Jeri Ryan’s Seven of Nine is a character that has left an indelible mark on the Star Trek universe. But behind the scenes, her journey was filled with challenges that tested her resilience and talent. From on-set tensions to grueling wardrobe demands, Ryan’s time on Star Trek: Voyager was a mix of triumphs and trials that shaped her into the iconic figure she is today.
When Ryan joined Voyager in 1997, the show was struggling. Ratings were down, and producers needed a bold move to revive it. Enter Seven of Nine, a former Borg drone navigating her newfound humanity. Ryan’s portrayal was a masterclass in balancing cold precision with subtle vulnerability, and her debut in season four led to a 60% spike in ratings. The network’s gamble had paid off, but Ryan’s journey was just beginning.
Interestingly, Ryan initially turned down the role four times. She admitted she hadn’t watched Voyager before being approached and was unimpressed after viewing an episode, calling 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 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 rift between the two actresses that lasted for years. Mulgrew later apologized, acknowledging the difficulty of Ryan’s role and the strain it had put on their relationship.
Ryan’s challenges extended beyond interpersonal dynamics. Seven’s iconic catsuit, while visually striking, 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.
