Jonathan Frakes Explains How Riker Got His Star Trek TNG Beard

Screen Rant

By Jen Watson

Published 2 days ago

William Riker might have been clean-shaven for all of TNG, if not for an unexpected event that Jonathan Frakes grew his beard for.

Riker's iconic beard in Star Trek: The Next Generation was a result of Jonathan Frakes' dislike for shaving and the 1988 writer's strike.
The writer's strike also affected TNG's second season, leading to a shorter season, a reduced budget, and recycled scripts from the canceled Star Trek: Phase II project.
Riker's beard symbolized the improvement and evolution of TNG, distinguishing it from the original series and becoming a metaphor for television show's improvement.