Born and raised in Pennsylvania

Began his acting career onstage at the Loeb Drama Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Spent five years in NYC appearing in stage productions, including the Broadway musical "Shenandoah"; also appeared in region theater

Earliest TV work included a role in the failed ABC detective series pilot, "Beach Patrol"

First notable miniseries work, "Beulah Land"

Recreated his role as Marcus Marshall from the two-part CBS TV-movie, "Bare Essence" for the short-lived drama series of the same name

Played recurring role of Sandy Parris on the short-lived ABC drama series, "Paper Dolls"

Played Commander William Riker on the hit syndicated science-fiction series, "Star Trek: The Next Generation"; also appeared in episodes of "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" and "Star Trek: Voyager."

Provided character voices on the animated series "Gargoyles"

Film acting debut, as Riker in "Star Trek: Generations"

Served as host for the Fox special "Alien Autopsy: Fact or Fiction"

Hosted the UPN series "The Paranormal Borderline"

Feature film directorial debut, "Star Trek: First Contact," in which he also acted as Riker

Formed Goepp Circle Productions, named after a street in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Signed to two-year, first-look deal by Paramount

Helmed and co-starred in "Star Trek: Insurrection"

Was executive producer of "Roswell" (The WB, 1999-2001; UPN, 2001-2002); appeared as himself on two episodes

Directed the sci-fi comedy feature "Clockstoppers"

Reprised role of Riker in "Star Trek: Nemesis"

Directed an episode of the UPN series "The Twilight Zone"

Directed "Thunderbirds" based on the cult British television show from the 1960s