Wil Wheaton on leaving TNG, with entire cast, question from Aaron Douglas 

wow, he handled that like a real man. Made Troy cry ... takes a man to admit mistakes and real feelings.

I know I'm a minority, but I really liked Wesley. But I think everybody can agree that he took the question so well. He was honest and open: teenagers make stupid decisions and think they can rule the world. What probably happened was that at that point he was the guy pushing buttons and saying "Yes, capitan" and wanted to do other things, so he left thinking that he was going to be a huge movie star and it didn't happen. So he was ashamed to come back not having accomplished that. But I'm guessing his real problem was with the writting of his character, not the cast. Imagine being 15 and having everyone say "I hate your character and you suck?" It wasn't his fault. It's bad enough as an adult, imagine as a teenager? When he said that he thought he didn't even had the right to invite them to his wedding, it showed a lot of humility. It took courage to admit that he was wrong and sorry in front of his castmates and thousands of fans of the show. Some people wouldn't have the guts to do that. And the cast seems proud of his answer. Nice.

key phrase: "when he was 18". In Wil's own words, he was a kid. Kids make stupid mistakes, and he lamented it for years. He was a big enough man to recognize it and make peace with his friends. Star Trek taught humanity was always capable of redemption and that is exactly what he deserves now.

The OBVIOUS Fatherly love that Frakes has for Wil is truly heart warming!!

During the end of Will's story he mentioned a cast member saying _"You were always welcome"_ which reminded me of the poker scene at the end of 'All Good Things'

As an actress, a Trekkie, and a complete Wil Wheaton fangirl, this made me cry so hard. On a lot of levels, this was just so touching. Damn you, Wil.

Wow, that must’ve been difficult especially when Marina Sirtis came quickly over to hug Wil. That’s STNG family love.

Very heartwarming. I will admit, I was a Wesley hater back in the day. He is a good guy though and I felt so bad when he was Shatnered on by Bill. Glad his fellow actors (and Roddenberry) stood up for him.

Wil: I am so happy that you got to reunite with your family. It can be such a burden living your life disappointed in yourself and being uncertain if everyone else is disappointed you too. You so deserve the homecoming you got.

I was there that night, the whole event was awesome, but this bit really touched everyone. Wil Wheaton is a great guy, we was nothing but kind and friendly when my sister and I met him.

This was the show that made me love Star Trek. Before then, I was just a Whovian. And while I still am, "the Next Generation" (in no small part due to this amazing cast of actors) became the Star Trek that I loved more than anything. It's so great seeing these people together and so cool hearing Wil Wheaton's story.

Wil Wheaton has, and always will be, a class act.

"I've never liked you Will" I about died.

Very touching moment! Thanks for the upload!

Thanks so much for this great upload of a great moment! If you liked this, you gotta see the long-shot uncut version of this reunion here on RU-vid. Especially moments like this. Seeing the other cast members' faces when he says these words is so moving and emotional. Levar, Brent, Denise, and especially Marina. And watching Marina try to hold back, she literally starts to shake with tears. I've seen the three versions of this and to be honest I never liked the guy or the character at all before when he was on the show. And now I'm so moved by his heartfelt admission and real feelings that I'm a big fan of him right now. Funny how moments like this can totally change your opinion of someone.

I dont think it was Wil Wheaton himself but the way the writers portrayed his character. I think it was season 2 that most of the show was based on him and how we could save the day. His character was over used and i think it was what made some trekkies dislike his character. I dont watch much TV but TNG remains my fav.. I have all the seasons..it is the only show i bother buying the DVD set off..

I've never seen a single episode of TNG, and I only started following Wil a few months ago, yet this was very touching indeed. It must have been difficult to speak those words.

You Can Tell The Cast Completely Loved Him, And Value His Presence.

I absolutely love Wesley Crusher and I’ve really enjoyed watching him grow up.

"I never f***in liked you Wil." LOL. Having TNG be my first show that wasn't made specifically for kids at the age of 4 (and a half, lol), Wesley Crusher was always my favorite character. He was a genius (which isn't something i could relate to) but he was also a kid, and did the kinds of stupid things kids did. I liked that he finally got to go to the Academy, and that's the only reason him leaving was bearable. I hated that they had him screw up in Academy and then go off to be a Traveler.

Someone is cutting onions on my desk. Honestly, that's all this is. Onions. I swear. They're cutting onions on my desk at work. You know, to take them home. I'm not crying. I'M NOT CRYING, GODDAMNIT.

