Marina Sirtis’ performance as Deanna Troi may be divisive, but the one thing about her that every fan approves of his her relationship and eventual marriage with Jonathan Frakes’ William Riker. The on-screen couple have an on-and-off relationship in the show and the movies, but share incredible chemistry.
However, the network reportedly tried to axe one of the best TV romances of all time. Marina Sirtis mentioned that there were times when the studio warned the two actors to drop their romantic arc. But, Sirtis and Frakes did not pay heed to it, which all fans are thankful for, as it really adds so much to their characters.
Marina Sirtis and Jonathan Frakes did not listen to Star Trek executives who wanted their on-screen romance axed
Jonathan Frakes and Marina Sirtis have worked together for years as William Riker and Deanna Troi in Star Trek: TNG. While the two characters have several individual storylines, they thrive on-screen when the focus is on the relationship between Riker and Troi. They became the ‘it couple’ of TNG, and their romance has been an amazing part of the show.
Troi and Riker have not just been exclusive throughout the show, despite their ‘Ross and Rachel’-esque dynamic. While Troi also has a tumultuous romance with Worf, Riker has a string of love interests and relationships throughout the show, including Carmen Davila and Soren. But the two are just perfect for each other.
Still, the studio reportedly wanted to cut down on the romance between Frakes and Sirtis’ characters. However, Marina Sirtis mentioned that the actors openly defied this mandate and kept going. She said on The Ready Room (via Looper) podcast,
[We] kept it going, much to the consternation of the suits. But the fans loved it, and I’m glad we did it.
Riker and Troi’s romance is definitely one for the books, and their eventual marriage just about gives hope to all the hopeless romantics out there.
Jonathan Frakes revealed the secret to his performance as William Riker
Jonathan Frakes may have graduated to being a phenomenal director for Star Trek, but he started out as an actor, playing First Officer William Riker in TNG. While the show’s Captain Picard was not as charismatic and charming as TOS’ Captain Kirk, many of those qualities seemed to pass on to Frakes’ Riker.
The actor, however, mentioned that the underlying secret to his performance was the chemistry he shared with Marina Sirtis and the dynamic of their characters, Riker and Deanna Troi. He said,
When I was invited back to revisit Riker and Troi in their new world [on ‘Star Trek: Picard’], I didn’t know how special it was gonna be until I was in the scenes with Marina. She’s my favorite. She’s my favorite acting partner. She brings the best outta me. I trust her.
The filmmaker also mentioned that Marina Sirtis reminded him of his wife, Genie Francis, who is also an actress, stating that he felt the same amount of trust and honesty with Sirtis.
Star Trek: TNG is now available to stream on Paramount+.
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