Introduction
Star Trek has been a cultural phenomenon for over five decades, and one of the most recognizable aspects of the franchise is the voice of the computer. The woman behind that voice was Majel Barrett Roddenberry, who was not only a talented actress but also the wife of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry. In this blog post, we will remember Majel Barrett Roddenberry and her contributions to the Star Trek universe.
Early Life and Career
Majel Barrett was born in 1932 in Ohio, USA. She began her acting career in the 1950s, appearing in various television shows and movies. In 1964, she met Gene Roddenberry, who was then working on a new science fiction television series called Star Trek. Roddenberry was impressed with Barrett’s talent and cast her in the pilot episode as the first officer of the USS Enterprise, known as “Number One.”
The Voice of the Computer
Although Barrett only appeared in one episode of the original Star Trek series, she would go on to play a significant role in the franchise. In addition to playing Nurse Chapel in the original series and several Star Trek movies, Barrett provided the voice of the ship’s computer in almost every Star Trek series and movie. Her calm and reassuring voice became an essential part of the Star Trek universe, and she continued to provide the voice even after her husband’s death.
Marriage to Gene Roddenberry
Barrett and Roddenberry were married in 1969 and remained together until Roddenberry’s death in 1991. They had a son together, Eugene “Rod” Roddenberry, who would go on to produce several Star Trek documentaries and become involved in the franchise himself. Barrett was also an important part of Roddenberry’s creative process, and he often sought her input on scripts and storylines.
Legacy
Majel Barrett Roddenberry passed away in 2008, but her contributions to the Star Trek universe continue to be felt. Her voice can be heard in every episode of Star Trek: Discovery, and she even made a posthumous appearance in the 2009 Star Trek movie as the voice of the Enterprise’s computer. Barrett was also a vocal advocate for women’s rights and animal welfare, and her legacy extends beyond her work in Star Trek.
Conclusion
Majel Barrett Roddenberry was a talented actress and an important part of the Star Trek franchise. Her contributions as the voice of the computer and her role as Gene Roddenberry’s wife and creative partner are still remembered and celebrated today. As we continue to explore the final frontier, we should take a moment to remember the woman who helped make it all possible.
