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Eugene RoddenberryAmerican screenwriter and producer.
Date of Birth: 19.08.1921
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Biography of Eugene Roddenberry
- Early Life and Military Service
- Career in Television and Aviation
- Creation of Star Trek
- Legacy and Later Work
Biography of Eugene Roddenberry
Eugene Roddenberry was an American screenwriter and producer, best known as the creator of the science fiction television series "Star Trek". He was born on August 19, 1921, in El Paso, Texas, USA, to parents Edward Roddenberry and Caroline Glen. When he was not yet two years old, he moved with his family to Los Angeles, USA.
Early Life and Military Service
Following in his father's footsteps, Roddenberry began training to become a police officer while also obtaining his pilot's license. In 1941, after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Eugene was drafted into the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF). He served in the USAAF from 1941 to 1945 as a lieutenant and a bombardier on a B-17. He completed 89 combat missions during the war and received awards for his exceptional service.
Career in Television and Aviation
After the war, Roddenberry worked as a second pilot for Pan American Airways. However, after a plane crash in 1947, he decided to abandon his aviation career and joined the Los Angeles Police Department, where he served from 1949 to 1956. During the 1950s, Roddenberry worked as a screenwriter for American television and was involved in the production of series such as "Have Gun – Will Travel" and others. He also served as a producer for the series "The Lieutenant". Initially, he used the pseudonym Robert Wesley for his early scripts.
Creation of Star Trek
Roddenberry's idea to create a science fiction show emerged in 1964. He initially pitched the idea to CBS, but the contract fell through. He then offered his services to NBC. In the same year, Roddenberry wrote and produced the pilot episode "The Cage" starring Jeffrey Hunter as Captain Christopher Pike. However, the series did not receive enthusiasm from the network executives and the project was put on hold. Additionally, Hunter declined to continue with the show. Roddenberry reached out to other screenwriters and proposed three new scripts, one of which was approved. Shortly after, production began for a new pilot episode. The show, later named "Star Trek" (originally known as "Star Trek: The Original Series"), premiered in 1966.
Legacy and Later Work
In addition to the Original Series, Roddenberry created the second installment of the franchise, "Star Trek: The Next Generation," which began production in 1985 and aired in 1987. After Roddenberry's death in 1991, Rick Berman continued working on the series. Roddenberry also wrote and produced the feature film "Star Trek: The Motion Picture" in 1979. Following Roddenberry's passing, "Star Trek" continued to thrive. The series "Star Trek: The Next Generation" aired until 1994, and four more television series were released subsequently, including an animated series.
Furthermore, nine feature films were made based on "Star Trek," some of which were released during Roddenberry's lifetime.
