---
name: "Brent Spiner"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/brent-spiner"
fi1m_id: "brent-spiner"
imdb_id: "nm0000653"
tmdb_id: 1213786
wikidata_id: "Q311453"
roles: ["Actor"]
born: "2 February 1949"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 9
average_fi1m_score: 68
average_as: "actor"
average_over: 9
updated: "2026-10-05T00:22:07.172186+00:00"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Brent Spiner

## Identity

Brent Spiner

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/brent-spiner
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** brent-spiner
- **IMDb ID:** nm0000653
- **TMDB ID:** 1213786
- **Wikidata ID:** Q311453
- **Same entity:** https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q311453, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000653/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/1213786

Actor. Born 2 February 1949 in Houston - Texas - USA.

## Details

- **Work:** Actor
- **Born:** 2 February 1949, Houston - Texas - USA
- **Active:** 1987–present
- **Also known as:** برنت اسپاینر
- **Frequently works with:** [Jonathan Frakes](https://film.one/person/jonathan-frakes.md), [Patrick Stewart](https://film.one/person/patrick-stewart.md), [Peter Lauritson](https://film.one/person/peter-lauritson.md), [LeVar Burton](https://film.one/person/levar-burton.md), [Michael Dorn](https://film.one/person/michael-dorn.md), [Rick Berman](https://film.one/person/rick-berman.md), [Brannon Braga](https://film.one/person/brannon-braga.md), [Ronald D. Moore](https://film.one/person/ronald-d-moore.md)
- **Average Fi1m score:** 68, as actor, over 9 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 1980s 84 (1), 1990s 69 (5), 2000s 62 (2), 2020s 64 (1)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 66 to 64 across 8 titles
- **Score spread:** 3 at 80+, 3 at 60–79, 3 under 60
- **Lead roles:** 1 of 8 acting credits billed first or second
- **Genres:** Action 5, Adventure 5, Science Fiction 5, Thriller 4, Drama 3, Action & Adventure 2
- **Screen time:** 14 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $1,558m across 7 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q311453, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000653/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/1213786

## Streaming the US now

- **Hulu:** [*Star Trek: First Contact*](https://film.one/film/star-trek-first-contact.md) (82), [*South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut*](https://film.one/film/south-park-bigger-longer-and-uncut.md) (80), [*Star Trek: Insurrection*](https://film.one/film/star-trek-insurrection.md) (58), [*Star Trek: Generations*](https://film.one/film/star-trek-generations.md) (48)
- **Apple TV:** [*Star Trek: Picard*](https://film.one/tv/star-trek-picard.md) (64), [*Star Trek: Nemesis*](https://film.one/film/star-trek-nemesis.md) (50)
- **Paramount+:** [*Star Trek: The Next Generation*](https://film.one/tv/star-trek-the-next-generation.md) (84)
- **Disney+:** [*Independence Day*](https://film.one/film/independence-day.md) (75)

For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country.

## Fi1m on Brent Spiner

> Brent Spiner makes Data's efforts to understand people funny without making the android a fool. We rate his comic precision highly, though that one part still dominates a career that also makes good use of his talent for eccentric supporting characters.

Data's curiosity gives Brent Spiner something more useful to play than mechanical detachment. In *Star Trek: First Contact* (1996), he makes the android's interest in humanity engaging even when the film has questions about artificial intelligence to get through. We warmed to him because the precision of the comedy never made that curiosity seem foolish. It is a performance we rate highly: Spiner gives us someone worth watching while the script attends to its explanations, and makes the prospect of another question from Data welcome.

The part began with *Star Trek: The Next Generation* (1987), developing across seven television seasons before continuing through four films between 1994 and 2002. That sustained attention to an artificial being's emotional growth remains the centre of Spiner's screen work. Jonathan Frakes gets particularly good work from him in *First Contact*, where comic timing helps prevent the discussion of artificial intelligence becoming a lecture. Patrick Stewart gives the film weight, and Spiner contributes to its warmth without weakening the useful streak of horror. The crowded supporting cast sometimes leaves the film short of breathing space, but his contribution is clear and purposeful.

Roland Emmerich's *Independence Day* (1996) gives him a different comic task as Dr. Brackish Okun, an enthusiastic, eccentric scientist. Here, distinctive vocal and physical choices have to establish a character in a brief appearance. Spiner makes a quick impression, which suits a film whose cast keeps the business of saving the world unusually cheerful. The script is foolish, and his contribution does not make it less so. Okun is a useful reminder of what he can do outside Data, though the part offers less room to develop it.

