| Main Income Sources | Acting, directing, syndication royalties, voice acting, convention appearances, residuals |
| Year-over-Year Growth | Consistent increases due to ongoing projects and royalties since the 1990s |
| Additional Ventures | Writing, production consulting, memorabilia licensing |
Jonathan Frakes’s Work as an Actor
William Riker, Commander of Star Trek Legacy: As Riker, Frakes played the part in all seven seasons of TNG and in movies like “Star Trek: First Contact” and “Star Trek:
- Insurrection.” His roles spanned many Star Trek eras, from guest roles on “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” to his most recent return in “Star Trek: Picard.”
- Legacy: Jonathan Frakes’ part as Riker remains a benchmark for first officers in the Star Trek canon, and he cherished by generations of fans. His work made him more well-known as a major sci-fi actor who will always be famous.
Other Acting Credits
There have been regular and guest roles on “North and South,” “Matlock,” “Murder, She Wrote,” “NCIS: Los Angeles,” and “The Librarians.”
Voice-over and narration work on shows like “Gargoyles,” “Adventure Time,” and “Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction.” The latter became a cult hit for the way it was delivered and now used as a meme.
Transition to Directing and Producing
Jonathan Frakes went from acting to directing very well, and now he is one of the most successful and well-liked directors in the Star Trek series.
Director’s First Job and Big Projects
Led a number of episodes of “Deep Space Nine,” “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” “Voyager,” “Discovery,” and “Picard.”
he directed the hit movies “Star Trek: First Contact” (1996) and “Star Trek: Insurrection” (1998).
He known for being able to combine sci-fi and drama with character-driven stories on shows like “Leverage,” “The Librarians,” and “NCIS: Los Angeles.”
Directing quickly turned into a big source of income and helped his image in the business.
Royalties and residuals from Star Trek syndication: “Star Trek:
The Next Generation” is still one of the most syndicated sci-fi shows in the world, which brings in a lot of money for cast members like Frakes.
- Convention Circuit: He regularly appears at Star Trek and sci-fi conventions around the world, where he gets paid a lot for talks, autographs, and meet-and-greets.
- Licensing and merchandise: Works with other people to make memorabilia and gets paid for approved character likenesses and media sales.
Personal Life and Family of Jonathan Frakes
Jonathan Frakes has married to actress Genie Francis (best known for “General Hospital”) since 1988. They are thought to one of the most stable couples in Hollywood. They have two kids together. Many people know Frakes for being kind and friendly, both in his personal life and as a mentor to aspiring actors and directors. He also works with a number of charitable groups, such as those that support pancreatic cancer studies and music education.
onathan Frakes’s personal life includes the following details:
- Father:Â Dr. James R. Frakes, a respected English professor and literary critic.
- Mother:Â Doris Frakes.
- Siblings:Â Jonathan Frakes has one sibling, a sister named Elizabeth Frakes.
- Wife: He married to actress Genie Francis, best known for her role on General Hospital. They have married since 1988.
- Children:Â The couple has two children together, a son and a daughter.
- Lifestyle and Assets: He known to owned houses in Maine and California, which shows that he liked privacy and being in nature.
- Vehicles and Travel: He likes to travel for work and for fun. Compared to other Hollywood stars, he doesn’t have a huge collection of fancy cars.
- Hobbies: Frakes is a very good trombonist and sometimes plays in public. He still very interested in theater, science fiction, and going to live music show
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Physical measurement of Jonathan Frakes
- Height:Â 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm)
- Weight:Â Approximately 195 lbs (88 kg)
- Hair Color:Â Brown
- Eye Color:Â Hazel
Awards, Recognition & Industry Reputation
He nominated for the Saturn Awards and praised for his playing and directing work in the sci-fi community.
- Reception: He got a lot of praise for directing “First Contact,” which thought to be one of the best Star Trek movies.
- Industry Reputation: He known in the entertainment business for his hard work, ability to lead a team, and kindness.
Influence on Pop Culture and Fandom
- Pop Culture Icon: As Commander Riker, he is a well-known figure in pop culture, especially among “Star Trek” and sci-fi fans
- As the host of “Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction,” he became a well-known figure in meme culture because of the unique way he introduced and spoke on the show.
- Social Media: Frakes has a lot of fans online who share old Riker images, outtakes, and quotes.
Latest Projects and What’s Next
I’ve recently been in charge of episodes of “Star Trek: Discovery,” “Star Trek: Picard,” and “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.”
- Possible Business Ventures: Frakes is said to be looking into new writing, blogging, and executive production jobs. He will have a successful career after 2025 as long as he keeps working on Star Trek and other genre shows.
Comparison to Other Star Trek Actors
| Name | Role | Estimated Net Worth (2025) | Unique Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jonathan Frakes | Riker, Director | ~$25 million | Both key actor and director in Star Trek, major role in show’s continued expansion |
| Patrick Stewart | Picard | ~$75 million | Lead actor, Shakespearean gravitas, global acclaim |
| Brent Spiner | Data | ~$16 million | Iconic android role, musical/spoken word work |
| LeVar Burton | Geordi La Forge | ~$8-10 million | Diverse roles, “Reading Rainbow” host |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does Jonathan Frakes make in 2025?
About $25 million, which came from acting, directing, royalties, and going to conventions.
How did Jonathan Frakes get his cash?
A mix of playing and directing on Star Trek, royalties from syndication, guest roles, voice work, and going to sci-fi conventions.
In what movies and TV shows has Jonathan Frakes been in charge?
Some of the shows that have made are Star Trek: First Contact, Star Trek: Insurrection, Leverage, The Librarians, NCIS: Los Angeles, and more.
Is Jonathan Frakes still acting?
Indeed, he still acts now and then, mostly in Star Trek-related movies and TV shows as a guest star.
Who does Jonathan Frakes marry?
He’s married to “General Hospital” star Genie Francis since 1988. They have two kids.
Conclusion
Jonathan Frakes’ rise from a theater student in Pennsylvania to a star on sci-fi TV shows shows how talented, flexible, and smart he is at business. By starring, directing, and producing, he expanded his sources of income and made sure he would stay relevant. His friendly personality, creative vision, and ability to ride the changing waves of pop culture have made him rich and left a legacy that will last for generations.
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