Brent Spiner

Brent Jay Spiner is an American actor, comedian, and singer best known for his portrayal of the android, Lieutenant Commander Data, in the television series Star Trek The Next Generation and four subsequent films. In 1997, he won the Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Data in Star Trek First Contact, and was nominated in the same category for portraying Dr. Brackish Okun in the Independence Day. He has also enjoyed a career in the theatre and as a musician.

Brent Jay Spiner was born to a Jewish family on February 2, 1949 in Houston, Texas, to Sylvia and Jack Spiner, who owned a furniture store. After his fathers death, Spiner was adopted by Sylvias second husband, Sol Mintz, whose surname he used between 1955 and 1975. He attended Bellaire High School, Bellaire, Texas. Spiner became active on the Bellaire Speech team, winning the national championship in dramatic interpretation. He attended the University of Houston where he performed in local theatre.

Source: Wikipedia