Gene Roddenberry

Full Name: Eugene Wesley Roddenberry Sr.
Profession: Screenwriter and Creator of Star Trek

Biography: Gene Roddenberry was an American screenwriter and producer, best known as the creator of the Star Trek franchise. Roddenberry's career spanned different roles, from pilot to law enforcement officer, before entering the television industry.

Roddenberry served as a pilot in the Army Air Forces during World War II, completing many combat missions. After the war, he survived plane crashes while working as a commercial pilot. He transitioned from aviation to the Los Angeles Police Department, where he began writing for television. His early scriptwriting credits included Highway Patrol and Have Gun – Will Travel.

In 1964, he developed the idea for Star Trek, leading to the show's premiere two years later. Despite early struggles with acceptance and ratings, the series broke new ground with its diverse cast and was revived in popularity through syndication. Star Trek's success laid the groundwork for multiple sequels and feature films.

Roddenberry's declining health later limited his involvement in Star Trek: The Next Generation. He passed away in 1991. He was posthumously honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and had his ashes sent into space.

Roddenberry was married to Eileen-Anita Rexroat and later actor Majel Barrett, with whom he had a son, Rod Roddenberry. Known for promoting humanist ideals, Roddenberry's impact on the science fiction genre has been widely recognized through various awards and tributes.

Roddenberry's collaborations extended to figures like Nichelle Nichols and Majel Barrett, and he shared ideas with Isaac Asimov.

Born: August 19, 1921
Birthplace: El Paso, Texas, USA

Generation: Greatest Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Rooster
Star Sign: Leo

Died: October 24, 1991 (aged 70)
Cause of Death: Cardiac arrest