Thirty-eight years. In Hollywood, that’s not just a long marriage; it’s basically a geological era. When you think about Genie Francis and husband Jonathan Frakes, you’re looking at a couple that has survived the boom-and-bust cycles of soap operas and the high-pressure world of sci-fi franchises without the usual tabloid drama. It’s wild. Most people know her as the iconic Laura from General Hospital and him as the legendary Commander William Riker from Star Trek: The Next Generation. But behind the cameras, they’ve built a life that’s surprisingly... normal.
They didn't fall in love at first sight. Honestly, it was kind of the opposite.
How They Actually Met (It Wasn't a Fairytale)
They first crossed paths in 1982 on the set of a primetime soap called Bare Essence. Genie was only 20 at the time, already a massive star because of the Luke and Laura phenomenon. Jonathan was 30. He’s gone on record saying back then, he thought she was just too young for him. There was a decade between them, and at 20 versus 30, that gap feels like a canyon.
But then came North and South in 1984.
This was the massive Civil War miniseries. They were both cast, and suddenly they were on location in places like Charleston and Natchez. The "dailies"—the raw footage shot each day—were so good that the producers kept expanding the story. This meant more time on set. More time in costume. More time hanging out. During a break for Memorial Day in 1985, they took a trip to New Orleans. That was it. The spark finally hit. Jonathan has joked that he was basically "number 37 on the call sheet" while Genie was the top-tier star working with Patrick Swayze, so he still wonders why she took a chance on him.
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They got engaged in 1986 and tied the knot on May 28, 1988. Fun fact: the ceremony happened just two days after Genie’s 26th birthday.
The Reality of Being a Power Couple in 2026
Fast forward to today, and they are still each other's biggest fans. It’s not just lip service for the red carpet. Recently, in 2025, they appeared together on Maurice Benard’s State of Mind podcast. It was a raw, heavy conversation. They didn't just talk about the "good times." They dove into the grit of marriage—supporting each other through clinical depression, social anxiety, and the weirdness of aging in an industry that obsessed with youth.
Jonathan talked about "walking the riverbank" with Genie during her darkest bouts of depression. That’s a heavy image. It’s about being there when the other person is drowning and just staying close until they can reach the shore. You don’t see that level of honesty from most "celebrity" couples.
Balancing Two Massive Careers
How do they do it? For a long time, they lived a bi-coastal life.
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- Genie's World: She’s the backbone of General Hospital. She’s been playing Laura Collins (née Spencer) on and off since 1977.
- Jonathan's World: While he’s famous for Star Trek, he’s actually one of the most sought-after directors in television. He’s directed episodes of Discovery, Picard, and Strange New Worlds.
There was a period where they lived in Belfast, Maine. They wanted a break from the Los Angeles "goldfish bowl." Genie even ran a home décor shop called The Cherished Home. It was a chance to be regular people, to raise their kids—Jameson Ivor and Elizabeth Frances—away from the paparazzi. Eventually, they moved back to California, but that time in Maine seems to have anchored them.
What Most People Get Wrong About Their Success
People think it's easy because they’re both successful. It’s actually harder. When Genie is filming 30 pages of dialogue for General Hospital, Jonathan is the one at home running lines with her. He’s her coach. When Jonathan is off in Toronto directing the latest season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (which is currently pushing into 2026 production), Genie is the emotional anchor.
They’ve also had to deal with the "soap opera stigma." For years, being a daytime actor was looked down upon by the "serious" Hollywood crowd. Genie has been vocal about how that affected her, and Jonathan has always been her loudest defender. He knows the sheer stamina it takes to do what she does.
The Kids Are Following Suit
Their daughter, Eliza Frakes, is already making waves as an actor and writer. It’s clearly in the blood. But unlike many "nepo babies," the Frakes kids seem to have a very grounded view of the industry. That’s likely because their parents treated acting like a job, not a lifestyle. They’ve talked about "breaking family cycles" and making sure their home was a safe space where mental health was discussed openly, not swept under the rug.
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Why They Still Matter in 2026
In an era of "situationships" and three-month celebrity marriages, Genie Francis and husband Jonathan Frakes are a blueprint. They aren't perfect. They’ve been open about the fact that the pandemic was actually a turning point for them—they spent more time together than ever and realized their connection was "better than ever."
If you're looking for the "secret sauce," it's basically this:
- Mutual Respect: He respects her craft; she respects his vision.
- Radical Honesty: They talk about the ugly stuff (menopause, mood swings, anxiety).
- Independence: They have their own worlds. He has the bridge of the Enterprise; she has the mayor's office in Port Charles.
Practical Lessons from the Frakes-Francis Playbook
You don't have to be a TV star to use their "strategy." If you're trying to keep a long-term relationship healthy, take a page from their book.
- Support the "Dailies": Show up for the boring, everyday tasks. If your partner has a big presentation (or 30 pages of script), be the one who helps them prep.
- Allow for Evolution: They met when she was a kid and he was a young man. They aren't those people anymore. You have to let your partner change.
- Find Your "Maine": Whether it's a physical place or just a hobby, find a way to step out of the "noise" of your professional life together.
Watching them today, it’s clear they are looking forward to the next chapter—Jonathan mentioned they’re excited about the prospect of becoming grandparents eventually. But for now, they’re still working, still loving, and still proving that you can actually make it work in Hollywood if you prioritize the person over the persona.
Next Steps for Fans:
If you want to see their chemistry in action, look up the State of Mind podcast episode from late 2025. It’s probably the most "real" they’ve ever been. Also, keep an eye out for Jonathan’s directing work on Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, which is set to drop soon, and of course, catch Genie on General Hospital as the legendary Laura continues to lead Port Charles through its latest drama.