Brent Spiner, a legendary American actor and performer, has become a household name thanks to his unforgettable role as Lieutenant Commander Data in the iconic science-fiction series “Star Trek: The Next Generation” (TNG). Known for his exceptional acting range, comedic timing, and versatility, Spiner has built a remarkable career spanning over four decades.
Over the years, his work has earned him not just critical acclaim and an adoring global fan base, but also substantial wealth. In this detailed article, we will explore Brent Spiner’s net worth, career journey, family background, personal life, and lasting legacy in the entertainment industry.
Introduction to Brent Spiner
- Full Name (Real Name): Brent Jay Spiner Mintz
- Date of Birth: February 2, 1949
- Birthplace: Houston, Texas, United States
- Age (2025): 76 years old
- Height: 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 meters)
- Occupation: Actor, Voice Actor, Musician, Comedian
- Famous For: Playing the android Data in Star Trek: The Next Generation
- Wife: Loree McBride
- Twin Brother: Ron Spiner
Brent Spiner’s rise to fame was fueled by his dedication to the craft of acting, which he began pursuing in the theater before transitioning to television and film. His most recognizable role, Data, remains one of the most iconic characters in science fiction history, representing the quest for humanity through the lens of artificial intelligence.
Brent Spiner’s Net Worth
As of 2025, Brent Spiner’s estimated net worth is approximately $16 million. However, some reports also place his wealth closer to $7 million, reflecting varying estimates based on his assets, investments, and earnings.
The bulk of Spiner’s wealth comes from:
- His seven-season run on Star Trek: The Next Generation.
- Four Star Trek feature films.
- Voice acting work in animated series and video games.
- Convention appearances and autograph sessions.
- Film roles outside of Star Trek, such as Independence Day.
- His work as a musician and other creative ventures.
Spiner’s consistent involvement in entertainment projects has allowed him to maintain steady income streams, even decades after his peak Star Trek years.
Family Background and Early Life
Brent Spiner’s life story begins in Houston, Texas, where he was born Brent Jay Spiner on February 2, 1949, to parents Sylvia and Jack Spiner.
Father’s Tragic Death
When Brent was just 10 months old, tragedy struck. His father, Jack Spiner, died at the young age of 29 due to kidney failure. This early loss profoundly shaped Brent’s childhood and family dynamic.
Adoption and Name Change
When Brent was six years old, his mother Sylvia remarried a man named Sol Mintz, who adopted Brent and his older twin brother, Ron Spiner. After the adoption, Brent’s legal name became Brent Jay Spiner Mintz. However, as an actor, he professionally kept the surname “Spiner.”
Cultural Heritage
Brent Spiner’s family comes from Jewish immigrant roots, which played a significant role in shaping his upbringing and identity.
Education and Early Interests
Brent attended Bellaire High School in Houston, where he discovered his love for acting and performing arts. He later studied at the University of Houston, where he participated in several theater productions and honed his skills as a stage performer.
Initially, Spiner dreamed of a career in theater, which he pursued passionately before making the transition to television and film.
Career Beginnings: Theater and Small Screen Roles
Before becoming a TV star, Brent Spiner worked extensively in theater, appearing in Broadway and off-Broadway productions. Some of his early stage credits include:
- A History of the American Film
- Sunday in the Park with George
- The Three Musketeers
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Spiner began taking small roles in television series, appearing in shows like Night Court and Hill Street Blues. These early roles helped him gain experience and visibility, setting the stage for his breakout moment.
Star Trek: The Next Generation – The Role That Changed Everything
Brent Spiner’s life and career transformed when he landed the role of Lieutenant Commander Data in Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG) in 1987.
The Character of Data
Data, an android created to resemble a human, symbolized the quest for understanding human emotion and morality. Spiner’s portrayal brought depth, humor, and emotional resonance to the character, making Data a fan favorite.
The series ran for seven successful seasons (1987–1994), during which time Spiner appeared in every season and became a household name.
Star Trek Films
Following the show’s conclusion, Spiner reprised his role as Data in four feature films:
- Star Trek: Generations (1994)
- Star Trek: First Contact (1996)
- Star Trek: Insurrection (1998)
- Star Trek: Nemesis (2002)
These films further solidified his association with the franchise and significantly boosted his earnings.
Earnings from Star Trek
While exact salary figures for Star Trek: The Next Generation are undisclosed, industry insiders estimate that by the later seasons, Brent Spiner earned $80,000 to $100,000 per episode. With 26 episodes per season, this could amount to over $2 million annually during the show’s peak.
The films brought even larger paychecks, along with residuals from merchandise, syndication, and streaming services.
Other Acting Work After Star Trek
To avoid being typecast as Data, Brent Spiner explored a wide variety of roles in film and television after Star Trek.