The later work includes returns to familiar parts: Okun in the 2016 sequel and Data in *Star Trek: Picard* (2020–2023). Stage work, voice acting and guest appearances have continued alongside them, without displacing the android as his defining role. There is a limit to what the eccentric supporting parts let us judge, however effectively he makes himself noticed. Start with *First Contact*, provided its hurried explanations do not put you off; it gives his curiosity and timing substantial work to do.

## Biography

Brent Spiner is an American actor. He played Dr. Brackish Okun in the film *Independence Day* (1996) and reprised the role in *Independence Day: Resurgence* (2016).

Spiner is best known for portraying the android Lieutenant Commander Data in the television series *Star Trek: The Next Generation* (1987–1994) and the subsequent films *Star Trek Generations* (1994), *Star Trek: First Contact* (1996), *Star Trek: Insurrection* (1998) and *Star Trek: Nemesis* (2002). His performance as Data in *Star Trek: First Contact* earned him a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor; he received a Saturn Award nomination for his work in *Independence Day*.

He has appeared in other films including *The Aviator* (2004) and *I Am Sam* (2001), and has worked in theatre and as a musician. Spiner was born on 2 February 1949 in Houston, Texas.

*Sources: en.wikipedia.org, imdb.com.*

## On Fi1m (9)

- *Star Trek: Picard* (2020), Fi1m 64, as Dr. Adam Soong — [page](https://film.one/tv/star-trek-picard.md)
- *The Aviator* (2004), Fi1m 74, as Robert Gross — [page](https://film.one/film/the-aviator.md)
- *Star Trek: Nemesis* (2002), Fi1m 50, as Lt. Commander Data — [page](https://film.one/film/star-trek-nemesis.md)
- *South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut* (1999), Fi1m 80, as Conan O'Brien (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/south-park-bigger-longer-and-uncut.md)
- *Star Trek: Insurrection* (1998), Fi1m 58, as Lt. Commander Data — [page](https://film.one/film/star-trek-insurrection.md)
- *Independence Day* (1996), Fi1m 75, as Dr. Brackish Okun — [page](https://film.one/film/independence-day.md)
- *Star Trek: First Contact* (1996), Fi1m 82, as Lieutenant Commander Data — [page](https://film.one/film/star-trek-first-contact.md)
- *Star Trek: Generations* (1994), Fi1m 48, as Lt. Commander Data — [page](https://film.one/film/star-trek-generations.md)
- *Star Trek: The Next Generation* (1987), Fi1m 84, as Data — [page](https://film.one/tv/star-trek-the-next-generation.md)

## Complete filmography (85)

Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page.

