“I text my Star Trek family”: When Wil Wheaton opened up about his Star Trek: The New Generation co-stars

Star Trek has always signified something deeper for Wil Wheaton—a type of connection that exceeds being on screen and reading scripts.

While many know him as Wesley Crusher from Star Trek: The Next Generation, it’s what the show and its cast gave him offscreen that influences the most meaningful aspects of him.

On an episode of Inside of You with Michael Rosenbaum, Wheaton shared;

“When I have that impulse, I text my Star Trek family…”

This is where he refers to moments he longs to share with his on-screen parents/family, whom he’s now separated from.

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Finding family beyond the script of Star Trek: The New Generation

What started as a professional job on Star Trek: The Next Generation eventually turned into something far bigger and more familial for Wil Wheaton.

The companionship built during the show's run has lasted for decades, filling an emptiness left by the strenuous relationship he had with his biological parents.

Wheaton did not hold back while being a guest on the podcast, disclosing how even now, when big moments come up—like beginning his podcast Storytime with Wil Wheaton—his first natural reflex is to actively want to ring up or text those he calls his ‘Star Trek family.’

Though fans often recall him for his depiction of Wesley Crusher, Wheaton made it clear that the relations behind the scenes are what truly stayed with him for years on end.

He talked about texting many of his co-stars, like Patrick Stewart, Marina Sirtis, Brent Spiner, and many others.

Wheaton also praised Burton to be an important influence on his podcast, rationalising that the project wouldn’t see the light of day without his constant cheer and support.

This relationship is more than friendship for Wheaton—it has taken on the meaning of a chosen family for him.

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A rare feeling of parental pride

Wil Wheaton talked honestly about how infrequent and impactful it was when he experienced a sense of true parental love—something he didn't frequently feel while growing up. He says;

“Twice in my life, I have felt what I imagine it is like when your parents love you and approve of you…”

One of those times came from a warm conversation with LeVar Burton, who rang up Wheaton instead of responding to a text to express how proud he was.

Burton says to him;

“I couldn’t just text you. I had to hear your voice…”

The second moment came due to Jonathan Frakes, while having an appearance on The Ready Room. Frakes had shown sincere interest in Wheaton’s efforts and expressed a deep feeling of pride and love— feelings that Wheaton expressed as new but impactful.

“There’s a feeling of joy and acceptance…”

He said this, accepting that such emotional moments are brief yet so very profound. These incidents hardened his relationship with his Star Trek colleagues, as them being more than just his co-stars—they turned out to be his emotional anchors.

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For Wil Wheaton, Star Trek isn’t just another franchise in Hollywood—it’s where he finds a sense of belonging. As he continues to embark on his new ventures, the emotional chain to his on-screen family remains strong as ever.

With their endless support, Wheaton has found fragments of the love and pride he yearned for, proving that family can be chosen.

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