Gates McFadden is an American actress and choreographer, best known for her role as Dr. Beverly Crusher on the television series Star Trek: The Next Generation. She was born on March 2, 1949, in Culp Creek, Oregon, and has a background in theater and dance. In addition to her work on Star Trek, McFadden has appeared in various films and television shows, including The Muppet Movie and The Muppet Show. She has also directed and choreographed for theater productions, showcasing her diverse talents in the performing arts.