Today in Star Trek history: Producer Jeri Taylor was born (1938)

Jeri Taylor on the set of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Image credit unknown, via Memory Alpha

It was today, June 30th, back in 1938, that Jeri Taylor was born. Taylor is best known to Star Trek fans as a producer on Star Trek: The Next Generation. The was a Supervising Producer beginning in its fourth season, then moving into the position of Co-Executive Producer for its sixth season, and eventually Executive Producer and Showrunner for its seventh and final season. She continued to assist with production for the films Star Trek Generations and Star Trek First Contact. During the final season of Next Gen, Taylor worked to develop Star Trek: Voyager with Rick Berman and Michael Piller and she joined the staff of that show as Executive Producer with Rick Berman for its first four seasons.

Taylor’s career began prior to Star Trek as a scriptwriter for television shows such as The Incredible Hulk, Little House on the Prairie, Jake and the Fatman, and Quincy, M.E. and it was another writer on that show, Lee Sheldon, who recommended her to the Trek producers.

Taylor retired in 1998, handing the reins of Voyager over to Brannon Braga, though she continued to act as a Creative Consultant for the rest of the series’ run. She has also written three Star Trek novels: the novelization of Next Gen’s “Unification, Parts I & II,” Mosaic, and Pathways. A large collection of her scriptwriting work, including outlines, technical notes, casting sheets and, of course, scripts, are currently housed at the Lilly Library of Indiana University.

Please join us here at Daily Star Trek News in wishing Jeri Taylor a happy birthday.