From left to right: Patrick Stewart, Gates McFadden, Brent Spiner, LeVar Burton, Jonathan Frakes, Michael Dorn & Marina Sirtis
PATRICK STEWART
Date of Birth: 13 July, 1940
One night in October 1986, Bob Justman attended a course on humour at UCLA with his wife and son. Patrick, a guest star, was to 'read' from Shakespeare comedies and Noel Coward plays. It was during this performance that Justman became convinced that they'd found the man to play Jean-Luc Picard. Gene Roddenberry, on the other hand, had some very strong objections - even asking his female assistant if Patrick was attractive to women (she said "No."). Rick Berman joined the campaign, never once wavering in his support for Patrick - which was the telling factor in his casting. Finally, a few weeks before 'Encounter At Farpoint', the Great Bird caved and Patrick was casted. And the rest, as they say, is history - and a lucky thing too!
Place of Birth: Mirfield, England, UK
Family: Father: Alfred (soldier), Mother: Gladys (weaver), Ex-wife: Sheila Falconer (choreographer), Fiancee: Wendy Neuss (producer), Children: Sofie & Daniel
JONATHAN FRAKES
Date of Birth: 19 August, 1952
Although the Paramount bigwigs were happy with the other candidates, the contender for the role of Riker bombed out under the pressure. When given a second chance, he struck out again. Jonathan then became the lead contender for the role - and, thankfully, passed the interview with flying colours. Thank heavens!
Place of Birth: Bethlehem, Pa., USA
Family: Wife: Genie Francis (actress)
GATES MCFADDEN
Date of Birth: 2 March, 1949
Gates was the first actress to 'read' for the role of Beverly Crusher, and she totally blew everyone away. Actresses were still interviewed in the subsequent days after the theory that if the first one was so good, there might be someone better. There wasn't. Gates left the series, or was possibly dropped, after the first series due to a lack of character development. But when the character of Katherine Pulaski failed to 'gel' with the rest of the cast, she returned at the beginning of series three.
Place of Birth: Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, USA
Family: Husband: James Talbot, Son: James Cleveland McFadden Talbot
MARINA SIRTIS
Date of Birth: 29 March, 1959
Place of Birth: North London, England, UK
Family: Husband: Michael Lamper (musician)
Originally, Marina auditioned for the role of Macha Hernandez, the Hispanic security chief - while Denise Crosby had read for the part of Deanna Troi. However, the Greek-English Sirtis was seen as being perfect for the exotic, half-alien counselor. So she was casted as such (with one day left on her visa), and Crosby was given the role of the security chief, Tasha Yar.
BRENT SPINER
Date of Birth: 2 February, 1949
A ten-year veteran of the New York stage, Brent vied with Eric Menyuk for the role of the android Data. His portrayal of a Pinocchio-like innocence won out - and he managed to shoot down Roddenberry's suggestion that he shave his head for the part. Instead, he got lumped with 40-odd makeup tests - he must have the patience of saints!
Place of Birth: Houston, Texas, USA
Family: Companion: Loree McBride (publicist)
LEVAR BURTON
Date of Birth: 16 February, 1957
A friend of Bob Justman, LeVar was recommended to the casting director Junie Lowry for the role of Geordi. Although he had to compete with other actors, as it turned out, he outclassed them all. For those who were wondering, by the way, his VISOR is based on a child's headband - bought in by one of the designers.
Place of Birth: Landstuhl, Germany
Family: Father: Levardis Robert, Mother: Erma Christian, Wife: Stephanie Cozart (makeup artist), Daughter: Michaela
MICHAEL DORN
Date of Birth: 19 December, 1952
The longest search, other than that for Captain Picard, was for the Klingon bridge officer Worf. Roddenberry always intended for the role to be played by a black actor - and although there were many candidates, the requirements of physical stature and a basso profuno voice with perfect diction weeded many out. Most of the actors reading for the role lacked classical training, or didn't have the flair and range necessary for the role. Michael Dorn had the lot, and then some!
Place of Birth: Luling, Texas, USA
Family: Currently single, at least, he was last time Ibothered to check (Hey, Mike! My phone number is...)
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© Dan 2000