Brent Spiner Returning To His Fan-Favorite Role But It’s Not Star Trek
One of the most memorable characters from the Star Trek universe, the android Data, thrilled fans not only on the seven seasons of Star Trek: The Next Generation, but also on several episodes of the crossover series, Picard, and four feature films. But fans of the actor behind Data remember Brent Spiner several years before he was first seen aboard the Starship Enterprise. Spiner played a recurring minor, but memorable, character on the 1980s courtroom comedy Night Court, and will be once again playing the role of Bob Wheeler in the latest incarnation of the NBC network’s hit show.
Brent Spiner Returns To Night Court
Over the course of six episodes from seasons three and four, Brent Spiner brought to life the down-on-his-luck Bob Wheeler. Wheeler and his wife, Judy, hailed from West Virginia and were brought before Judge Stone’s court on multiple occasions. The indigent couple was always down on their luck and presented excuses for their offenses that were equally comical and pathetic.
The Hard-Luck Wheelers Are Fan Favorites
In one episode, the Wheeler couple had bought a hot dog stand to eke out a living, only to have it whisked away from them by a tornado. In another trip to the courtroom, the Wheelers recalled a tale of woe involving their purchase of a newsstand in the Manhattan Municipal Building but were forced to gouge their customers as a result of their being grossly overcharged for the business. No matter the excuses they conjured up for their citations, the Wheelers were successful in making fans laugh, much of which was owed to how well the parts were played by Brent Spiner and Annie O’Donnell.
The Night Court Revivial
NBC recently revived Night Court in 2023, bringing back one of the only surviving leading cast members to star in the newest incarnation of one of the 1980s’ most popular shows. John Larroquette is back as Dan Fielding, the oversexed prosecuting attorney whose wit and mean streak propelled him to be a favorite among the show’s viewers. The new show features an almost all-new cast, headlined by Melissa Rauch as Judge Abby Stone, but past favorites like Brent Spiner’s Bob Wheeler keep making appearances.
Kate Micucci Is Along For The Ride
Brent Spiner will play his old role alongside his original series wife on an episode to be released for Season 2. Spiner and O’Donnell will be on screen with Kate Micucci (Big Bang Theory), who will play the Wheeler’s adult daughter. Marsha Warfield, who played courtroom bailiff Roz on the 1980s show, reprised her popular character in two episodes of Season 1 and will return as Roz in one episode of Season 2.
Brent Spiner’s Amazing Career
The successes that followed Brent Spiner after Night Court are numerous, though his portrayal of the much-loved Data is considered by many to be what he is most famous for. The Star Trek character aside, the actor has more than 100 acting credits to his name, spanning from feature films to television series. Spiner has also had a successful career as a voice actor, lending his vocal cords to multiple cartoons including Star Wars: Rebels, Robot Chicken, The Simpsons, and Family Guy.
The second season of Night Court premiered early last month. Brent Spiner will appear as Bob Wheeler at some point later in the season.
