TV NEWS
Star Trek: The Next Generation - Why Brent Spiner's Age Was A Concern While Playing Data
By CAROLYN JENKINS
In shows like “The Vampire Diaries,” actors aging in their roles are often ignored. Yet, Brent Spiner’s portrayal of Data in “Star Trek: The Next Generation” raised unique concerns.
Speaking with StarTrek.com, Spiner recalled fearing what challenges his aging would bring to portraying the ageless android. He asked himself, “How long will I look young enough?”
Remarkably, Spiner's role as Data spanned seven seasons and many films, and while reprising the role decades later, his age proved a non-issue for him.
"Star Trek: Picard" offered a twist, presenting an older Data. His reappearance in Season 3 merges traits of characters like Data, Lore, and Lal, a rich tapestry of past roles.
As an older Data in "Picard," he embodies wisdom and nostalgia, reflecting Spiner's belief that collective memories shape characters.