Jeri Ryan Was More Than Eye Candy—She Helped Save Star Trek: Voyager

Jeri Ryan may have been cast for her striking appearance, but her portrayal of Seven of Nine quickly became one of the most iconic and compelling characters in the Star Trek universe.

Introduced in 1997 during a critical period for Star Trek: Voyager, Ryan’s character brought fresh energy to a show that was battling declining ratings. Clad in her now-famous form-fitting bodysuit, Seven of Nine certainly caught attention—but it was the emotional depth, inner conflict, and evolving humanity of the former Borg drone that truly resonated with fans.

Seven’s journey from an icy, hyper-logical ex-Borg to someone grappling with her rediscovered individuality offered some of Voyager’s most poignant storylines. She became a symbol of redemption, self-discovery, and resilience—adding a profound emotional core to the series.

But behind the scenes, Ryan faced significant challenges. In interviews, she has spoken about the physical toll of the costume and the emotional strain of long shooting hours, especially while navigating a tense working environment. Despite that, her performance remained powerful, consistently anchoring some of Voyager’s best episodes.

In many ways, Jeri Ryan didn’t just play a game-changing character—she helped change the game for the show itself, revitalizing Voyager and earning a lasting place in Star Trek history.