Gene Roddenberry

Born "Eugene Wesley Roddenberry" 19 Aug 1921

Gene studied aeronautical engineering and become a decorated pilot in the South Pacific during World War II. Awaiting the chance to write for television he joined the LA police and wrote scripts for "Naked City", "Goodyear Theatre" and others before leaving the force and writing full time.

When MGM television had ask for a new series in 1964, Gene was able to present a concept entitled Star Trek. A month later Gene moved to the Desilu Studios who liked the concept enough to attempt to involve CBS and then NBC. In the 'Western' loving sixities, Gene promised NBC a "'Wagon Train' To The Stars", with $20,000 and blessings for three pilot stories. He produced "The Cage", .. the studio, was not pleased. The final chance would require a complete re-cast of characters, Gene fought and managed to keep the alien officer but the expense of a female second in command. Even in the first season the series was threaten with cancellation but a vigorous letter campaign by viewers helped keep the series afloat. Star Trek was one of the first efforts to treat science fiction serieously and to handle a variety of subjects and ideas (including then sensitive ones).

He created a number of other shows during the 1970's but in 1979 the first of a series of Star Trek movies was released, and in 1987 he was back in the seat as creator and Executive Producer of "Star Trek: The Next Generation".

Having spoken many times of the warmth and friendships around the world he'd be fortunate enough to make, Gene Roddenberry passed away on Thursday, 24th October 1991