One of the things that struck me when seeing the trailer for J.J. Abrams’ new Star Trek movie was that, for as much as he changed in his effort to revitalize the Trek universe, there were just enough things that he left unaltered—perhaps in an effort to tacitly state, "While this isn’t your father’s Star Trek, it still is Star Trek." Like that classic "red alert" sound. And it was also reassuring to know that Majel Barrett-Roddenberry—who passed away earlier today from complications from pneumonia at the age of 76—was once again the "voice" of Starfleet computers, reprising the role she had played in every iteration of Star Trek since the very first episode back in 1966.
Even before she married Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry in 1969, she was integral to Star Trek. She was the original first officer aboard the Enterprise—replaced after the pilot by Leonard Nimoy’s Mr. Spock—and reappeared as the faithful Nurse Christine Chapel. When Star Trek: The Next Generation hit airwaves in the late-1980s, Barrett-Roddenberry took the recurring role of Lwaxana Troi—maternal gadfly to the Enterprise’s counselor, Deanna Troi (Marina Sirtis), and romantic thorn to Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart). After Gene Roddenberry’s death in 1991, Barrett-Roddenberry would eventually shepherd some of his ideas to fruition; she served as the executive producer of Earth: Final Conflict (1997-2002) and Andromeda (2000-2005).
She was, and will remain, part of the very fabric of the Final Frontier. And, as such, the future as we imagine it to be. And, hey, every time your GPS orders you around in a sultry-yet-practical voice, remember who set the tone.
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Sad news but she leaves a legacy.
She’ll probably “be” the computer voice for all things Trek for many years to come.
It’s sad to hear of her death. I had just read about her being the computer in this film just Monday. I loved her role as Deanna’s mother, and will cherish it even more when I watch the episodes again.
**21 phaser salute**
Such a watchable actress, and such a reassuring voice to have as the computer for so long. She really cared about Roddenberry’s legacy and the world is poorer for not having her in it any longer. But, her legacy is assured.
A sad day in the Trek Universe – our founding mother has passed. May her memory live long in our heart.
She being part of the new movie will get me in a seat – I was iffy before but now I will be there to honor her memory.
In terms of acting contributions, I think Majel’s portrayal of Lwaxana Troi was her finest work. The character started out being comedic relief as Deanna Troi’s randy mother, but as the character developed Roddenberry showed a real dramatic side as the character confronted personal tragedy and growing older.
One of her best TNG performances was the episode in which we discovered Deanna Troi had a brother who died young from drowning. Roddenberry’s performance was so beautiful and came not long after Gene Roddenberry’s death.
The second best episode was in Deep Space Nine in which Troi is stuck in a lift with Odo who has to revert to his liquid form in front of a human. During their time together Troi talks about growing older and being alone. What started as a rather comedic appearance once again turned into a sweet dramatic moment.
At the very least we’ll be able to hear her voice in the new Star Trek film as the ship’s computer.
so sad to hear! ALWAYS loved it when she appeared as Lwaxana – she always made me smile.
Majel’s performances at Troi’s mother were among the best episodes of the Next Generation series. It’s tragic to lose her still so young. I’m not really a trekkie, but I loved her work and salute her. Godspeed, Majel.
She was an absolute doll. I miss her already.
Oh my goodness, I actually gasped aloud when I saw this headline. She was a great lady, and she’ll be sorely missed by us Trekkies/Trekkers.
R.I.P. At least she knew how much she meant to so many of us…
Oh my god, I can’t believe she died! I remember being so ecstatic just a week ago when they announced she’d definitely be the computer voice in the movie. What a sad sad day!
Peace and Long Life.
Godspeed Mrs. Majel Roddenberry!
I always loved her Nurse Chapel, and her Lwaxana was a hoot. Sad news, but she’s with Gene now.
I will miss her.
I remember her from all of Trek, or course, but the acting performance that stands out for me was her guest starring role in Babylon 5. She totally made that episode work. (as the third wife of the Centauri emperor. And she was totally beautiful as a bald woman.)
May flights of angels carry you to your eternal rest.
Live long and prosper, Majel. You are missed!
I was shocked by this news…nothing on the local news about it. May she rest in peace. Thanks, Majel, for all the years of entertainment.
She was gorgeous and fantastic. I only wish she’d been in more episodes of the original ST–she had such a wonderful presence.
Rest in Peace, Majel.
You will be missed very much! Thank you for all of the laughter, the tears and most of all those wonderfuly acurate directions around the ships as the computer vioce.
Aw man. This sucks.
Farewell to a fine lady. Your legacy is assured through your work and you will be sorely missed. My fondest wish is that Gene was there, waiting for your arrival, and you were welcomed in his comforting arms. I hope you knew that you have inspired a legion of people to explore that “strange new world”, and we will carry on your vision of the future.
Whether you love or hate Star Trek, you have to admit she set standards for the series, if not science fiction in general. May Scotty beam her up to be with her husband.
We have lost The First Lady of Trek and the universe is a sadder place today. Godspeed Majel, Now you and Gene can travel the stars together.
I met Majel several times at conventions. She was one of the most charming and endearing women I’ve ever met. My thoughts are with her son and the Star Trek community at large as we have lost someone so special and dear.
Majel Barrett-Roddenberry will always and forever be Nurse Christine Chapel. I was deeply saddened to hear of her passing. She is now back together with Gene.
She had the most AWESOME high blond weave holding her nursing cap. What a remarkable job she did after her husband passed away to keep his vision of the future in the forefront. God Bless!
I was totally shocked to read this morning of Majel’s passing. Being a Star Trek trekker from the very beginning; it saddens me to know that another outstanding cast memeber has left us. I loved all of your characters and will listen for your computer voice in the new Star Trek movie. Happy to know that you are now with Gene again…Live Long and Prosper together again now.
My name is Majel too, and there aren’t many of us in the world. (No, I wasn’t named after her, I was born before Star Trek came out.) So this may seem strange, but us Majel’s tend to feel sort of connected to each other by virtue of having a really unusual name, that you almost never hear unless it’s in reference to you. Even if I hadn’t been a fan of all the Treks, I still would have felt this odd kinship with her. As a fan, it was a lot of fun, anticipating where her face or voice might show up throughout the Trek universe. She will be missed. RIP, Majel.