Seven of Nine, the iconic character played by Jeri Ryan, became one of the most memorable figures in the Star Trek franchise, but the journey to bring her to life was anything but smooth. Known for her stunning appearance and compelling depth, Seven of Nine was a game-changer for Star Trek: Voyager, and yet, there was a hidden tension on set that many fans didn’t know about. Here’s an inside look at the character’s creation, the challenges on set, and the secrets that only came to light years later.
The Character That Revitalized Star Trek: Voyager
When Jeri Ryan joined Star Trek: Voyager in 1997 as Seven of Nine, the show was struggling with declining ratings. The producers needed something — or someone — to reinvigorate the series. Enter Seven of Nine, a former Borg drone severed from the Collective, who was a complex fusion of cold precision and fragile humanity.
The impact was immediate. Ratings surged by 60%, and Seven of Nine quickly became a fan favorite. But her success wasn’t just about her appearance in a skintight suit. Jeri Ryan’s performance brought layers of vulnerability and emotion to a character who had once been a machine, giving Seven depth beyond the sci-fi tropes. One standout episode showcased Ryan’s impressive range, where Seven, battling with multiple personalities, shifted identities with rapid precision. The performance was nothing short of masterful, a true testament to Ryan’s acting ability.
Jeri Ryan: From Reluctant Star to Icon
Despite being chosen to save Voyager, Ryan initially hesitated to take the role of Seven. In a 2020 interview, she revealed that she had turned down the part four times before finally agreeing to join the cast. At the time, she was unfamiliar with Star Trek and after watching an episode, she thought it was “the worst hour of television” she had ever seen. However, after persuasion from executive producer Jeri Taylor, Ryan agreed to take on the role that would define her career.
This reluctance may have stemmed from her personal reservations, but Ryan’s dedication to portraying Seven was clear. She became more than just a Borg-turned-human character; she embodied Seven’s internal struggle to reconcile her mechanical past with her emerging humanity.
The Tension Between Jeri Ryan and Kate Mulgrew
Despite their on-screen chemistry, the relationship between Jeri Ryan and Kate Mulgrew (who portrayed Captain Janeway) was fraught with tension during the early years of Voyager. The addition of the stunning and sexually charged character of Seven of Nine disrupted the show’s balance, particularly for Mulgrew, who had spent years crafting Janeway as a strong, independent leader. The network’s decision to introduce Ryan’s character for ratings’ sake led to unspoken frustration between the two women, with Mulgrew resisting the sexualization of her role.
For years, this tension simmered beneath the surface. However, as time went on, Mulgrew admitted to her resentment and acknowledged how difficult she had made things for Ryan. Eventually, Mulgrew did something unexpected: she apologized. “You did a marvelous job in a very difficult role,” she told Ryan, mending their strained relationship. This reconciliation proved that even the deepest conflicts could be resolved with time and understanding.
Jeri Ryan and Kate Mulgrew at the 14th annual official Star Trek convention in Las Vegas / Getty Images
The Infamous Catsuit and Behind-the-Scenes Struggles
While Seven of Nine’s catsuit became a defining aspect of her character’s look, it was not as glamorous behind the scenes. The one-piece suit, which had no zipper, required Jeri Ryan to be sewn into it every time she wore it. This tight, restrictive costume made simple tasks, like bathroom breaks, a logistical nightmare. Ryan had to endure long stretches without being able to relieve herself, resulting in what she humorously called “Code Jeri-Twenty” — a radio code for when she needed a break.
Her frustration with the catsuit grew over the years, and by the time Voyager wrapped, she had one thing left to do: burn the costume. “I’ll never wear it again,” she said, symbolizing the end of an era for her and the character.
CBS Photo Archive/Delivered by Online USA
The ‘Force Field Acting’ Challenge
Acting in Star Trek isn’t always as glamorous as it seems. One of the most awkward challenges for Ryan and her co-stars was what they called “force field acting.” In episodes where the crew had to interact with invisible force fields or other special effects, the actors had to pretend to react to things that weren’t there. For Ryan, this meant flinging herself at nothing and stopping mid-motion, trying to make it look believable. While it may have been absurd in reality, it was part of the charm of Star Trek, where actors often had to sell an illusion with nothing more than their imaginations and a little help from CGI.
Seven of Nine: More Than Just a Sci-Fi Icon
Seven of Nine wasn’t just another crew member on Voyager—she represented something much deeper. Ryan believes that Seven brought essential conflict to the series, something the show had lacked before her arrival. As a former Borg drone, Seven’s struggle to reclaim her humanity provided the show with rich material to explore themes of identity, morality, and free will.
Her character echoed the archetype of the outsider, a theme long-present in Star Trek with characters like Spock and Data. Seven’s presence forced the crew, and the audience, to confront what it means to be human, making her one of the most iconic characters in Star Trek history.
Kayla Oaddams/FilmMagic
Why Seven Wore High Heels
The high heels that became a signature part of Seven of Nine’s look were not just a character choice; they were a design decision. According to Ryan, all the female characters on Voyager wore boots with heels, and if she was going to wear a body stocking, she insisted on walking in flats. Ryan’s playful explanation adds another layer of humor to the character’s design, showing that even the smallest details were carefully considered for Seven’s persona.
The Hidden Challenge of Playing Seven of Nine
The challenge of playing Seven of Nine wasn’t just about acting without emotion; it was also about keeping a straight face in a chaotic, often ridiculous environment. Surrounded by pranksters on set, Ryan had to maintain the stoic, controlled demeanor of her character while dealing with behind-the-scenes antics. Despite these challenges, she described Seven as one of the greatest roles of her career, noting that it was a gift for an actor to portray a character with so much internal conflict and emotional depth.
Conclusion: Seven of Nine’s Legacy
Seven of Nine remains one of the most beloved characters in the Star Trek universe. Her journey from Borg drone to human being was both literal and symbolic, resonating with audiences who saw in her the struggle for identity and self-empowerment. Jeri Ryan’s portrayal of Seven brought layers of depth to the character, making her a lasting icon in the Star Trek legacy.
.
Her time on Voyager was not without challenges, from the tension with Kate Mulgrew to the physical discomfort of her costume, but Ryan’s dedication to her craft and to the character made Seven of Nine one of the franchise’s most enduring figures. Whether she was battling the Borg or navigating her own humanity, Seven of Nine captured the hearts of viewers and left an indelible mark on Star Trek history.
For more on Star Trek and the legacy of Seven of Nine, check out these fascinating reads:
- The Hidden Meaning Behind Princess Diana’s Cannes Gown: A Heartfelt Farewell to Grace Kelly
- Science Confirms Kelly Brook’s Perfect Body But the Real Message is Bigger Than Beauty
Seven of Nine’s journey is a testament to the power of character development, and the challenges faced by Jeri Ryan reflect the commitment it takes to bring such a complex figure to life.
