Thursday, December 18, 2008

Majel Barrett Roddenberry 1932-2008



Majel Barrett Roddenberry Dies At 76

I was very saddened to read that actress Majel Barrett Roddenberry, the widow of "Star Trek" creator Gene Roddenberry and affectionately known as the First Lady of Star Trek died of leukemia today.

She had the distinction of being the only actor who, in various roles, had been in every dramatic incarnation the Star Trek franchise, including live-action and animated versions, television and cinema.

She recently finished her role as the voice of the USS Enterprise computer in director J.J. Abrams' movie "Star Trek," which is due out in May, 2009, her family said.

RIP, Majel.

10 comments:

cube said...

December has been a bad month for science fiction fans. First Forrest J. Ackerman and now Majel.

Steve Harkonnen said...

Hard to believe that Nurse Christine Chapel is no longer with us.

I bet this news hits most of us Star Trekkies pretty hard.

Live long and prosper, Majel.

Chuck said...

Steve said it well. I did not know she was in all of the Star Trek series. Guess I'm not a true trekkie.

Mantha said...

wow. i knew she had been in every star trek incarnation, but i wasn't aware that she was sick, and hadn't read that she died until coming here.

i always loved her best as deanna troi's mother. she was perfect for that role.

cube said...

Steve H.: Before she was Nurse/Dr. Chapel, Laxwana Troi, and the beloved voice of the Enterprise computer, she was Number One in the TOS pilot which wasn't used as the pilot.

It is a sad day, but I take comfort in the fact that her voice will be heard in the upcoming Star Trek movie. I'll bet there won't be a dry eye in the house.

cube said...

Chuck: You don't have to know every Trek factoid to enjoy the franchise.

salubrina: She was a real trooper. She didn't let her illness interfere with her last job on the new Star Trek movie.

I was a little annoyed with the superficial Laxwana in TNG, but the character redeemed herself in DS9.

cube said...

If anyone is interested, here is a collection of Star Trek Luminaries Giving Their Remembrances Of Majel Barrett Roddenberry

dmarks said...

She was also in Trek videogames, too.

cube said...

dmarks: Yes, she was very supportive of all branches of the franchise.

Anonymous said...

I am very sorry to hear this! I've been away from the ST and sci-fi (sorry Forry) circle for many years and not up on the latest news. Really sorry to hear about Forry, too.