Brent Spiner, the beloved actor known for his role as the emotionless android Data in “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” has revealed a surprising truth about his iconic character. At 77, Spiner admits that playing Data has brought him more frustration than he ever anticipated, and it’s not due to the demanding makeup or complex dialogue.
Instead, the source of his irritation lies in the way strangers perceive him. Decades after the show concluded, Spiner is still frequently greeted with shouts of “Data!” from fans, reducing him to the character rather than acknowledging the talented actor behind the role.
While he understands that recognition is part of being in the public eye, the feeling of being erased as an individual stings.
Spiner has openly discussed how the role has shaped his career, sometimes limiting the opportunities available to him. He humorously remarked to the Washington Post, “I frankly like to think I’ve been typecast as the reason when I don’t get jobs, because the alternative is that I’m just lousy.” This reflects the bittersweet reality of achieving fame through a role that can simultaneously close doors.
Interestingly, Spiner didn’t initially pursue the role of Data out of a love for science fiction. He was skeptical about the show’s longevity when he auditioned in 1987, taking the job primarily to pay the bills. The casting process was competitive, with several actors considered for the role, including Wesley Snipes and Yaphet Kotto.
Ultimately, Spiner secured the part, which would become a defining aspect of his career.
The character of Data drew inspiration from the android Bishop in “Aliens,” and Spiner’s transformation into Data involved an extensive makeup process that he described as a nightmare. Hours spent in the makeup chair, coupled with the discomfort of wearing colored contact lenses, took a toll on him physically. Yet, he acknowledges that the makeup team, led by Michael Westmore, played a crucial role in the character’s success.
What many fans may not realize is the sheer volume of dialogue Spiner had to memorize. With 176 episodes and four feature films under his belt, he faced the challenge of delivering dense, technical lines that often lacked the natural rhythm of everyday conversation. This pressure led him to impose strict memorization rules on himself, sometimes sacrificing sleep to ensure he could deliver his lines perfectly.
Despite the challenges, Spiner’s portrayal of Data earned him critical acclaim, including a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor. However, he never received an Emmy nomination, a fact that has left both him and his co-stars, including Patrick Stewart, feeling that his talent went unrecognized.
After the fourth feature film, “Nemesis,” Spiner made the decision to step away from the character. As he aged, the gap between his appearance and that of the ageless android became increasingly apparent. For nearly two decades, he focused on other projects, including voice acting and stage performances.
In a surprising turn of events, Spiner returned to the “Star Trek” universe for the series “Picard,” where his character’s resurrection was cleverly woven into the storyline. This time, he was able to portray Data without the extensive makeup process that had once defined him, allowing him to embrace his age while still embodying the iconic android.
Now, at 77, Spiner remains active in the entertainment industry, launching a new podcast with Jonathan Frakes and reprising his role in “Star Trek: Lower Decks.” The question remains: has Data been a blessing that shaped Spiner’s career, or a role that he has spent years trying to escape? Share your thoughts below!
