VIEWS
113
LAST UPDATE
2024-09-10 06:41:05
PAGE VERSION
Version 2
LIKES
1
WRITTEN EPISODES
1x11 The Menagerie: Part I 1x12 The Menagerie: Part II 2x23 The Omega Glory 1x02 Charlie X (Story)
2x25 Bread and Circuses 1x06 Mudd's Women (Story)
1x21 The Return of the Archons (Story)
2x19 A Private Little War (Teleplay)
1x00 The Cage 3x24 Turnabout Intruder (Story)
3x22 The Savage Curtain (Story)
3x22 The Savage Curtain (Teleplay)
2x26 Assignment: Earth (Story)
1x01 Encounter at Farpoint 1x09 Hide and Q (Teleplay)
1x12 Datalore (Teleplay)
BIOGRAPHY
Eugene Wesley "Gene" Roddenberry (August 19, 1921 – October 24, 1991) was an American television screenwriter, producer, and creator of the groundbreaking science fiction series Star Trek. Often referred to as the "Great Bird of the Galaxy," Roddenberry was a visionary storyteller who sought to explore human nature and societal issues through the lens of speculative science fiction. His work not only revolutionized television but also had a lasting cultural and philosophical impact on popular culture, science fiction, and technological innovation.
Early Life and Military Service
Roddenberry was born in El Paso, Texas, and raised in Los Angeles, California. He was the son of Eugene Edward Roddenberry, a police officer, and Caroline Glen Roddenberry. In high school, Gene developed a strong interest in science and literature. After graduating, he attended Los Angeles City College and later earned a pilot’s license.
Roddenberry enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces in 1941, shortly after the outbreak of World War II. As a bomber pilot, he flew 89 combat missions in the Pacific theater, including in B-17 Flying Fortresses, for which he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal. After the war, he worked as a commercial pilot for Pan American World Airways for a short period before deciding to return to Los Angeles to pursue a career in writing.
Early Writing and Television Career
Roddenberry began his writing career with freelance work, submitting stories to various publications, including Flying Aces and other pulp magazines. His first television writing job was for the series Mr. District Attorney. To support himself during this time, Roddenberry also joined the Los Angeles Police Department, where he worked as an officer. His experience in law enforcement deeply influenced the later themes of law, order, and justice in his work.
In the 1950s and early 1960s, Roddenberry wrote scripts for a number of popular television shows, including Highway Patrol, Have Gun – Will Travel, and The Lieutenant, a military drama. Although these shows were successful, Roddenberry was dissatisfied with the restrictions placed on network television. He longed to create a series that would push boundaries, offer a deeper social commentary, and explore more imaginative concepts.
Creation of Star Trek
Roddenberry’s dream took form in 1964 when he created Star Trek, a science fiction series set in the 23rd century. Inspired by Westerns like Wagon Train, space adventure stories, and the utopian vision of humanity’s future, Roddenberry envisioned a diverse crew aboard the starship USS Enterprise exploring the galaxy in peace and cooperation. The series' multiracial and multicultural cast reflected his belief in human unity and the hope for a future free of prejudice and conflict.
Star Trek premiered on NBC on September 8, 1966, with The Man Trap, though the first episode filmed was the second pilot, Where No Man Has Gone Before. The series struggled with ratings but gained a passionate fanbase. Despite its innovative storytelling and groundbreaking ideas—such as the portrayal of women in leadership, interracial interactions, and the allegorical treatment of contemporary political issues—the series was canceled after three seasons in 1969.
The Philosophy of Star Trek
Roddenberry’s vision of the future was one in which humanity had overcome its worst impulses—war, greed, poverty—and united in the pursuit of exploration and knowledge. This optimistic vision, called "Roddenberry’s humanism," contrasted with much of the darker, dystopian science fiction of the time. He believed in a secular future where religion had been largely supplanted by reason, science, and human achievement. Roddenberry also infused Star Trek with ethical dilemmas and moral questions, often addressing issues like racism, civil rights, gender roles, and the Cold War through allegory.
Post-Star Trek Projects
After Star Trek’s cancellation, Roddenberry continued to work in television but found it difficult to replicate the success of his previous show. He produced several television pilots, including Genesis II (1973) and The Questor Tapes (1974), but none were picked up for full series.
However, Star Trek’s popularity exploded in syndication throughout the 1970s, leading to the production of the animated series (1973-1974) and eventually the revival of the franchise as a feature film series. Roddenberry was deeply involved in the production of Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979), the first film in what would become a long-running movie franchise. Though the film had a mixed reception, it demonstrated the enduring appeal of Star Trek.
Star Trek: The Next Generation and Legacy
In 1987, Roddenberry returned to television with Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG), set nearly a century after the original series. Although his health was declining, Roddenberry remained involved in the creative process of the series, serving as an executive producer and providing guidance on the philosophical and thematic direction of the show. The Next Generation became a massive success, running for seven seasons and revitalizing the Star Trek franchise for a new generation of fans.
During this time, Roddenberry’s influence extended beyond the entertainment world. He became a cultural icon, known for his progressive views on social justice, science, and space exploration. He was honored by NASA, who named him an advisor, and many astronauts, scientists, and engineers have credited Star Trek with inspiring their careers.
Personal Life and Later Years
Roddenberry married twice. His first marriage was to Eileen Rexroat in 1942, with whom he had two children, Darleen and Dawn. They divorced in 1969. Roddenberry’s second marriage, in 1973, was to actress Majel Barrett, who appeared in many Star Trek projects, including as Nurse Christine Chapel in the original series and as Lwaxana Troi in The Next Generation. They had one son, Eugene "Rod" Roddenberry Jr., who has since become involved in preserving and extending his father’s legacy.
Roddenberry’s health began to decline in the late 1980s due to a series of strokes and heart problems. He died on October 24, 1991, in Los Angeles. In 1992, NASA honored his contribution to the space community by sending a portion of his ashes into space aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia. This symbolic act cemented Roddenberry’s place as one of the most influential figures in science fiction and popular culture.
Legacy and Impact
Roddenberry’s legacy endures not only through Star Trek, which has continued to expand through multiple TV series, films, and books, but also in his vision of a hopeful future for humanity. His work has inspired countless fans, many of whom became scientists, engineers, and space enthusiasts, drawing a direct connection between his fictional universe and the real world. Star Trek continues to serve as a cultural touchstone, addressing contemporary social issues while embodying the spirit of exploration and discovery.
Roddenberry’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and the pursuit of knowledge resonates in the ongoing cultural impact of his work. His creation of Star Trek stands as one of the most significant contributions to science fiction and television history.
HISTORY
2024-09-10 06:41:05 -
Pike:
Added the bio.
2024-09-10 06:38:34 -
Pike:
Added a portrait.
2024-09-10 06:37:49 -
Pike:
New star added.
