The futuristic science-fiction program “Star Trek” was created and conceptualized by American television screenwriter and producer Gene Roddenberry. Whatever Roddenberry did throughout his career was motivated by his hobbies, whether it was signing up for the “United States Army Air Corps,” becoming a pilot for Pan Am, or relocating to Los Angeles to pursue his literary dreams. He initially gained some notoriety as a writer by contributing to programs like “Highway Patrol” and “Have Gun, Will Travel.” But the launch of “Star Trek,” which became into much more than a TV program, was his major break. He refused to allow the producers to make any adjustments even though they went against his vision. Despite the initial mixed reception from viewers, the show’s reruns and syndication received overwhelmingly good reviews and helped it develop a devoted fan base. His reputation as a futurist and visionary was furthered by the success of the performance as well as his articles and speeches on similar subjects. He worked on numerous other movies and TV shows, but none of them were as well-known as “Star Trek.” Roddenberry will always be recognized as the one who invented the ideas and the characters that have been widely praised as the “Star Trek” franchise continues its success story.
Early Childhood & Life
In El Paso, Texas, Eugene Edward Roddenberry, a police officer, and Caroline Roddenberry gave birth to him. He attended Franklin High School and Berendo Junior High School in Los Angeles throughout his formative years.
He enrolled at the ‘Los Angeles City College’ in 1939 and studied law enforcement there. He earned a ‘Associate of Arts degree in police science after two years of study.
Gene Roddenberry’s Career
He enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps as a volunteer in 1941, and after successfully completing his training, he served as a “Second Lieutenant” flying B-17 bombers during World War II. He started writing at this time and contributed poetry and stories to many journals and aeronautical magazines. He participated in a number of missions throughout the war, and in 1945, he was honorably dismissed from the rank of Captain.
After that, he became a pilot with Pan American World Airways, where he spent four years. He continued his interest in writing at this time by enrolling in writing classes at Miami University and later at the Columbia University School of General Studies.
He gave up flying in 1949 and relocated to Los Angeles to pursue a career in television writing. He joined the “Los Angeles Police Department” to help support his family and served as a spokesperson and copywriter. He actively contributed to the writing of the TV show “Dragnet,” which chronicled the cases of LAPD police detectives. He started writing for shows like “Mr. District Attorney,” “Goodyear Theatre,” “Naked City,” “The Kaiser Aluminium Hour,” “Four Star Theater,” etc. while he was still employed by the LAPD, pursuing his creative goals.
He left the LAPD in 1956 and began working as a freelance writer full-time. He contributed to several TV programs, including “Highway Patrol,” “Have Gun, Will Travel,” and “Whiplash.” But as he grew dissatisfied, he started to create fresh conceptions and ideas for television, many of which were never realized.
He created the futuristic science-fiction series “Star Trek” in 1964. The show follows the exploits of a mixed group of humans and aliens while simultaneously illustrating contemporary challenges. After ‘Desilu Studios’ agreed to develop the program, it debuted on television two years later.
Roddenberry served as the show’s writer for two of the three seasons (from 1966 to 1969) when the show was canceled owing to poor viewership. Reruns and syndication helped the show gain popularity nevertheless; it received many awards and developed a devoted fan base. He penned the screenplay for the 1971 mystery movie “Pretty Maids All in a Row” after “Star Trek,” which he also produced.
He created and produced the unsuccessful television movies “Genesis II,” “Planet Earth,” “The Questor Tapes,” and “Spectre” between 1973 and 1974. He also worked on “Star Trek: The Animated Series” as a writer and executive consultant.
A potential new “Star Trek” series was discussed, and eventually, a full-length movie titled “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” was produced and released in 1979. The franchise’s established popularity helped the movie become a commercial success, bringing in $139 million at the global box office. He also produced a book that was adapted from the movie and sold about a million copies.
His job in “Star Trek” shifted in 1980, and he was given the title of “Executive Producer.” He proceeded to work on the following five “Star Trek” sequels as well. The next episode of the “Star Trek” series, “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” was a huge hit both critically and commercially in 1987.
Gene’s Bigger Works
The creator and author of the groundbreaking science-fiction series “Star Trek” is Gene Roddenberry. Numerous sequels and movies that have been created throughout the years have borrowed its idea and characters. Additionally, its characters have appeared in cartoons, video games, parodies, and merchandising.
Recognition & Achievements
He completed eighty-nine missions during his time as a B-17 bomber pilot for the United States Army Air Corps. For his accomplishments, he received the “Distinguished Flying Cross” and the “Air Medal.”
For the Star Trek episode “The Menagerie” in the category of “Best Dramatic Presentation,” Roddenberry received a “Hugo Award” in 1967.
He was given a star on the prestigious “Hollywood Walk of Fame” in 1986, making him the first writer to ever get such an honor.
Personal Legacy & Life
In 1942, Roddenberry wed Eileen Rexroat, with whom he had two daughters, Darleen and Dawn. After twenty-seven years, the marriage terminated in divorce as a result of his extramarital activities. He had romances with Majel Barrett and Nichelle Nichols, two actresses, before getting married to her in Japan in 1969. From this union, he had a son with the name “Eugene Wesley Roddenberry, Jr.”
Estimated Net Worth
An American television producer, screenwriter, and futurist, Gene Roddenberry had a $500 million fortune at the time of his passing. The expected worth of future rights and intellectual property (merchandise, licensing) for the “Star Trek” franchise is included in that sum, which has been adjusted for inflation. After Gene’s passing, that franchise would continue to bring in billions of dollars in royalties and movie office revenue.
Gene Roddenberry’s Fact
As a young child, this renowned screenwriter of “Star Trek” narrowly escaped a fire that started in his home. A milkman came by just in time to save him and his family. Two times after his passing, the ashes of this well-known screenwriter were sent into space as a tribute to his achievements.