Gene Roddenberry

Date of Birth: August 19, 1921

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: October 24, 1991

Biography

Eugene Wesley Roddenberry, popularly known as Gene Roddenberry, was an American television screenwriter, producer, and futurist. He was born on August 19, 1921, in El Paso, Texas. Roddenberry is best known for creating the original “Star Trek” television series in the 1960s, which has become a cornerstone of science fiction and pop culture. His vision of a utopian future where humanity has overcome its petty differences resonated with audiences and has led to numerous spin-offs, movies, and an enduring fanbase. Roddenberry’s career began in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, where he served as a B-17 bomber pilot. After the war, he flew commercially for Pan American World Airways before transitioning to a career in television writing. He worked on various series, including “Highway Patrol” and “Have Gun – Will Travel.” In 1964, he pitched “Star Trek” to NBC, envisioning it as a “Wagon Train to the stars.” The series debuted in 1966 and ran for three seasons. Although it was initially canceled due to low ratings, its subsequent syndication success and dedicated following led to a franchise that includes multiple television series, films, books, and more. Roddenberry continued to work on “Star Trek” projects until his death on October 24, 1991, in Santa Monica, California. He was posthumously honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and remains a significant figure in the science fiction genre.

5 Interesting Facts about Gene Roddenberry

1. Gene Roddenberry was one of the first people to be buried in space; a portion of his ashes were carried into orbit aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1992.

2. He served as a Los Angeles police officer before his career in television writing and producing.

3. Roddenberry was an outspoken humanist and used “Star Trek” to promote his views on diversity, equality, and human potential.

4. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal for his service during World War II.

5. “Star Trek” was the first television series to feature an interracial kiss, which aired in the episode “Plato’s Stepchildren” in 1968.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Gene Roddenberry

1. “It isn’t all over; everything has not been invented; the human adventure is just beginning.”

2. “Star Trek was an attempt to say that humanity will reach maturity and wisdom on the day it begins not just to tolerate, but to take a special delight in differences in ideas and differences in life forms.”

3. “Our prime obligation to ourselves is to make the unknown known.”

4. “We stress humanity, and this is done at considerable risk because so much of the world is full of people who have been taught to despise themselves.”

5. “I have felt many times over the years that I should do something to clear up the confusion, but it is always amusing to see how our myths arise and grow.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Gene Roddenberry’s net worth was estimated to be around $500 million, largely due to the success and enduring popularity of the “Star Trek” franchise.

Children

Gene Roddenberry had two children: 1. Dawn Roddenberry (from his first marriage to Eileen Anita Rexroat). 2. Eugene Wesley “Rod” Roddenberry Jr. (from his second marriage to Majel Barrett, who played several roles in “Star Trek” series).