Gene Roddenberry
The creator of Star Trek.
Eugene Wesley "Gene" Roddenberry Sr. (August 19, 1921 - October 24, 1991) was an American screenwriter and producer who created Star Trek. Born in El Paso, Texas, he grew up in Los Angeles, flew 89 combat missions in the Army Air Forces in World War II, then worked as a commercial pilot and joined the Los Angeles Police Department.
Quick Facts
- Birth name
- Eugene Wesley Roddenberry
- Born
- 19 August 1921
- Birthplace
- El Paso, Texas, U.S.
- Died
- 24 October 1991
- Place of death
- Santa Monica, California, U.S.
- Other names
- Robert Wesley
- Occupation
- Television writer, producer
- Partner
- Susan Sackett (1975–1991; his death)
Lore & Background
He wrote for Highway Patrol and Have Gun - Will Travel before producing his own series, The Lieutenant. He created Star Trek in 1964; it premiered in 1966 and ran for three seasons, and its success in syndication led to the films, which he produced and consulted on.
He helped develop Star Trek: The Next Generation in 1987 but stepped back after its first season because of ill health, consulting until his death in 1991. In 1985 he became the first TV writer with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
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Elsewhere in Star Trek
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