Gene Roddenberry

Date of Birth: August 19, 1921

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: October 24, 1991

Biography

Eugene Wesley Roddenberry, known as Gene Roddenberry, was an American television screenwriter, producer, and creator of the iconic science fiction series “Star Trek.” Born on August 19, 1921, in El Paso, Texas, Roddenberry initially pursued a career in aviation, serving as a pilot in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II. After the war, he became a commercial pilot for Pan American World Airways but eventually transitioned to television writing. Roddenberry’s pioneering vision for “Star Trek,” which debuted in 1966, introduced audiences to a diverse and inclusive future, set aboard the starship USS Enterprise. His creation has since become a cultural phenomenon, spawning multiple television series, movies, books, and an enduring fan base. Roddenberry’s influence extended beyond entertainment; his optimistic portrayal of humanity’s future has inspired generations to pursue careers in science, technology, and space exploration. Roddenberry continued to be involved in the “Star Trek” franchise until his death on October 24, 1991. He left behind a legacy as a visionary and a trailblazer in science fiction storytelling.

5 Interesting Facts about Gene Roddenberry

1. Gene Roddenberry was one of the first human beings to have his ashes sent into space.

2. Before creating “Star Trek,” Roddenberry wrote episodes for various TV shows, including “Have Gun – Will Travel” and “The Lieutenant.”

3. He was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame posthumously in 1992.

4. Roddenberry had a cameo appearance in the “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” as a background character.

5. He was an advocate for social issues, promoting diversity and equality both on and off the screen.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Gene Roddenberry

1. “The strength of a civilization is not measured by its ability to fight wars, but rather by its ability to prevent them.”

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. “We must question the story logic of having an all-knowing all-powerful God, who creates faulty Humans and then blames them for his own mistakes.”

4. “The human race is a remarkable creature, one with great potential, and I hope that ‘Star Trek’ has helped to show us what we can be if we believe in ourselves and our abilities.”

5. “Reality is whatever refuses to go away when I stop believing in it.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Gene Roddenberry’s highest net worth was estimated to be around $500 million at the time of his death, considering the ongoing success and royalties from the “Star Trek” franchise.

Children

Gene Roddenberry had two children. His first daughter, Darleen Anita Roddenberry, was born in 1953 from his first marriage to Eileen Anita Rexroat. He also had a son, Eugene Wesley Roddenberry Jr., born in 1974, with his second wife, Majel Barrett-Roddenberry.