- *Star Trek: Picard - The IMAX Live Series Finale Event* (2023), as Commander Data
- *Night Court* (2023), series, as Bob Wheeler, Bobert 'Bob' Wheeler
- *Star Trek: Lower Decks* (2020), series, as Data (voice)
- *Penny Dreadful: City of Angels* (2020), series, as Ned Vanderhoff
- *Star Trek: Picard* (2020), series, as Data / Lore, Dr. Altan Inigo Soong / Daystrom Android M-5-10, Dr. Altan Inigo Soong, Dr. Adam Soong, Data, Data / Dr. Altan Inigo Soong — Fi1m 64, [page](https://film.one/tv/star-trek-picard.md)
- *Brentwood* (2018), as Brent Spiner
- *Justice League Action* (2016), series, as Edward Nigma / Riddler (voice)
- *Independence Day: Resurgence* (2016), as Dr. Brakish Okun
- *Outcast* (2016), series, as Sidney
- *The Midnight Man* (2016), as Ezekiel
- *Blunt Talk* (2015), series, as Phil
- *The Librarians* (2014), series, as Puck (voice)
- *Star Trek: The Next Generation - All Good Things...* (2014), as Lt. Cmdr. Data
- *Star Wars Rebels* (2014), series, as Gall Trayvis (voice)
- *Star Trek: The Next Generation - Chain of Command* (2014), as Lt. Cmdr. Data
- *Star Trek: The Next Generation - Unification* (2013), as Lt. Cmdr. Data
- *Star Trek: The Next Generation - Redemption* (2013), as Lt. Cmdr. Data
- *Ray Donovan* (2013), series, as Therapist
- *Star Trek: The Next Generation - The Best of Both Worlds* (2013), as Lt. Cmdr. Data (archive footage)
- *Fresh Hell* (2011), series, as Brent Spiner
- *Alphas* (2011), series, as Dr. Kern
- *Young Justice* (2010), series, as Joker (voice)
- *The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes* (2010), series, as Purple Man (voice)
- *Quantum Quest: A Cassini Space Odyssey* (2010), as Coach Mackey (voice)
- *Generator Rex* (2010), series, Actor
- *Warehouse 13* (2009), series, as Brother Adrian
- *Leverage* (2008), series, as William Quint
- *Superhero Movie* (2008), as Dr. Strom
- *The Big Bang Theory* (2007), series, as Brent Spiner (uncredited) — Fi1m 68, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-big-bang-theory.md)
- *The Guild* (2007), series, as Brent Spiner
- *Material Girls* (2006), as Tommy Katzenbach
- *Threshold* (2005), series, as Dr. Nigel Fenway
- *The Aviator* (2004), as Robert Gross — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/film/the-aviator.md)
- *Jack* (2004), as Vernon
- *An Unexpected Love* (2003), as Brad
- *Star Trek: Nemesis* (2002), as Lt. Commander Data · Story — Fi1m 50, [page](https://film.one/film/star-trek-nemesis.md)
- *The Master of Disguise* (2002), as Devlin Bowman
- *I Am Sam* (2001), as Shoe Saleman
- *The Ponder Heart* (2001), as Dorris Grabney
- *Law & Order: Criminal Intent* (2001), series, as Graham Barnes
- *Star Trek: Enterprise* (2001), series, as Dr. Arik Soong
- *A Girl Thing* (2001), series, as Bob
- *Dude, Where's My Car?* (2000), as Pierre (uncredited)
- *Geppetto* (2000), as Stromboli
- *Introducing Dorothy Dandridge* (1999), as Earl Mills
- *South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut* (1999), as Conan O'Brien (voice) — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/film/south-park-bigger-longer-and-uncut.md)
- *Family Guy* (1999), series, as Brent Spiner (voice) — Fi1m 63, [page](https://film.one/tv/family-guy.md)
- *Star Trek: Insurrection* (1998), as Lt. Commander Data — Fi1m 58, [page](https://film.one/film/star-trek-insurrection.md)
- *Out to Sea* (1997), as Godwyn
- *Star Trek: First Contact* (1996), as Lieutenant Commander Data — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/film/star-trek-first-contact.md)
- *Phenomenon* (1996), as Dr. Bob
- *Independence Day* (1996), as Dr. Brackish Okun — Fi1m 75, [page](https://film.one/film/independence-day.md)
- *Pie in the Sky* (1996), as Upscale Guy
- *Deadly Games* (1995), series, as Danny Schlecht
- *The Outer Limits* (1995), series, as Professor Trent Davis
- *Kingfish: A Story of Huey P. Long* (1995), as (uncredited)
- *Star Trek: Generations* (1994), as Lt. Commander Data — Fi1m 48, [page](https://film.one/film/star-trek-generations.md)
- *Gargoyles* (1994), series, as Puck (voice)
- *Friends* (1994), series, as James Campbell — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/tv/friends.md)
- *Corrina, Corrina* (1994), as Brent Witherspoon
- *Frasier* (1993), series, as Albert — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/tv/frasier.md)
- *Mad About You* (1992), series, as Bob, the Dog Agent
- *Star Trek: Federation Science* (1992), as Data
- *Dream On* (1990), series, as Dr. Strongwater
- *The Simpsons* (1989), series, as Robots (voice) — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-simpsons.md)
- *Miss Firecracker* (1989), as Preacher Mann
- *Shocker* (1989), as Talk Show Guest (uncredited)
- *Family Sins* (1987), as Ken McMahon
- *Star Trek: The Next Generation* (1987), series, as Data — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/tv/star-trek-the-next-generation.md)
- *Manhunt for Claude Dallas* (1986), as Jim Stevens
- *Sylvan in Paradise* (1986), Actor
- *Sunday in the Park with George* (1986), as Franz / Dennis
- *Crime of Innocence* (1985), Actor
- *The Twilight Zone* (1985), series, as (segment "Dead Run")
- *Robert Kennedy & His Times* (1985), series, as Allard Lowenstein
- *Tales from the Darkside* (1984), series, as Reverend Peabody
- *Hunter* (1984), series, as Willie Vaughn
- *Rent Control* (1984), as Leonard Junger
- *Night Court* (1984), series, as Bob Wheeler
- *Ladies and Gentlemen, the Fabulous Stains* (1982), as Corinne's Boss
- *Cheers* (1982), series, as Bill Grand — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/tv/cheers.md)
- *American Playhouse* (1982), series, as Franz / Dennis
- *Hill Street Blues* (1981), series, Actor — Fi1m 86, [page](https://film.one/tv/hill-street-blues.md)
- *Stardust Memories* (1980), as Fan in Lobby
- *The Dain Curse* (1978), series, as Tom Fink

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/brent-spiner