Majel Barrett Roddenberry Dies at 76 - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 12-18-2008, 05:48 PM

Link

LOS ANGELES -- Majel Barrett Roddenberry, wife of "Star Trek" creator Gene Roddenberry and the actress who portrayed Nurse Chapel on the original science-fiction television series, died Thursday of leukemia, according to the family.

Roddenberry, 76, died at her home in Bel Air with her son, Eugene "Rod" Roddenberry, at her side, according to a family statement.

She began her acting career in the 1950s, appearing on shows such as "Bonanza," "The Untouchables" and "The Lucy Show." But she became a cult favorite on the original "Star Trek" series as Nurse Christine Chapel, the soft-spoken USS Enterprise medical assistant who adeptly aided Dr. McCoy and harbored a usually unspoken, unrequited love for Leonard Nimoy's Vulcan character, Mr. Spock.

Avid "Trek" fans also knew Chapel as the female voice of the Enterprise computer in virtually every television and movie incarnation of the series. She also voiced the ship's computer in the latest "Star Trek" film, which is due out next year.

Gene Roddenberry cast Majel Barrett -- whom he was dating at the time -- in the original pilot episode of "Star Trek" as the Enterprise's first officer, with her character known only as Number One. The pilot featured actor Jeffrey Hunter as captain of the Enterprise and a young Nimoy as Spock.

Most of the crew was re-cast after the pilot episode, with William Shatner coming aboard as Capt. James T. Kirk. The Number One character was eliminated, and Barrett took on the role of Nurse Chapel -- along with ship's computer voice.

She and Gene Roddenberry were married on Aug. 6, 1969, after the original series was canceled, earning her the crown of "First Lady of Star Trek" among many Trekkies.

Gene Roddenberry died in 1991.

"Over the course of their more-than quarter-century love affair, she became not only Gene's partner, but also his creative muse," according to the family's statement. "(Majel) Roddenberry helped Gene expand the `Star Trek' universe and was an integral part of its continued legacy after his death."

Roddenberry is survived by her son, Eugene. Funeral arrangements were pending, and a public memorial was expected to be held after Christmas or in early 2009.

Marvo301 · 12-18-2008, 06:24 PM

I loved her portrayal of Counselor Troi's mother Lwaxana Troi. She was so fun to watch. Thanks for the memories. Rest in peace.

catlover79 · 12-18-2008, 07:07 PM

Wasn't she also in Leave it to Beaver? May she

.

Marvo301 · 12-19-2008, 12:31 AM

Majel Barrett appeared in a 1960 episode of Leave it to Beaver playing Gwen Rutherford.

catlover79 · 12-19-2008, 01:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marvo301

Majel Barrett appeared in a 1960 episode of Leave it to Beaver playing Gwen Rutherford.

Thank you! I thought that was her playing Lumpy's mom.

Marvo301 · 12-19-2008, 07:02 PM

You're welcome!

80sTrivia · 12-19-2008, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marvo301

I loved her portrayal of Counselor Troi's mother Lwaxana Troi. She was so fun to watch. Thanks for the memories. Rest in peace.

I was going to say the same thing. She gave such a memorable performance as Counselor Troi's mother...

Nighthawk76 · 12-30-2008, 01:28 AM

I have never been a big fan of hers, but I still am sorry to hear that she passed away.

12-18-2008, 05:48 PM	#1
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,377	Majel Barrett Roddenberry Dies at 76 Link LOS ANGELES -- Majel Barrett Roddenberry, wife of "Star Trek" creator Gene Roddenberry and the actress who portrayed Nurse Chapel on the original science-fiction television series, died Thursday of leukemia, according to the family. Roddenberry, 76, died at her home in Bel Air with her son, Eugene "Rod" Roddenberry, at her side, according to a family statement. She began her acting career in the 1950s, appearing on shows such as "Bonanza," "The Untouchables" and "The Lucy Show." But she became a cult favorite on the original "Star Trek" series as Nurse Christine Chapel, the soft-spoken USS Enterprise medical assistant who adeptly aided Dr. McCoy and harbored a usually unspoken, unrequited love for Leonard Nimoy's Vulcan character, Mr. Spock. Avid "Trek" fans also knew Chapel as the female voice of the Enterprise computer in virtually every television and movie incarnation of the series. She also voiced the ship's computer in the latest "Star Trek" film, which is due out next year. Gene Roddenberry cast Majel Barrett -- whom he was dating at the time -- in the original pilot episode of "Star Trek" as the Enterprise's first officer, with her character known only as Number One. The pilot featured actor Jeffrey Hunter as captain of the Enterprise and a young Nimoy as Spock. Most of the crew was re-cast after the pilot episode, with William Shatner coming aboard as Capt. James T. Kirk. The Number One character was eliminated, and Barrett took on the role of Nurse Chapel -- along with ship's computer voice. She and Gene Roddenberry were married on Aug. 6, 1969, after the original series was canceled, earning her the crown of "First Lady of Star Trek" among many Trekkies. Gene Roddenberry died in 1991. "Over the course of their more-than quarter-century love affair, she became not only Gene's partner, but also his creative muse," according to the family's statement. "(Majel) Roddenberry helped Gene expand the `Star Trek' universe and was an integral part of its continued legacy after his death." Roddenberry is survived by her son, Eugene. Funeral arrangements were pending, and a public memorial was expected to be held after Christmas or in early 2009.
	__________________ 'Twas The Night Before Christmas And All Through The Full House Not A Creature Was Stirring, Not Even Mighty Mouse. All My Children We're Nestled All Snug In Their Beds While Visions Of Sugarbakers Danced In Their Heads.

12-18-2008, 06:24 PM	#2
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,453	I loved her portrayal of Counselor Troi's mother Lwaxana Troi. She was so fun to watch. Thanks for the memories. Rest in peace.
	__________________ Only a life lived for others is worth living. Albert Einstein A life isn't worth living unless it has impact on other lives. Jackie Robinson Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. Benjamin Franklin

12-18-2008, 07:07 PM	#3
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,376	Wasn't she also in Leave it to Beaver? May she .
	__________________ "Jesus loves you and He approves this message." "I'm alive. I'm feeling good. I'm trying to live every moment as much as I can." - Valerie Harper, March 2013

12-19-2008, 12:31 AM	#4
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,453	Majel Barrett appeared in a 1960 episode of Leave it to Beaver playing Gwen Rutherford.

12-19-2008, 07:02 PM	#6
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,453	You're welcome!

12-30-2008, 01:28 AM	#8
Nighthawk76 Rachel Berry Forum Celebrity Join Date: Feb 28, 2003 Location: Illinois Posts: 23,254	I have never been a big fan of hers, but I still am sorry to hear that she passed away.