Frakes was born in 1952 in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, to Doris J. (née Yingling; 1926–2020) and James R. Frakes (1924–2002). Frakes's father was a professor of English literature and American studies at … See more

For a time in the late 1970s, Frakes worked for Marvel Comics, appearing in costume as Captain America at conventions and other promotional events as well as for special appearances; he credits the experience in helping to h… See more

Frakes and actress Debralee Scott met at an exercise class in Los Angeles. They married after about a year (some time before November 30, 1984) and lived in a 2-bedroom house in Sherman Oaks, California… See more