Jeri Ryan’s portrayal of Seven of Nine became one of the most iconic roles in the Star Trek universe, despite initial assumptions that her casting was based solely on her looks. Her character, a former Borg drone struggling to reclaim her humanity, brought depth and intrigue to Star Trek: Voyager. But behind the scenes, the journey was far from smooth.
When Ryan joined the cast in 1997, Voyager was struggling. Ratings were dropping, and the show needed a spark. Enter Seven of Nine. Her introduction in season four was a game-changer, boosting viewership by an impressive 60%. The network’s gamble paid off, but what they got was more than just a ratings boost—they got a character who resonated deeply with fans. Ryan’s performance was layered, revealing vulnerability beneath Seven’s cold exterior. One standout moment was when Seven cycled through multiple personalities, showcasing Ryan’s acting prowess in a way that transcended typical sci-fi fare.
Interestingly, Ryan initially turned down the role four times. She admitted in a 2020 interview that she hadn’t watched Voyager before being approached. After viewing an episode, she called it “the worst hour of television” she’d ever seen. It took some convincing from executive producer Jeri Taylor and a crash course in Star Trek lore—including watching First Contact and reading the Star Trek Encyclopedia—for Ryan to finally accept the part.
Once on set, Ryan faced unexpected challenges, including tension with co-star Kate Mulgrew, who played Captain Janeway. Mulgrew, a veteran of the show, had worked hard to establish Janeway as a strong, independent leader. The introduction of Seven, a highly sexualized character, felt like a betrayal of the show’s original vision. This created a palpable rift between the two actresses, one that lasted for years. Mulgrew later admitted her frustration and apologized to Ryan, acknowledging the difficulty of her role. Today, the two have reconciled and even share laughs at Star Trek conventions.
Ryan’s challenges didn’t end there. Seven’s infamous catsuit, while iconic, was a nightmare to wear. The tight corset made it hard to breathe, and Ryan often had to lie down between takes to recover. The suit lacked a zipper, requiring her to be sewn into it each time. Even a simple bathroom break became a 20-minute ordeal, leading Ryan to create a radio code, “Code Jeri-Twenty,” to signal when she needed a break. By the end of Voyager, Ryan was so done with the outfit that she burned it, ensuring she’d never have to wear it again.
The set of Voyager was also filled with quirky moments, like the infamous “force field acting.” In one early episode, Ryan had to throw herself against an imaginary force field, a scene that required her to react to nothing but thin air. It was as awkward as it sounds, and the crew often struggled to keep straight faces. Yet, this kind of absurdity is part of what makes sci-fi so unique—one day you’re battling interstellar threats, the next you’re flailing against nothing.
Seven of Nine’s impact on Voyager was profound. Before her arrival, the crew had settled into a comfortable dynamic, with little conflict. Seven’s introduction disrupted that harmony, forcing the crew to confront their humanity. Ryan has reflected on how Seven allowed the show to explore themes of identity, morality, and free will, making her more than just a character—she was a catalyst for deeper storytelling.
Even small details, like Seven’s high heels, sparked fan debates. Ryan clarified that all female characters wore heeled boots, a design choice to create a sleek silhouette. While not the most practical footwear for a former Borg drone, it certainly added to her striking appearance.
Despite the challenges, Ryan has called Seven one of her favorite roles. The character’s complexity and the opportunity to explore her humanity made the experience rewarding. Today, Seven of Nine remains a fan favorite, a testament to Ryan’s talent and the enduring appeal of Star Trek.
And as for that AI-generated image of Seven? It’s a fascinating reminder of how technology continues to blur the lines between reality and illusion—much like Seven herself, a character caught between artificial precision and human emotion.
