THE NEXT GENERATION: THE ALTERNATE CAST
The cast from the Next Gen series went on to have wonderful careers through the show but it would be interesting to see who might have been cast instead. I came across on the internet a document that was presented to Gene Roddenberry, the creator of the show, listing the final shortlist of candidates to read for the various roles. Have a look at some of these.
JEAN LUC PICARD
Patrick Stewart won out. But here are some of the other options: Stephen Macht, Yaphet Kotto, Patrick Bauchau
COMMANDER RIKER
Johnathan Frakes was good in the role, but here are some of the other actors short listed. Michael O'Gorman, Gregg Marx, Billy Campbell, Ben Murphy
Lt. Commander Data
Brent Spiner was a brilliant choice in casting, but here are some of the others considered. Eric Menyuk, who later had a guest role as The Traveller, Kevin Peter Hall (also for Geordi) and Kelvin Han Yee
GEORDI LA FORGE
Levar Burton was good, but some of these other choices who auditioned are a surprise. Tim Russ who went on to star as Tuvok in Votager, very tall actor Kevin Peter Hall who was Predator and Harry in Harry and the Hendersons, Wesley Snipes who's become a major star.
TASHA YAR
Denise Crosby had auditioned for the role of Deanna Troi but ended up getting the role of Tasha, who was an ok character. Looking at some of these other actresses, I like the look of them too. Julia Nickson, Rosalind Chao, who took on a recurring role as Keiko, Leah Ayers
DR BEVERLEY CRUSHER
Gates McFadden always annoyed me in the role and when I saw the actress at a Star Trek convention (I had a free ticket) she annoyed me there too. Looking at the other two actress who had been shortlisted, Anne Twomey and Jenny Augutter, I think they both have more charisma than her.