Jeri Ryan’s Journey: The Struggles and Triumphs Behind Seven of Nine
In 1995, Star Trek: Voyager made its debut, marking a groundbreaking moment for the franchise as the first series to feature a female captain, Kathryn Janeway, played by Kate Mulgrew. The show’s premise—a starship lost in uncharted space—explored themes of unity, resilience, and the human spirit. Yet, behind the scenes, the introduction of Jeri Ryan’s character, Seven of Nine, in the fourth season, sparked tensions that stood in stark contrast to the on-screen harmony. Decades later, revelations about the strained dynamics between Mulgrew and Ryan, as well as broader cast discontent, offer a glimpse into the challenges of reinvigorating a series and the personal toll of sudden fame.
By its third season, Voyager faced declining ratings. In an effort to reignite viewer interest, producers decided to introduce a “Borg bombshell”—a visually striking female character designed to captivate audiences. This led to the creation of Seven of Nine, a former Borg drone on a journey to reclaim her humanity. Played by Jeri Ryan, Seven debuted in a sleek, form-fitting silver suit, quickly becoming a central figure in the series. While the move succeeded in boosting viewership, it disrupted the established character dynamics. Co-creator Rick Berman later admitted the decision was a calculated strategy, stating, “We needed something to get people talking.”
However, this shift came at a cost. Jennifer Lien’s character, Kes, was abruptly written out to make room for Seven, a decision that unsettled the cast, particularly Mulgrew. In her 2015 memoir, Born with Teeth, Mulgrew expressed frustration with the mandate to “sex up” the show, fearing it undermined its progressive values. She confessed to initially resenting the introduction of a “bombshell” character, a sentiment she later regretted.
For Jeri Ryan, who was relatively new to the industry, the environment proved challenging. She recalled walking into a “wall of silence” during her early days on set, describing the atmosphere as “painfully awkward.” Ryan noted that Mulgrew’s demeanor was especially cold, culminating in a notable incident during a table read where Mulgrew allegedly refused to sit near her, declaring, “Don’t you ever come near me again.”
Mulgrew later explained her behavior as a protective instinct toward the cast and a reaction to network pressures. This incident underscored a broader unease among the ensemble. Actors like Robert Picardo (The Doctor) and Ethan Phillips (Neelix) reportedly felt sidelined as Seven’s storylines took center stage. Garrett Wang (Ensign Harry Kim) reflected on the shift in cast dynamics, noting, “We went from a family to factions overnight.”
Beyond interpersonal tensions, Ryan faced significant physical and emotional challenges. The restrictive Borg costume required hours of preparation and caused physical discomfort, including bruising from the corset. Additionally, media attention often focused on her appearance, overshadowing her performance and reducing Seven to a “sex symbol”—a label Ryan found frustrating. She worked tirelessly to infuse Seven with depth and humanity, striving to transcend the superficial focus on her looks.
Mulgrew, as the series lead, grappled with balancing the show’s feminist ideals against the network’s demands for heightened appeal. Over time, her initial resistance toward Ryan softened, particularly as Seven’s character evolved into one of the series’ most compelling arcs. In a 2019 interview, Mulgrew acknowledged Ryan’s talent, stating, “Jeri’s talent was undeniable. I came to admire her deeply.”
Years after Voyager concluded in 2001, the two actresses publicly reconciled. At a 2019 Star Trek convention, Mulgrew praised Ryan’s professionalism, calling her a “force of nature.” Ryan, in turn, expressed gratitude for Mulgrew’s mentorship, noting, “Kate taught me to fight for my character’s integrity.” This evolution mirrored the on-screen relationship between Janeway and Seven, which transitioned from initial conflict to mutual respect.
The challenges faced during Voyager’s production reflect broader industry issues, including the objectification of female actors, the pressures of franchise storytelling, and the delicate balance between creative expression and commercial interests. Ryan’s experiences foreshadowed contemporary conversations about workplace dynamics and sexism in Hollywood.
Despite the behind-the-scenes turmoil, Voyager’s legacy endures, and Seven’s resurgence in Star Trek: Picard underscores the character’s lasting appeal. Ryan’s nuanced portrayal transformed Seven from a strategic addition into a symbol of resilience and complexity. As Mulgrew reflected in her memoir, “Time softens edges and reveals truth.” For the cast and fans of Voyager, this truth encompasses not only past conflicts but also growth and an enduring legacy.
The journey of Star Trek: Voyager offers valuable insights into the entertainment industry’s evolving landscape. The introduction of Seven of Nine serves as a case study in the challenges of reinvigorating a series while staying true to its core values. The decision to enhance the show’s appeal through a “Borg bombshell” highlights the tension between creative storytelling and commercial imperatives.
Moreover, the personal experiences of Ryan and Mulgrew shed light on the complexities actors face when navigating professional relationships under public scrutiny. Their journey from on-set tension to mutual respect exemplifies the potential for growth and reconciliation, both personally and professionally.
In retrospect, Seven of Nine has transcended her original purpose as a ratings booster. Through Ryan’s portrayal, Seven has become a multifaceted character embodying the struggle for identity, acceptance, and humanity. This evolution reflects the broader themes of Star Trek, emphasizing exploration not just of space, but of the human condition.
