Gates McFadden

McFadden's career in the arts began long before she stepped onto the Enterprise bridge. She graduated cum laude from Brandeis University with a Bachelor of Arts in theatre arts, then moved to Paris to study with the renowned theatre teacher Jacques Lecoq. She worked behind the scenes at The Jim Henson Company, serving as director of choreography and puppet movement for Labyrinth, and choreographer for The Muppets Take Manhattan, with a brief on-screen appearance. Her dual career as an actress and choreographer is reflected in her credits: she is usually billed as "Gates McFadden" for acting and "Cheryl McFadden" for choreography.

In 1987, she joined the cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation as Dr. Beverly Crusher, a widow balancing motherhood and her career, and a potential love interest for Captain Picard. After the first season, she was released from the show at the demand of head writer Maurice Hurley. Diana Muldaur took over as Dr. Katherine Pulaski for season two, but creator Gene Roddenberry later admitted the new character never clicked. McFadden was asked to return, and after a phone call from co-star Patrick Stewart and numerous fan letters, she agreed. She then played Dr. Crusher through the rest of the series and into the films. McFadden is 77 years old, and her career has spanned over four decades, from 1980 to the present.