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Riker's Beard: The Accidental Spark for Star Trek's Greatness?

18 Jul

Summary

The 1988 WGA strike impacted Star Trek: TNG's second season.
Jonathan Frakes grew his beard during the writers' strike.
Gene Roddenberry approved Riker's beard, calling it 'nautical'.

Riker's Beard: The Accidental Spark for Star Trek's Greatness?

The 1988 Writers Guild of America strike significantly impacted "Star Trek: The Next Generation," forcing a shorter second season. However, this period of Hollywood labor unrest also inadvertently fostered a legendary change for the series. Jonathan Frakes, who played Commander Riker, decided not to shave during the 153-day strike.

Upon returning to work, Frakes sported a beard to his meeting with "Star Trek" creator Gene Roddenberry. Roddenberry was taken with the look, describing it as 'nautical,' and approved its integration into Riker's character. The beard, after some adjustments, debuted in the second season's premiere, "The Child."

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