Genie Francis and her husband, Jonathan Frakes’ relationship in 2025 stands as a rare example of enduring love in Hollywood. From their early days on the sets of Bare Essence and North and South to nearly four decades of marriage, the couple has balanced personal and professional success across daytime drama and sci-fi franchises.
Here’s a look at Genie Francis and her husband, Jonathan Frakes’ marriage, careers, and how their shared history shaped a lasting partnership in the entertainment world.
Who is Genie Francis married to?
Genie Francis has been married to actor and director Jonathan Frakes since May 28, 1988.
They first met while filming the miniseries Bare Essence. They later reunited for the miniseries North and South, where their relationship began.
Jonathan Frakes said their relationship began during a filming break: “We have been together ever since our first date on North and South, when we took a break for Memorial Day and went to New Orleans, 38 years ago.” (via Soaps)
The couple has two children, Jameson Ivor and Elizabeth Frances, aka Eliza Frakes.
What is Jonathan Frakes’ job?
Jonathan Frakes is an actor and director.
He is best known for playing Commander William Riker in Star Trek: The Next Generation. He first appeared in the role in 1987 and has remained a key figure in the Star Trek franchise.
In addition to acting, Frakes has directed multiple Star Trek films, including First Contact and Insurrection. He has also directed episodes of several Star Trek series, such as Deep Space Nine, Voyager, Enterprise, Discovery, Picard, and Strange New Worlds. Beyond Star Trek, he directed episodes of Roswell, Leverage, Castle, and NCIS: Los Angeles. He currently hosts Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction.
Genie Francis & Jonathan Frakes’ relationship history
Genie Francis and Jonathan Frakes first met in 1982 while filming Bare Essence, though they did not start dating at the time. They reconnected later during the filming of North and South and began a relationship shortly thereafter.
Frakes shared in a 2023 interview, “Somehow, she wasn’t too young for me… she took a chance on me.” They married in 1988, two days after Francis’ 26th birthday, and have been together for over 38 years.
