Jeri Ryan: The Woman Behind Seven of Nine
She may have been cast for her looks, but Star Trek: Voyager fans know: Jeri Ryan’s Seven of Nine became one of the franchise’s most compelling characters.
Her debut in Season 4 was a turning point — ratings jumped 60%. As a former Borg drone, Seven brought conflict, depth, and humanity back to a show that had grown too comfortable. Underneath the skintight catsuit was a powerhouse performance that deserved more recognition than it got.
A Reluctant Star
Shockingly, Ryan turned down the role four times. She had never watched Voyager — and after doing so, she called it “the worst hour of TV” she’d seen. Only after serious convincing did she accept, not realizing how iconic the role would become.
On-Set Tensions
Behind the scenes, things weren’t always smooth. Co-star Kate Mulgrew (Captain Janeway) resented the network’s decision to introduce a sexualized character, clashing with Ryan off-camera. Their icy relationship became an open secret — until years later, Mulgrew apologized, and the two have since made peace.
The Catsuit Nightmare
The costume was brutal. Ryan had to be sewn into it, couldn’t breathe properly, and bathroom breaks took 20 minutes. By the end of the series, she burned the suit in celebration.
The Art of Acting to Nothing
Playing Seven also meant mastering “force field acting” — throwing yourself at invisible walls and pretending they hurt. Sci-fi magic meant laughing off the absurd while staying serious on camera.
High Heels in Space?
Yes, Seven wore heels — just like every other woman on the show. “You’re not going to walk around in a body stocking and flats,” Ryan quipped.
The Real Challenge
More than costumes and stunts, Ryan’s toughest task was showing emotion without showing it. Seven was always on the edge of humanity — repressed, analytical, curious. And the cast? Full of pranksters. Holding a straight face was a feat on its own.
A Lasting Legacy
Seven wasn’t just eye candy. She revived a show, sparked philosophical debates, and gave Star Trek another unforgettable “outsider” through which to explore humanity — joining the ranks of Spock and Data.
AI Meets Seven
Seen a photo of Seven that looks a little off? It might be AI. A fitting twist — a character who straddled humanity and machine now reimagined by one.