Thu Dec 18, 2008 5:59PM2 comments ›
Thu Dec 18, 2008 — by Glenn Hauman
Majel Barrett Roddenberry: 1932-2008
She'll always be Number One to us
Majel Barrett Roddenberry, beloved star of sci-fi phenomenon Star Trek, passed away early this morning surrounded by family and friends. Roddenberry was 76 years old. She began her acting career in the 1950's with roles in such popular shows as "Leave it to Beaver," "Bonanza" and "The Lucy Show; but it was her numerous roles in the legendary Star Trek franchise that fans came to know and love her. Roddenberry had featured roles in almost every Star Trek television and film entity and became an iconic figure within the fan community.
Her roles included Nurse Chapel in Star Trek: The Original Series, Lt. M'ress in Star Trek: The Animated Series, Lwaxana Troi in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine, and the voice of the USS Enterprise computer in almost every incarnation of the series, including lots of video games. However, it was the love affair between her and the late Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry that earned her the title "The First Lady of Star Trek." Over the course of their more then quarter-century love affair, she became not only Gene's partner, but also his creative muse. Majel helped Gene expand the Star Trek universe and was an integral part of its continued legacy after his death, working on Earth: Final Conflict and Andromeda, as well as appearing in Babylon 5, Family Guy, and the Spider-Man animated series.
Majel recently completed reprising her role as the voice of the USS Enterprise for J.J. Abrams' new Star Trek film.
Roddenberry succumbed to a short battle with Leukemia at 12:27 AM on December 18 in her Bel-Air home. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her son Rod Roddenberry and family friends. She is survived by her only son Eugene "Rod" Roddenberry Jr. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in her name to the CARE Organization or Precious Paws both of which share Roddenberry's love for animals and dedication to animal rescue.
Precious Paws
18034 Ventura Blvd., #430
Encino, CA 91316
www.preciouspaws.org
(818) 304-5595
C.A.R.E.
P.O. Box 56631
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
www.care4pets.org
(818) 685-9980
Funeral details are pending and a public memorial will be scheduled sometime after Christmas or in early 2009.
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Comments (2)
MARK WHEATLEY (6:26 PM on Thu Dec 18, 2008)
Majel was an impressive lady with a sharp mind. I was fortunate to work with her once and it was easy to see that she had been a great source of strength for Gene. She will be missed.
Dave (9:40 AM on Fri Dec 19, 2008)
"Roddenberry had featured roles in almost every Star Trek television and film entity"
Majel Barrett Roddenberry was the only person to have played a part in every Star Trek series/film. Many believe she wasn't in Enterprise, but she was the computer voice in the two-part "Mirror" episode. Also, as you make reference to in the subtitle to this article, she played "Number One" in the original pilot.