Seeing this video with all of them on stage, for ME, it was like coming home.

I liked both Wesley Crusher and Wil Wheaton. Leaving the show was a BIG mistake. Based on his career or lack of a career he's since then, I'm sure he regrets it. He's part of Trek history and deserves to be on that stage and I'm glad everyone has accepted him back into the fold, so to speak.

Great moment. Thank you for sharing.

I'm with you. Friends forgive, and understand that sometimes you have to makes choices you might regret, that's part of growing up. I think it's so great to see them all geniunely happy to have him up there on stage, and it makes me happy to see people I grew up watching getting along in real life too.

Okay, that honestly made me cry - what a wonderful moment

I love the " You're rocking that Riker beard." comment by Jonathan Frakes.

It takes a very big man to admit they made a mistake - all the more so in such a public setting - and to finally release fears that have obviously been a wall for a long time. But in this Wil proved he is a giant, and we're grateful for being able to share in it. What a wonderful moment!

What an amazing group of people.

This was the best video I've seen all week.

Literally crying. This is beautiful.

I was five-years-old and in love with Wesley...❤️

I love this cast. Their so amazing on and off the show.

Frakes genuinely is the sweetest human being. It comes across.

If you ever get a chance to go to any event that Wil is at I highly recommend it. I've met him at 2 cons and w00tstock and he is just awesome. Not only does he seem warm and awesome in this video he is that way in person.

Wow! I'm glad I caught that. There is a whole lot of history going on between those people. I can't get to the Cons myself. Thank you for putting that on youtube!

Thanks for putting this up! I´d also love to see the whole thing - anyone? Patrick Steward is a legend!

genuine person saying something genuine to other genuine people. aww.

I teared up so bad watching this in person. Unbelievable

In many ways, I think Wil Wheaton could be described as a "late bloomer." This is especially true given his long struggle with clinical depression. We are all our own worst critics, and when you're grappling with depression, your view of yourself becomes that much more distorted. It is to his everlasting credit that he has stayed the course, and, like a fine wine, has mellowed and matured in character with the passing years. So, to quote from a poem by Robert Browning, "Grow old along with me; the best is yet to be!"

I always liked Wesley. Being exactly his age, it was such a fun thing to see someone like me on the bridge.

Oh god, I love Wil Wheaton, I totally teared up from this...such a good video!!

Beautiful moment right here :.)

Thanks for sharing this: great video

Awww, he made Marina cry! ;_; I was never too fond of Wes, but I freaking love Wil Wheaton.

awwww...that was just about the sweetest thing!

I think I just cried a little. Wondrous!

Thanks Wil. Now I'm crying. You're the best! :)

I started watching TNG when I was 15 and I related to Wesley because as I got older, so did he. I thought he was so darn adorable

Right at the start of the cut to him on stage you see Frank's hug him and kiss him on the forehead like you would a son that says more about his place on in that group than any words

Omg. I really wish I'd made it there!! I'm so going to have to get to the next comicon!

What a beautiful thing that happened with this show.

It was amazing to have been there. i was lucky i got one of the last tickets.

I met him at dragon con last year, he was an amazing person, super nice also. We talked for about 30 minutes or so about nothing in particular

Damn those ninjas and their onions.

Damn you Wil Wheaton. You made me cry.

The TNG episode where Wesely's secret from his academy days becoming exposed really made me like the character more.

Man, I wish I could've been there... =< That was so adorable I can't really express it.. ; ;

Who hasn't had a second when they said "I was a kid... I f'd up" Grats to him!

..."you're always apart of us" (Unless it's Season 3 of Picard)!

Lever has the most expressive eyes! Crazy that his most well known role kept them hidden.

sweet gig to leave it all behind.

this was linked in "the daily what" as "heartwarming tearjerker of the day" First I was like "yeah right, whatever" then I was like "omg I'm gonna cry"

I wish I could see the whole show....

Rad! Thanks. :)

Thanks for clearing up what Levar Burton said! I could not figure it out since it sounded so muffled. Here's hoping he meant it in jest or at least likes him now! LOL

LaVar Burton, universally renowned for teaching kids the love of reading - You were a F- pain in the A--. I love that man.

"you're OUR pain in the ass" that was so nice.

Marina Sertis is such a lush at these conventions.

I like Wil Wheaton. I was 10 years old when that show came out. I saw the original but seeing Star Trek:The Next Generation with I kid in it. I felt like I could go to space. That he wasn't afraid of aliens or traveling in a space ship. His character was under rated. Next time the shows should stop and think if children are watching there shows. Put themselves in the children's shoes. Crusher was a positive character for children.

