Gates McFadden, born March 2, 1949, in Akron, Ohio, is an American actress and choreographer best known for portraying Dr. Beverly Crusher in Star Trek: The Next Generation and its subsequent films. She has also worked extensively in theater and choreography, including collaborations with Jim Henson.

     McFadden studied theater arts at Brandeis University, graduating cum laude before moving to Paris, where she trained at the L'École Internationale de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq. She later taught at Harvard University, George Washington University, and the University of Pittsburgh.

     Her early career included choreography work for Labyrinth (1986), The Muppets Take Manhattan (1984), and Dreamchild (1985). She was credited as Cheryl McFadden for choreography and Gates McFadden for acting. In 1987, she was cast as Dr. Beverly Crusher in Star Trek: The Next Generation, but was replaced in Season 2 due to creative differences. She returned in Season 3 and remained until the series ended in 1994, reprising the role in four Star Trek films and Star Trek: Picard (2023).

     Beyond Star Trek, McFadden appeared in The Cosby Show, Mad About You, and Marker. She also directed theater productions and founded The New York Theatre Commotion. She continues to engage with fans and hosts the podcast Gates McFadden InvestiGates: Who Do You Think You Are?.

     McFadden is married to John Talbot, and they have one child. She currently resides in France, where she is restoring an old theater.