He was often criticized for his "poor acting skills" on ST:TNG... which I couldn't really see. I thought he played Riker well and was underused. He would always get the same storylines, where he gets the girl and loses her. Audiences rarely got to see inside the character of William Riker (ie episode Future Imperfect). Of course it seemed like he could only act like the charming player, that's all that was consistently written for the character of William Riker! People who criticize(d) this charming man often neglect to talk about his amazing work in episodes like "Frame of Mind" or "Second Chances". I thought his work in Second Chances was even better than his work in Frame of Mind, as he had to play 2 characters but convey the message that they weren't radically different, but still different. He managed to find that balance and he carried the episode.
Now in his 50s, he remains a handsome and charming man(with a great smile and nice eyes). I hope he chooses to act again.