Glad to see I wasn't the only one who didn't recognize Jonathan Frakes right away. For a second i thought it was some philospher there to talk about Trek and the human condition.

You rock wil wheaton

Its wonderful that he got to apologize for what bothered him and the cast admitted he was a kid but didn't totally let him off. However they welcomed him back in. I'm sure if he had a bit more life and career experience , he would have stayed on. You also have to remember tho that other than Last Burton , Will Wheaton was probably the most famous person in the cast. At least the most recognised. Stand by Me was a HUGE movie and in was only a year or two earlier. I don't blame him. He stared in a movie that was huge. He looks at his costar River Phoenix who is blowing up in the movies by 88 - 89. And he is stuck on a TV series that when he made the decision to leave at the end of the third season , was just getting it's legs under it so there where no guarantees. He asks for a raise and they say no , but we will make your character a Lieutenant. WTF does he care about that. I would have been offended by that answer also. He figures he's missing out on those River Phoenix and Corey Feldman roles because of Star Trek.

This video makes me feel strange, but also good.

I really like Levar too. My favourite bit of him in Star Trek actually, is the Voyager episode where Harry and Chakotay are in the future trying to save Voyager and they are wanted by The Federation and Geordie is just a real stand up gent, a proper reasonable guy. Saying, "I'd be doing the same thing in your situation but I need to try to stop you...... Good luck". I found him to be just endearing as fuck in that scene. Levar could easily hold a Starship Captain role and be totally accepted.

One of the most profound moments ever

Totally crying.

Awe, that made me tear up, especially when Johnathan Frakes touches the back of his head like a dad would.

LeVar Burton: "I never fucking liked you, Will...." God I love that man LMAO Reading Rainbow for life, bitchez!!!!!!

Love Wil!!!!!!!!

As a long time fan of STTNG I am moved by this, but let's not forget that Wheaton leaving turned out to be a very good thing for the show.

AWWWWWW That was well nice!

*LOVE*

Denise was there. All nine principle cast members were there. Plus a guest star turned up later.

I never understood why so many fans have said, "Wesley always saved the ship", and my confusion remains to this day. I've seen every episode of TNG multiple times, and the only prominent moment that could qualify was "The Game". Sure, he was smart and all, but they didn't let him have command at any point, and none of his actions solely resulted in a mass saving of life. The character wasn't insignificant at all, but I never thought he was relied on at everyone else's expense.

Ah yeah!

Great response from Wheaton. Though a little evil corner of my mind wished that Patrick Stewart had leaned over and said, "Shut up, Wesley!" Would have been glorious!!!

Completely agree with your second paragraph, but the crew of TNG actually tended to do a lot better in maintaining their careers - if that's what they wanted to do - than most of the original crew. Wil's pretty clear that he wanted to go to college and have a semblance of a "normal" life as opposed to continuing to play the Hollywood game. Between "Stand By Me" and TNG he'd made his money, played memorable roles and had nothing more to prove. :)

didn't recognize Jonathan Frakes til he talked

To add on, I don't think it was a mistake at all for Wheaton to want to leave the show. He didn't like his own character, was aware some fans didn't like Wesley, and probably associated the show with childhood or an image or obligations that he wanted to get away from. If I had to guess, the only personal regret he felt (or should feel) regarding his departure was the total cutoff he made regarding his cast mates. But even that decision, while maybe not ideal, is understandable to me.

Thank you Will for "leaving"

This makes me melancholy because Aaron and Wil had such a bad falling out.

Me too!

Those are all good people.

oh maaan .. I almost cried :/ .. *hit something to get back manliness*

Well said Wil, well said.

Totally, Wheaton himself is a class act. And quite entertaining to boot. :)

Wil was 14 when he started, working alongside people at least twice his own age (Denise Crosby -14 yrs older, Sir Patrick Stewart - 32 yrs older.) He got the worst of the hate-bashing out of any cast member. Of course he wanted to leave, and of course he regretted it afterwards. Fortunately he's a great guy and was surrounded by people who didn't hold his mistakes over his head and welcomed him back with open arms, while Aaron Douglas still feels like an outsider with people he worked alongside.

Wil Wheaton is so awesome that he basically converted the "Kill Wesley" crowd to a "Wil Wheaton pwns" fan club.

That made my eyes a little moist.