Movies - TV
Early Star Trek Had Brent Spiner Constantly Thinking About Quitting
By WITNEY SEIBOLD
In the early days of “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” actor Brent Spiner, famed for his role as the android Data, contemplated leaving the show despite its success.
As Spiner told IGN, playing Data brought him immense attention, but it was a double-edged sword. He feared he would forever be attached to the role.
Reflecting on the years, Spiner shared, “At the end of every year, I'd think, ‘Yeah, I don't know if I'm going to return for another year. I'm going to get out of this contract.’”
Possibly influenced by uncertainties during the show's early days and doubts about its lasting success, Spiner viewed his role as a short-term deal motivated by financial concerns.
In 1987, he mistakenly thought, “I'm going to do this, and I'm going to pay off my bills, then I'm going to be out of it because it surely is not going to last more than a year.”
Contrary to expectations, the show endured, surpassing Spiner's initial predictions. He stuck around for its success and the enjoyable camaraderie with his co-stars.