Friday, December 19, 2008

Majel Barrett: 1932-2008

An important member of the Star Trek family passed away yesterday. Among her many roles within the Star Trek universe, Majel Barrett was, most importantly, the wife of Star Trek creator Gene Roddneberry. I have always appreciated that Barrett remained very dedicated to the franchise after her husband's death in 1991. She made frequent public appearances and was willing to speak about her husband's legacy.

Those less avid viewers of Star Trek are likely familiar with Barrett's voice if they wouldn't recognize her face. She provided the voice of the ship computer in every series. In addition to her voice work, Barrett appeared as Nurse Chapel on the original Star Trek series, and in memorable guest appearances as Deanna Troi's mother, Lwaxana.

With Barrett's death, Star Trek fans have lost a sort of mother figure to the franchise. She will be missed.

In this clip from 1993, the "first lady of Star Trek" gives an assessment of the evolution of the role of women such as herself in the Star Trek franchise:

No comments: