When Jeri Ryan joined the cast of Star Trek: Voyager in 1997, she became the face of one of the most iconic characters in the franchise: Seven of Nine. While her striking appearance and form-fitting bodysuit caught the attention of many, it was her complex portrayal of the former Borg drone that truly made her a standout. Seven of Nine’s character was a fascinating blend of cold, calculated precision and the rediscovery of her lost humanity, making her one of the most compelling figures in the Star Trek universe.

How Seven of Nine Reshaped Voyager

When Ryan first stepped onto the set of Star Trek: Voyager, the show was struggling. The ratings were declining, and producers were looking for something, or someone, to revitalize the series. Seven of Nine was introduced as a former Borg drone, severed from the collective consciousness, and her arrival instantly changed the show’s trajectory. Within a short time, the show’s ratings soared by an impressive 60%, proving that Ryan was exactly what Voyager needed. While she was cast to bring in viewers, it quickly became apparent that Ryan wasn’t just a pretty face. Her nuanced portrayal of Seven added depth to the character, revealing her struggle to navigate individuality and reclaim her lost humanity.

One memorable episode showcases Seven’s emotional complexity, where she struggles with multiple conflicting personalities. Ryan’s performance in this episode was a masterclass in acting, demonstrating her incredible range and proving that she brought much more than just an attractive figure to the role.

Turning Down the Role

Surprisingly, Ryan almost didn’t accept the role of Seven of Nine. In fact, she turned it down four times before finally agreeing to join the show. Why? At the time, she was unfamiliar with Star Trek and had never seen an episode. Curious, she decided to watch one, only to be unimpressed. She described the experience as “the worst hour of television” she had ever seen.

However, after much persuasion from the show’s executive producer, Jeri Taylor, Ryan eventually agreed to take on the iconic role. She was given a copy of Star Trek: First Contact to familiarize herself with the Borg, as well as the Star Trek encyclopedia to help her learn more about the franchise. She agreed to take the role, and the rest is history.

Tension on Set with Kate Mulgrew

While Jeri Ryan’s addition to the Voyager cast brought new life to the show, it also introduced some tension behind the scenes, particularly with Kate Mulgrew, who played Captain Janeway. Ryan was the new kid on the block, and her striking character, Seven of Nine, immediately drew attention. Mulgrew, who had spent years developing her strong and independent Captain Janeway, found the sudden shift in focus frustrating. The network had specifically cast Ryan, who was more sexualized, to boost ratings, and Mulgrew resented this.

For years, the tension between Ryan and Mulgrew remained unspoken, but in time, Mulgrew came to terms with the situation. She later admitted to her frustrations and even apologized for her behavior. “You did a marvelous job in a very difficult role,” Mulgrew told Ryan, acknowledging the role Seven of Nine played in revitalizing the show.

The Challenge of the Catsuit

Seven of Nine’s distinctive catsuit, which became one of the character’s trademarks, was both a blessing and a curse for Jeri Ryan. The suit was incredibly tight, and Ryan often found herself struggling to breathe in it. Between takes, she would lie down to regain her breath, as the corset-style suit restricted her movements. The suit was so challenging that getting in and out of it became a production ordeal. Ryan had to be sewn into the one-piece outfit each time she wore it, and even something as simple as a bathroom break turned into a lengthy process. This frustration led to a humorous radio code on set: “Code Jeri-Twenty.”

After Voyager wrapped up, Ryan had had enough of the catsuit and burned it, ensuring she would never have to wear it again.

The Struggles of Force Field Acting

On a show filled with futuristic technology and space travel, Star Trek: Voyager often required the actors to perform in situations where they interacted with invisible objects or forces. One such example was the “force field acting” that Ryan had to master. In an episode titled The Gift, Ryan had to throw herself against a force field—except, of course, there was no actual force field. She had to act as though there was an invisible barrier, all while trying to maintain a straight face despite the ridiculousness of it. This type of acting, often done with a green or blue screen, became an inside joke on set.

Seven of Nine’s Legacy

Seven of Nine was more than just an addition to Voyager; she was a catalyst for deeper philosophical exploration. Ryan’s portrayal of the character allowed the series to dive into questions of identity, morality, and free will. Seven’s journey of rediscovering humanity and reconciling her Borg past with her human present was a compelling narrative arc. As Ryan herself stated, “Humanity was one of the things Seven allowed them to explore.”

High Heels and Character Choices

Despite being a former Borg drone, Seven of Nine was often seen striding around in high heels. While some fans questioned the practicality of this, Ryan explained that all the female characters wore boots with heels. “And if you’re going to walk around in a body stocking, I want to see you pad around in flats—it’s not happening!” Ryan quipped. While the high heels may not have been the most practical choice, they contributed to Seven’s sleek and memorable look.

The Hidden Challenge of Playing Seven of Nine

Perhaps the most understated challenge of playing Seven of Nine was maintaining her stoic and controlled demeanor while working with the cast of Voyager. Ryan described how difficult it was to keep a straight face, particularly when surrounded by a cast known for their playful antics. Despite the chaos happening off-camera, Ryan had to keep her composure, as Seven was a character who would never break her calm exterior.

Despite the challenges, Jeri Ryan has said that playing Seven of Nine was one of the most rewarding experiences of her career. The character allowed her to showcase her range as an actress and become a beloved part of Star Trek history.

The AI Twist:

The picture of Seven of Nine you may have clicked on, however, might not be what it seems. In fact, it’s an AI-generated image, a digital creation designed to replicate the iconic look of the character. It’s a fitting irony, considering Seven of Nine’s own storyline revolves around a battle between human identity and artificial intelligence. Now, the character is reimagined by AI, mirroring the very conflict she embodied on screen.