Brent Jay Spiner was born on February 2, 1949, in Houston, Texas. He developed an early interest in acting and attended Bellaire High School, where he excelled in dramatic interpretation. He later studied at the University of Houston and performed in local theater productions before moving to New York City in the early 1970s.

     Spiner built a strong career in theater, appearing in Broadway and off-Broadway productions such as The Three Musketeers and Sunday in the Park with George. He also had small roles in television and film, including Stardust Memories (1980) and Rent Control (1981). In 1984, he relocated to Los Angeles, where he landed recurring roles in Night Court and Mama’s Family.

     His breakthrough came in 1987 when he was cast as Lieutenant Commander Data in Star Trek: The Next Generation. He portrayed the beloved android for seven seasons and reprised the role in four Star Trek films: Generations (1994), First Contact (1996), Insurrection (1998), and Nemesis (2002). He later returned to the Star Trek universe in Star Trek: Picard (2020–2023), playing multiple characters, including Altan Inigo Soong and Lore.

     Outside of Star Trek, Spiner appeared in Independence Day (1996) and its sequel Independence Day: Resurgence (2016). He also voiced The Joker in Young Justice and had guest roles in Frasier, The Big Bang Theory, and Warehouse 13. In addition to acting, he pursued music, releasing the album Ol’ Yellow Eyes Is Back in 1991.

     Spiner married Loree McBride, and they have one son.