Jeri Ryan, best known for her iconic role as Seven of Nine in Star Trek: Voyager, has had a diverse and fascinating career. To celebrate her, here are seven key things you might not know about the actress.
#1. An Army Brat with Global Roots
Jeri Ryan was born Jeri Lynn Zimmerman on February 22 in Munich, Germany. As the daughter of an Army officer, she moved frequently during her childhood, living on various military bases both in the U.S. and abroad. Her early experiences as an “Army brat” shaped much of her life, giving her a unique perspective on the world.
#2. Beauty Pageant Success
Before embarking on her acting career, Ryan attended Northwestern University in Chicago. To support herself through college, she entered beauty pageants and earned several titles. Most notably, she was crowned Miss Illinois in 1990 and went on to place fourth in that year’s Miss America pageant.
#3. The Audition That Changed Everything
Though Ryan was aware of Star Trek and especially The Original Series, she initially wasn’t interested in playing the role of Seven of Nine. However, after reading a scene in which her character recalls memories of laughing as a child before being assimilated by the Borg, Ryan was so moved that she became determined to land the part.
#4. Behind the Scenes Romance
During the run of Star Trek: Voyager, Ryan dated writer-producer Brannon Braga. While their relationship was kept largely private, it was no secret that their connection extended beyond the on-screen characters.
#5. Her Favorite Episodes
Ryan has expressed that her favorite episodes of Voyager were those that focused on Seven of Nine’s exploration of her humanity. One episode that stood out was “Someone to Watch Over Me,” where Seven attempts to learn how to date, with guidance from the Doctor. Ryan described the episode as “sweet” and loved the exploration of her character’s personal growth.
#6. Returning to Seven of Nine
While Ryan’s last on-screen portrayal of Seven of Nine was in Star Trek: Voyager in 2001, she reprised her role in 2014, lending her voice to the character for the Star Trek Online video game expansion Delta Rising. Fans were thrilled to hear her iconic voice return to the franchise.
#7. Life After Star Trek: Family and Career
Off-screen, Ryan is married to renowned chef and restaurateur Christophe Eme. The couple has two children: Alex Ryan, from her first marriage to Jack Ryan, and Gisele Lynn Eme, from her second marriage to Christophe. Jeri Ryan has kept herself busy with various projects, including her roles in the film Against the Wild II: Survive the Serengeti and the series Bosch. She is also set to reprise her role as Linda Rothman on Major Crimes in the upcoming episode “Quid Pro Quo” airing on March 8.
Jeri Ryan’s journey from beauty queen to Star Trek icon and beyond showcases her versatility and enduring presence in Hollywood.
