When people talk about Hollywood marriages, the conversation usually turns to messy divorces or short-lived flings that barely survive a single press tour. But then there’s Jonathan Frakes and Genie Francis. These two have been together for roughly 40 years. That’s not just a "long time" in showbiz years—it’s basically an eternity.
Honestly, it’s kinda wild when you think about it. You have the man who defined the swagger of Commander William Riker on Star Trek: The Next Generation and the woman who was half of the most famous "supercouple" in television history, Luke and Laura. They aren't just actors; they are icons of their respective genres. Yet, behind the scenes, they’ve built a life that is surprisingly grounded, moving from the hectic streets of Los Angeles to the quiet coast of Maine and back again.
How They Actually Met (It Wasn’t Love at First Sight)
You might assume they locked eyes across a crowded soundstage and it was magic. Not exactly. They first met in 1982 on the set of a primetime soap called Bare Essence. At the time, Genie was already a massive star. She was only 20 years old but had the weight of the General Hospital phenomenon on her shoulders. Frakes, about a decade older, was still finding his footing.
He’s been quoted saying she was "too young" for him back then. They worked together, they were professional, and then they went their separate ways. It wasn't until 1984, when fate (and casting directors) put them both in the massive Civil War miniseries North and South, that things actually clicked.
The New Orleans Turning Point
While filming on location in places like Natchez and Charleston, the atmosphere changed. Frakes famously joked that he was "number 37 on the call sheet" while Genie was up there with legends like Elizabeth Taylor and Patrick Swayze. But during a filming break for Memorial Day in 1985, they took a trip to New Orleans.
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That was it. That was the first real date.
They’ve been a unit ever since. They got engaged in 1986 and finally tied the knot on May 28, 1988. If you're doing the math, they just hit their 37th wedding anniversary, having been "together" for over four decades.
Balancing Two Massive Legacies
Maintaining a marriage is hard enough, but imagine doing it while one of you is leading a global sci-fi franchise and the other is the face of daytime drama.
- The Trek Factor: Frakes became a household name with Star Trek: TNG starting in 1987.
- The Soap Factor: Genie continued to navigate the intense world of General Hospital, eventually returning to the role of Laura Spencer multiple times.
- The Director Shift: As Frakes moved behind the camera to direct Star Trek: First Contact and countless TV episodes, the family dynamic had to shift.
They’ve had their share of long-distance struggles. There was a period in the 90s where Genie was working in New York on All My Children while Jonathan was in LA. Most couples would have folded. Instead, they made it work, eventually moving to Belfast, Maine, to give their kids a "normal" upbringing.
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Genie even opened a home furnishings store there called The Cherished Home. It’s those kinds of pivots—choosing family stability over the Hollywood grind—that seem to be the secret sauce for them.
Life in 2026: Still Going Strong
As we move through 2026, both are as busy as ever. Jonathan Frakes has transitioned into the "Godfather" of modern Star Trek directing. He recently wrapped work on the penultimate episode of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, which is set to be a massive event for the franchise in early 2026. He’s been very vocal about how much he loves working with the new generation of actors like Holly Hunter and Paul Giamatti.
Meanwhile, Genie remains the heart of Port Charles. As of January 2026, her character, Laura Collins, is dealing with some pretty heavy storylines on General Hospital, including being framed for murder and navigating the emotional fallout of a tribute to the late Anthony Geary (who passed away in late 2025).
Their Children: Jameson and Elizabeth
The couple has two adult children who have mostly stayed out of the tabloid fray. Jameson Ivor Frakes was born in 1994, followed by Elizabeth Frances (who goes by Eliza) in 1997. Eliza has followed in the family business to some extent, working as an actor and writer, proving the creative spark in that household is definitely genetic.
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Why Their Relationship Still Matters
In an era of "situationships" and PR-managed romances, the Frakes-Francis marriage is a blueprint. They don't overshare on social media. They don't do reality TV. They just show up for each other.
Frakes recently appeared on the State of Mind podcast with Maurice Benard (Genie’s GH co-star), and the way he talks about her is telling. He still sounds like a guy who can’t believe he landed the prom queen. He calls her "the wonderful Genie Francis" and genuinely credits her for taking a chance on him when he was just a jobbing actor.
Actionable Takeaways from Their Journey
If you’re looking for why they’ve lasted while others haven't, it basically boils down to a few key moves:
- Prioritize the "Real" World: Their move to Maine wasn't a career suicide; it was a life-saving measure for their family. Don't be afraid to step away from the "hustle" to protect what matters.
- Support the Pivot: When Frakes wanted to move from acting to directing, Genie was his biggest champion. Supporting a partner’s career evolution is vital.
- Keep it Private: They share enough to remain connected to fans but keep the intimate details of their home life behind closed doors.
- Embrace the History: They don't run from their past roles; they embrace the fans who love them, which creates a stable professional base.
Whether you know him as "Number One" or her as the woman who stopped the world during her TV wedding, Jonathan Frakes and Genie Francis are proof that you can actually have a "happily ever after" in Hollywood—provided you're willing to work for it.
To keep up with their latest projects, you can catch Frakes' directorial work on Paramount+ or see Genie Francis daily on ABC's General Hospital.
Actionable Insight: If you want to see the couple's chemistry firsthand, look for their rare joint interviews on YouTube, specifically the recent 2025/2026 episodes of State of Mind, which offer a raw look at their partnership.