Perhaps the most enduring fixture in the world of Star Trek was Majel Barrett-Roddenberry. She was in every incarnation of the universe. She played the role of Number One in the original pilot entitled “The Cage.” However, the role was scrapped when television censors first viewed the show as the role was too progressive for a woman (this was the mid 1960s after all). When the series was relaunched, the wife of series creator Gene Roddenberry was given the part of Nurse Christene Chapel who had an unrequited attraction to a certain Vulcan first officer. After the series ended, Mrs. Roddenberry would be heard in the animated series as Lt. M’ress as well as the voice of the computer in all future Star Trek series and later films including the new movie coming this summer.
However, my favorite role portrayed by the actress was as Lwaxana Troi who was the mother of Enterprise councellor Deanna Troi on Star Trek: The Next Generation. Mrs. Troi would make periodic appearances not only to the Enterprise but also on space station Deep Space Nine. Part of the fun of this character was her hilarious flirtatious advances toward Captain Jean-Luc Picard. Unfortunately for the captain, Lwaxana is a full telepath able to read the thoughts of others.
On December 18, 2008 Mrs. Roddenberry lost her short battle with leukemia a disease I know all too well this year. May the great bird of the galaxy watch over her and those she left behind. Total coincidence that two postings in a row have a common theme.
Yes, I read about this. She was a fixture in two generations of Star Trek. Who will provide the voice for the shipboard computers now in future Trek shows…? 😐
That is a good question. At least there will be two fixtures of the original in the reboot next summer.