Jeri Ryan was hired for her striking beauty, but her portrayal of Seven of Nine turned out to be one of the most iconic characters in the Star Trek franchise.
While fans were captivated by her presence in a tight-fitting body suit, her character had a depth that made her even more memorable.
However, did you know there was an underlying tension behind the scenes?
The Journey Behind Jeri Ryan’s Success
When Jeri Ryan joined Star Trek: Voyager in 1997, the show was facing challenges. The ratings were declining, and the producers needed something to turn the tide. Enter Seven of Nine.
A former Borg drone disconnected from the Collective, Seven’s character was a blend of cold efficiency and hidden humanity, a fascinating puzzle that viewers couldn’t help but try to solve.
When she debuted in Season 4, the impact was immediate. Ratings surged by 60%, and the network’s gamble on her worked, as her distinctive character and captivating presence drew in viewers.
But what they didn’t fully anticipate was just how talented Jeri Ryan was. She wasn’t just a visual presence in a skin-tight suit—she became the character, portraying Seven’s internal conflict with remarkable skill. One episode, where Seven grapples with a series of fluctuating personalities, stands out as a masterclass in acting, showcasing Ryan’s ability to transcend the genre’s usual constraints.
The producers hired her to help the show regain momentum, but Ryan’s performance brought even more to the table than they imagined.
Turning Down the Role—Four Times
Jeri Ryan, born in Munich, West Germany, on February 22, 1968, had moved to Los Angeles after college to pursue acting. At the time, she was relatively unknown when Star Trek: Voyager reached out to her about playing Seven of Nine. Surprisingly, Ryan turned down the role four times.
So, why the hesitation? In a January 2020 interview, Ryan explained that when producers first approached her, she had never watched Star Trek. Curious, she decided to watch an episode—but quickly regretted it, describing it as “the worst hour of television” she had ever seen.
“They gave me a copy of First Contact to understand the Borg, along with a big Star Trek encyclopedia,” Ryan shared.
Ultimately, it was after much persuasion from executive producer Jeri Taylor that Ryan agreed to take on the role of Seven, a former Borg drone who was freed from the Borg’s collective mind.
Behind-the-Scenes Tension: The Unseen Conflict
Before the cameras started rolling, Ryan would feel a sense of anxiety every time she had to share a scene with her co-star Kate Mulgrew. This wasn’t just nerves or stage fright; there was real tension between them.
Many on the set noticed the friction, which wasn’t just gossip—it was real. Ryan, the newcomer, had been thrust into the spotlight as Seven of Nine, a character who was captivating, both in appearance and personality. Mulgrew, as the show’s lead and the creator of Captain Janeway, had spent years cultivating a strong, independent character and resisted any attempts to sexualize Janeway. However, with the introduction of Seven, the show’s focus shifted, and Mulgrew struggled with how her own character was being overshadowed.
While the tension between them was not entirely personal, Mulgrew initially had difficulty with the fact that Seven of Nine was brought in to boost ratings through a more sexualized character. Eventually, Mulgrew gained perspective, admitted her resentment, and took responsibility for their strained relationship. She even apologized to Ryan, acknowledging the challenges she had caused and recognizing Ryan’s contribution to the series.
As time passed, their relationship improved. They began to share the stage at Star Trek conventions, laughing and reminiscing, proving that even the deepest rifts can be healed. Looking at pictures of them today, it’s hard to believe they ever had such a difficult dynamic.
The Catsuit That Almost Drove Her Crazy
Seven of Nine’s iconic catsuit may have looked sleek on screen, but in reality, it was a nightmare for Ryan to wear. The corset was so tight that Ryan struggled to breathe while in it. Between takes, she would often have to lie down to regain her breath.
The suit itself was a one-piece design, and Ryan couldn’t get in or out of it without help from the costume department. Since it lacked a zipper, Ryan had to be sewn into the suit every time she wore it, and getting out of it was no simple task. Even a bathroom break turned into a time-consuming ordeal, often lasting 20 minutes, which led to a special radio code—“Code Jeri-Twenty”—to explain the delay.
By the time Voyager wrapped up, Ryan had one final act of defiance: she burned the catsuit, ensuring she would never have to wear it again.
The Art of Acting to Nothing
On the set of Star Trek: Voyager, actors often had to engage in what’s known as “force field acting.” This involved pretending to interact with something that wasn’t actually there, such as a force field. In the episode The Gift, Seven of Nine had to act as if she was slamming against an invisible force field. Of course, there was no actual force field, just empty air.
“Force field acting” quickly became an inside joke among the cast and crew. It was about making the scene convincing while knowing that you were reacting to nothing.
Seven of Nine’s Impact on Voyager
Jeri Ryan has often spoken about how Seven of Nine brought a much-needed spark to Voyager. Before her arrival, the show had settled into a comfortable rhythm, with little internal conflict among the crew. But Seven, a former Borg drone who had to navigate the complexities of individuality, brought much-needed tension and intrigue.
Ryan has reflected on how Seven allowed the show to explore themes of humanity, identity, and morality, which were central to the Star Trek legacy. Like other iconic characters in the franchise—such as Spock and Data—Seven served as an outsider, challenging humanity to question itself.
Why Seven of Nine Wore High Heels
Fans have often debated the practicality of Seven of Nine’s high heels, but Ryan explained that it wasn’t a character choice—it was simply a design decision. All the female characters wore boots with heels, and Ryan believed it was essential to maintain a sleek, elegant silhouette, even for a character like Seven.
The Hidden Challenge of Playing Seven of Nine
While Ryan’s costume and character presented external challenges, the internal challenge was equally difficult: maintaining Seven’s stoic, unemotional demeanor. Seven was a character who struggled with expressing emotions, and Ryan had to strike a fine balance between being emotionally detached and showing just enough vulnerability.
Amidst this challenge, Ryan had to keep a straight face while working with a cast full of pranksters, which made the task even more difficult. But despite the obstacles, Ryan has said that playing Seven was one of the most rewarding roles of her career, offering endless opportunities for discovery and growth as an actress.
