In May I had the chance to meet one of my favorite actors/directors, Jonathan Frakes. We chatted at the Creation Star Trek Convention celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Frakes was joined by his former co-stars Patrick Stewart, Brent Spiner and LeVar Burton in Cherry Hill, New Jersey for three lively days of talks, autograph signing and picture taking. I was a faithful fan of the sci-fi show back then and proudly call myself a Trekker. I always had a ‘thing’ for the tall, dark man with the beard. Twenty-five years later, Number-One is still tall, dark and handsome, and, extremely charming to boot. And if that’s not enough, he is quite funny too! For me, his non-stop banter on stage with Brent Spiner was one of the highlights of the convention.
Frakes signing autographs at the Star Trek Convention, Cherry Hill, NJ
Although I was scheduled to meet up with him later in the day for a photo shoot, I caught Jonathan sitting at his autograph table, where I took the opportunity to ask him about his director duties on my other favorite TV show, NCIS:LA. I sensed that he was happy to shift gears from actor to director, so I asked him about his future assignments as well as his most recent NCIS:LA project, directing the first of the two-part episode… Blye, K.
Jonathan said he enjoyed his time directing the cast and crew on that episode, especially Daniella Ruah and Eric Christian Olsen. He found them both “funny, professional, and great to work with.” He also thought Ruah’s character, Kensi Blye, has become stronger and more confident due to the addition of LAPD liaison, Marty Deeks. Together, they sparkle on screen. Blye,K revealed the mystery behind the death of Kensi’s father and received some of the highest ratings of the year.
Getting a chance to meet up with Jonathan Frakes!
Jonathan said he would be directing another NCIS:LA episode in either September or October. He promised NCIS:LA Magazinea more in- depth interview to talk about the show and his work as a film and television director. What a treat that we were able to steal some of his valuable time at the convention. We’re really looking forward to his next assignment behind the camera atand to sharing his thoughts with you!
