Full name, Eugene Wesley Roddenberry; born August 19, 1921, in El Paso, TX; died of a heart attack, October 24, 1991, in Santa Monica, CA. Film and television executive, screenwriter, and author. Roddenberry is remembered as the creator of the 1960s space-age science fiction television series Star Trek, which inspired motion pictures, a sequel series, and devoted fans known as Trekkies. Roddenberry's career in television began after he served as a pilot in World War II--earning a Distinguished Flying Cross--and worked for a commercial airline. From 1953 to 1962 he wrote scripts for such programs as Goodyear Theater, Dragnet, and Naked City, winning an Emmy Award for the 1950s western series Have Gun, Will Travel. It was with StarTrek, however, that Roddenberry received substantial critical acclaim, including a Hugo Award. He stressed characterization in the series and predicted that the future held the promise of harmonious relationships throughout the universe. The premiere episode aired in 1966, and although new shows were produced for only three seasons, reruns have been broadcast on more than two hundred television stations throughout America and in nearly fifty countries.This continuing popularity led to spin-offs, and when the first Star Trek motion picture was filmed in 1979, Roddenberry served as producer and became the executive consultant for the next three films. He was also the executive producer of the television sequel series, Star Trek: The Next Generation, which began in 1987. Roddenberry's books include The Making of "Star Trek," Star Trek: The Motion Picture, and The Making of "Star Trek:The Motion Picture."
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