Jeri Taylor, ‘Star Trek: Voyager’ Co-Creator and Showrunner, Dies at 86

As a long-time fan of Star Trek, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of loss with the passing of Jeri Taylor. Her contributions to the Star Trek universe, particularly her work on The Next Generation and Voyager, have left an indelible mark on my own life and countless others.


86-year-old Jeri Taylor, a renowned Emmy-nominated producer, showrunner, director, and writer best recognized for her contributions to “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and “Star Trek: Voyager,” which she helped create, has passed away.

Taylor died Thursday, Oct. 24, the official “Star Trek” website announced.

Taylor became a member of the “Next Generation” team in their fourth year, back in 1990. By their sixth season, she had been elevated to the position of co-executive producer, working alongside Rick Berman and Michael Pillar. In this role, she continued until the series’ seventh and last season. For her work during this final season, Taylor received an Emmy nomination for best outstanding series.

After that, Taylor collaborated with Berman and Piller to produce “Voyager,” serving as its showrunner during the initial four seasons from 1995 to 1998. Later on, she took on a creative consultant role for the series’ final three seasons.

Taylor authored over thirty episodes throughout the “Star Trek” series, with “The Drumhead” from “Next Generation” being the one she was most proud of, as stated on the official “Star Trek” website. She also penned the 1987 movie “A Place to Call Home,” featuring Linda Lavin, and served as a producer for both “Quincy M.E.” and “M.E.” series. Moreover, she directed episodes of “Magnum, P.I.,” “In the Heat of the Night,” and “Jake and the Fatman.

She got credited as the author for three episodes of “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” and penned down three novels based on “Star Trek” for Pocket Books.

Born as Jeri Cecile Suer on the 30th of June, 1938, in Evansville, Indiana, Taylor was the child of parents Robert and Ruah. She completed her undergraduate education at Indiana University and later went on to earn a master’s degree from California State University, Northridge.

As a devoted fan of Star Trek: Voyager, I was deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Jeri Taylor. She was an exceptional writer and showrunner who left a profound impact on me, not just as a mentor, but also as a beacon of wisdom and patience. Under her tutelage, she nurtured a whole team of young writers, a testament to her kindness and generosity. Without her meticulous guidance, I wouldn’t have had the chance to embark on this incredible journey in television. She taught us all so much, and her wisdom will continue to live on.

As a fellow admirer of “Star Trek: Voyager,” I can’t help but echo Robert Picado’s sentiments. Jeri Taylor, the creator of our beloved Captain Janeway, was an extraordinary individual to work alongside. Her influence on the groundbreaking character of #CaptainJaneway will be deeply missed. My heart goes out to her family during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Jeri Taylor.

Michael Okuda, the graphic designer behind the Starfleet’s “okudagrams,” fondly recounted his experience working with Taylor: “Collaborating with Jeri Taylor was an enjoyable journey. She was open to our ideas and input, even from artists in the department. She was considerate and friendly, and she always made us feel valued members of her team.

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2024-10-27 21:16