From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Brent Jay Spiner (/ˈspaɪnər/, born February 2, 1949, height 5' 10" (1,78 m)) is an American actor, best known for his portrayal of the android Lieutenant Commander Data in the television series Star Trek: The Next Generation and four subsequent films. His portrayal of Data in Star Trek: First Contact and of Dr. Brackish Okun in Independence Day, both in 1996, earned him a Saturn Award and Saturn Award nomination respectively. He has also enjoyed a career in the theatre and as a musician. Brent Jay Spin…