When Jeri Ryan joined Star Trek: Voyager in 1997 as Seven of Nine, she wasn’t just another new character—she was the spark that revitalized a struggling series. With ratings slipping and the show losing momentum, the producers needed something—or someone—to turn things around. Enter Seven of Nine, the former Borg drone, a mix of cold calculation and emerging humanity, who would redefine Voyager and cement herself as one of the most memorable characters in Star Trek history.
But behind the scenes, her arrival caused ripples of tension that would linger for years. From on-set conflicts to the grueling reality of her iconic costume, the story of Jeri Ryan and Seven of Nine is filled with drama, struggle, and eventual triumph.
Jeri Ryan Turned Down the Role Four Times
Surprisingly, Jeri Ryan wasn’t eager to join Star Trek: Voyager. In fact, she turned down the role four times before finally accepting. At the time, Ryan was unfamiliar with Star Trek, and when she finally watched an episode, she found it painfully unappealing.
“I watched one episode, and it was the worst hour of television I had ever seen,” she admitted in a 2020 interview.
But the producers weren’t giving up. They handed her a copy of Star Trek: First Contact to introduce her to the Borg, along with a massive Star Trek encyclopedia to help her understand the franchise. Even then, she remained hesitant—until executive producer Jeri Taylor personally convinced her to take the leap.
And it turned out to be the best decision of her career.
Video: Jeri Ryan Analyzes Her Skintight “Star Trek” Bodysuit
Tension Behind the Scenes: A Feud With Kate Mulgrew
While Seven of Nine quickly became a fan favorite, not everyone was thrilled with her presence—especially Kate Mulgrew, who played Captain Kathryn Janeway.
Mulgrew had spent years shaping Voyager into a progressive series with a strong female captain at the helm, breaking away from the franchise’s past tendencies of overly sexualized female characters. But with the arrival of Seven of Nine in a skintight catsuit, Mulgrew felt the show was taking a step backward.
The tension between the two actresses was palpable. Ryan described the experience as incredibly difficult, recalling how Mulgrew would make working conditions uncomfortable. While she never named specific incidents, it was clear that their relationship was strained.
Mulgrew later admitted that she was tough on Ryan but claimed it wasn’t personal. She was frustrated with the network’s decision to bring in a character that relied on sex appeal to boost ratings.
Over time, the two actresses found common ground, and Mulgrew even apologized for how things played out. Today, they share a mutual respect, often appearing together at Star Trek conventions and reminiscing about their time on Voyager.
The Nightmare of the Seven of Nine Catsuit
One of the most defining elements of Seven of Nine was her skin-tight catsuit. It may have looked futuristic and sleek on screen, but behind the scenes, it was a nightmare for Jeri Ryan.
The costume was so tight that it didn’t allow for normal breathing. Ryan often felt lightheaded and had to take breaks lying down just to catch her breath. Adding to the challenge, the suit had no zippers, meaning she had to be sewn into it before filming and then cut out of it whenever she needed to use the bathroom—a process that took nearly 20 minutes.
The discomfort was so intense that by the end of Voyager’s run, Ryan took matters into her own hands. Instead of preserving the costume as a piece of Star Trek history, she burned it, ensuring she would never have to wear it again.
“Force Field Acting” and Other Behind-the-Scenes Struggles
Acting in a sci-fi show comes with unique challenges, and for Jeri Ryan, one of the biggest was what she jokingly called “force field acting.”
In one memorable Voyager scene, Seven of Nine is thrown against an invisible force field in the ship’s brig. But since there was no actual barrier, Ryan had to convincingly react to… nothing.
“You do a lot of acting to nothing because of the special effects,” Ryan once explained. “It’s just you, a green screen, and the hope that it looks good in post-production.”
The ridiculousness of these scenes often led to uncontrollable laughter on set, with the cast struggling to maintain their serious expressions. Despite the challenges, Ryan handled it all like a pro, bringing depth and emotion to a character who was, at her core, learning how to be human.
How Seven of Nine Changed Star Trek
Video: Seven of Nine, best moments | Season 5 – Star Trek: Voyager
Seven of Nine wasn’t just a ratings booster—she changed Star Trek forever. Before her arrival, Voyager had settled into a predictable routine. The conflict between Starfleet and the Maquis had faded, and most of the internal tension was gone. The show needed a shake-up, and Seven provided exactly that.
As a former Borg drone, she didn’t fit in right away. She challenged authority, questioned Janeway’s decisions, and struggled to understand emotions and social norms. This dynamic brought fresh energy to the series, forcing the crew—and the audience—to rethink what it meant to be human.
Seven of Nine also fit into a classic Star Trek archetype: the outsider who helps humanity examine itself. Much like Spock in The Original Series and Data in The Next Generation, Seven allowed Voyager to explore deep philosophical questions about identity, free will, and morality.
The Evolution of Seven of Nine in Picard
After Voyager ended, fans thought they had seen the last of Seven of Nine. But in 2020, Jeri Ryan returned to the role in Star Trek: Picard, revealing a new side of her character.
No longer bound by Starfleet or Borg programming, this version of Seven was independent, hardened by experience, and deeply disillusioned. The years had changed her, and she was now a vigilante, taking justice into her own hands.
Ryan’s performance in Picard proved once again why Seven of Nine remains one of the most compelling characters in Star Trek history. Her journey—from Borg drone to Starfleet officer to a rogue fighter—reflects the ongoing struggle of someone trying to find where they belong.
A Legacy That Endures
Jeri Ryan’s portrayal of Seven of Nine was a game-changer, breathing new life into Voyager and leaving a lasting impact on the entire Star Trek franchise. Despite the challenges—on-set tensions, an uncomfortable costume, and the pressures of playing such an iconic role—she delivered a performance that still resonates with fans decades later.
Her return in Picard only solidified what Trekkies have known for years: Seven of Nine is one of the greatest characters in Star Trek history. And Jeri Ryan? She’s a legend in her own right.
