Sirtis also spoke about how devastated she was when the series ended.
How Riker’s iconic beard was born
When Jonathan Frakes arrived for rehearsals for season two, he had a beard that he had grown during the 1988 writers’ strike, planning to shave it off before filming began. However, the producers immediately liked his new look and asked him to keep it. Thus was born Riker’s iconic beard, which became a defining feature of the entire series.
The beard became so iconic that when Frakes finally shaved it off for Star Trek: Resurrection in 1998, fans were quick to take notice. Even Q couldn’t resist a playful tease, saying: ‘Riker was more fun before the beard!’. Classic Q.
Around this time, there was a meeting with Gene Roddenberry, producer Rick Berman and another producer, Hurley. Roddenberry, intrigued by Frakes’ new hairstyle, remarked that it gave off a ‘nautical’ vibe. The remark sparked an impromptu beard trimming contest, proving that even the smallest details can lead to bizarre behind-the-scenes moments. The beard, of course, became as legendary as Riker himself!
Robin Williams almost joining Star Trek
Star Trek: The Next Generation attracted many celebrities and public figures who were big fans of the original Star Trek series and jumped at the chance to make guest appearances.
Among them, of course, was Whoopi Goldberg, who became a fan favourite thanks to her cameo as Guinan. Goldberg applied to star in the series before it even premiered. However, it took almost a year to get a response, as the producers did not take her request seriously at first.
Unfortunately, not all requests were successful. For example, Robin Williams really wanted to join the cast, but because he was busy filming ‘Hook’ (1991), he had to turn down a role in the 9th episode of Season 5, ‘A Question of Time’. Matt Frewer took his place.
Didn’t Unpack
Sir Patrick Stewart was so sure that ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ would be a flop that he didn’t even unpack his suitcases for the first six weeks of filming. But by the end of the first season, the series proved him wrong – Paramount was making $1 million per episode in advertising revenue.
By 1992, the budget for each episode had grown to nearly $2 million, and the studio’s annual revenue from advertising alone was $90 million. Each 30-second commercial cost between $115,000 and $150,000. The 178 episodes shown in seven seasons from 1987 to 1994 became not just a cultural phenomenon, but a financial force that left its mark on television history.
Star Trek really was an amazing series, wasn’t it? Do you have any funny memories or hidden facts about the series that you would like to share? Feel free to share, and don’t forget to spread the word by sharing this article!