![]() ![]() ![]() But the series did well in syndication and developed a loyal fan following. “Star Trek” was not a hit when it was first broadcast the show only lasted for three seasons and was canceled in 1969, the same year that the Apollo 11 astronauts landed on the moon. “Gene Roddenberry’s greatest contribution to the conversation of diversity in the future,” said television producer Alex Kurtzman, “is that diversity is never addressed in ‘Star Trek.’” Racial issues were never discussed on the show because in Roddenberry’s vision of the future, racism no longer existed. Gregory, Ronald McNair and Mae Jemison to go into space. The diverse cast, which included Black and Asian characters in starring roles, later inspired future astronauts like Frederick D. World peace had finally been achieved hunger, poverty and disease had been eliminated discrimination and xenophobia were forgotten. Roddenberry presented an optimistic view of the future, one in which humanity not only explored outer space but had managed to solve many social and political problems. In 1964, he began pitching an idea for a science fiction show of his own: “Star Trek,” which premiered in 1966. Over the next decade, Roddenberry penned scripts for many network television series. He remained with the LAPD until 1956, when he resigned to become a full-time writer. He continued to practice his writing while reading science fiction and listening to radio dramas, hoping to break into the emerging television market. Roddenberry fulfilled his original career goal by joining the LAPD, where he both served as a police officer and worked as a speechwriter for the chief of police. However, after living through his third plane crash, he decided that flying was simply too dangerous and chose to pursue a writing career. ![]() Roddenberry and the remaining flight crew helped to pull other survivors from the wreckage. In 1947, while he was “deadheading” as a passenger aboard a flight, Roddenberry’s plane crashed in the Syrian desert, killing many aboard. Roddenberry was honorably discharged in 1945 with the rank of captain, having been awarded both an Air Medal and a Distinguished Flying Cross.Īfter the war, Roddenberry became a commercial airline pilot. He also survived a second crash, this time as a passenger. Although an investigation absolved Roddenberry of any responsibility, he was reassigned to the United States and spent the rest of the war investigating aircraft crashes for the military. In 1943, the “Yankee Doodle” overshot the runway and crashed before takeoff, killing two members of the flight crew. While stationed in the Pacific, he also practiced his writing, submitting pieces to newspapers and magazines. Roddenberry piloted a B-17 “Flying Fortress” named the “Yankee Doodle” and took part in the Battle of Guadalcanal. He flew with the 394th Bomb Squadron, 5th Bombardment Group of the 13th Air Force in Oahu, Hawaii. He received his commission as a second lieutenant in 1942.ĭuring World War II, Roddenberry flew a total of 89 combat missions. He earned his pilot’s license in 1940 and joined USAAC in December 1941, less than two weeks after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. Army Air Corps (USAAC) to recruit pilots in anticipation of America’s entry into World War II. He joined the Civilian Pilot Training Program, an initiative by the U.S. Roddenberry had planned to become a police officer like his father, but he was also interested in flying. In his youth, Roddenberry enjoyed reading the popular science fiction of his day. His family moved to California in 1923, where his father became an officer for the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). ![]() Army Air Corps Veteran Gene Roddenberry flew over 80 combat missions during World War II and later went on to create the hit science fiction series “Star Trek.”Įugene Wesley Roddenberry was born in El Paso, Texas, in August 1921. ![]()
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