Television Appearances
- The Big Bang Theory – Appearing as himself, delighting Star Trek fans.
- Penny Dreadful: City of Angels – A dark, dramatic role showcasing his range.
- Frasier and Friends – Memorable guest appearances in beloved sitcoms.
Movie Roles
- Independence Day (1996) – As Dr. Brackish Okun, a quirky scientist, in the blockbuster hit.
- Independence Day: Resurgence (2016) – Reprising his role two decades later.
- The Aviator (2004) – Directed by Martin Scorsese.
- Out to Sea (1997) – A comedic role alongside Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon.
These projects expanded his audience and diversified his income sources.
Voice Acting Career
Brent Spiner’s distinct voice has made him a sought-after voice actor. His notable voice roles include:
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The Joker in Young Justice.
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Multiple characters in Disney’s animated series Gargoyles.
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Video game voice work, including Star Trek Online.
Voice acting provided Spiner with additional income while showcasing his versatility.
Music Career
In 1991, Spiner released a music album titled “Ol’ Yellow Eyes Is Back,” featuring classic pop standards.
Some of his Star Trek co-stars contributed to the album, making it a special treat for fans. While music is not a major source of his wealth, it reflects his wide range of talents.
Income from Conventions and Fan Events
Brent Spiner remains an active figure in the Star Trek community, frequently attending conventions and fan gatherings. These events are financially rewarding, with some actors earning $50,000 to $200,000 per weekend through autograph signings, photo sessions, and panel appearances.
For Spiner, these conventions serve as both a lucrative opportunity and a way to connect with his devoted fan base.
Personal Life
Brent Spiner keeps much of his personal life private, but here’s what is known:
- Wife: Spiner is married to Loree McBride, who has been a supportive partner throughout his career.
- Twin Brother: Brent has a twin brother named Ron Spiner.
- Close Friends: He maintains a strong friendship with Star Trek co-stars, especially Patrick Stewart, who has a net worth of $75 million (2025).
Brent Spiner’s Investments and Assets
Though details about Spiner’s investments are private, it’s known that he owns property in Los Angeles, California, where he resides. His investments in real estate have helped secure long-term financial stability.
Philanthropy and Community Involvement
Brent Spiner has supported numerous charitable organizations over the years. Some of his causes include:
- Arts and education programs.
- Environmental sustainability initiatives.
- Children’s health and welfare organizations.
While these philanthropic efforts don’t directly add to his net worth, they highlight his commitment to giving back to society.
Brent Spiner’s Financial Timeline
| Year | Major Career Milestone | Approx. Net Worth |
|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Cast as Data in Star Trek: TNG | $500,000 |
| 1994 | End of TNG, begins Star Trek films | $3 million |
| 1996 | First Contact & Independence Day | $6 million |
| 2002 | Final Star Trek film (Nemesis) | $8 million |
| 2016 | Independence Day: Resurgence | $12 million |
| 2025 | Current estimated net worth | $16 million |
Comparison with Other Star Trek Stars
Brent Spiner’s net worth is substantial, though lower than some of his TNG co-stars:
- Patrick Stewart (Captain Picard): $75 million
- Jonathan Frakes (Commander Riker): $25 million
- LeVar Burton (Geordi La Forge): $10 million
- Marina Sirtis (Counselor Troi): $6 million
Spiner’s $16 million places him among the higher earners, thanks to his consistent work in film, television, and conventions.
Brent Spiner’s Age and Physical Stats
- Age (2025): 76 years old
- Height: 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 meters)
- Weight: Approximately 170 pounds (77 kg)
Despite his age, Spiner continues to work actively in the entertainment industry.
Current Work and Future Projects
Brent Spiner reprised his role as Data in the Paramount+ series “Star Trek: Picard”, bringing his beloved character to a new generation of fans.
He has also ventured into writing and producing, expanding his creative horizons and opening additional revenue streams.
Legacy
Brent Spiner’s portrayal of Data is widely regarded as one of the greatest performances in science fiction television. His ability to explore themes of humanity, ethics, and artificial intelligence continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Through his roles, music, and voice acting, Spiner has left a lasting mark on pop culture and built a legacy that will endure for generations.
Conclusion
Brent Spiner’s life and career exemplify the rewards of talent, perseverance, and versatility. From a theater actor in Houston to a global sci-fi icon, he has earned both critical acclaim and financial success. With an estimated net worth between $7 million and $16 million, Spiner enjoys the fruits of a long and varied career.
His role as Data in Star Trek: The Next Generation remains a cultural touchstone, but his work across television, film, voice acting, and music ensures that his legacy extends far beyond a single character. As he continues to take on new projects, Brent Spiner’s star shows no sign of fading.