They may have hired Jeri Ryan for her beauty, but Seven of Nine turned out to be one of the most fascinating characters in the entire Star Trek franchise. She wasn’t just a former Borg drone; she was a masterclass in character development. However, behind the scenes of Star Trek: Voyager, things weren’t as smooth as they seemed. There was tension, hidden rivalries, and even moments of sheer frustration. Let’s dive into the untold stories behind the camera.

The Unexpected Success of Seven of Nine

When Jeri Ryan joined Star Trek: Voyager in 1997, the show was struggling. Ratings were dropping, and the producers needed something—or someone—to bring viewers back. Enter Seven of Nine, the former Borg drone who brought an edge of mystery and conflict to the crew.

Her introduction in Season Four was a game-changer. The ratings surged by an incredible 60%, proving that her addition wasn’t just a gimmick—it was exactly what the show needed. But what made her character stand out wasn’t just her striking appearance or tight-fitting bodysuit. It was the depth of her performance. Ryan’s ability to balance Seven’s cold, calculated Borg nature with the fragility of her newfound humanity made her an instant fan favorite.

One standout moment? An episode where Seven is overwhelmed by a flood of suppressed personalities, shifting from one identity to another in rapid succession. Ryan’s acting in this scene was nothing short of remarkable, proving that Voyager had gained not just a ratings boost, but a true star.

Why Jeri Ryan Rejected the Role Four Times

Surprisingly, Jeri Ryan wasn’t keen on joining Voyager at first. In fact, she turned down the role four times. Why? Because she had never watched Star Trek before—and when she did, she hated it.

In a 2020 interview, Ryan admitted that after being offered the role, she sat down to watch an episode of Voyager—and found it unbearable. “It was the worst hour of  television I had ever seen,” she recalled. It wasn’t until the producers convinced her to watch Star Trek: First Contact, a critically acclaimed film, that she reconsidered.

With the encouragement of executive producer Jeri Taylor, Ryan finally agreed to join the series. And despite her initial hesitation, she went on to become one of the most iconic figures in Star Trek history.

Behind-the-Scenes Feud: Jeri Ryan vs. Kate Mulgrew

On screen, Captain Janeway and Seven of Nine had a complex mentor-student dynamic. But off-camera? Tensions ran high.

Kate Mulgrew, who played Captain Janeway, wasn’t thrilled about Ryan’s addition to the show. Mulgrew had spent years crafting Janeway as a strong, independent female lead, resisting attempts to make her character part of a romantic subplot. Then, seemingly overnight, all eyes were on Seven of Nine—a character undeniably sexualized by her form-fitting costume.

Ryan later admitted that working with Mulgrew was incredibly difficult. “She made it clear that she didn’t like me,” Ryan revealed. The tension was felt by the entire cast, and for years, it remained unresolved.

However, time has a way of healing wounds. Years later, Mulgrew openly admitted to her resentment and even apologized to Ryan. “You did a marvelous job in a very difficult role,” she told her former co-star. Since then, they have shared the stage at conventions, proving that even Hollywood feuds can be resolved.

Jeri Ryan Burned Her Own Catsuit

Seven of Nine’s signature catsuit was visually striking—but it was a nightmare to wear. It was so tight that Ryan could barely breathe in it, and getting in and out of the costume required assistance from the wardrobe team. Since it was a one-piece with no zipper, she had to be sewn into it every single day.

Bathroom breaks? Almost impossible. The process of getting out of the suit and back in took at least 20 minutes, leading the crew to create a radio code: “Code Jeri-Twenty.”

By the time Voyager ended, Ryan had had enough. To ensure she would never have to wear the suit again, she set it on fire. “I burned it,” she admitted in an interview. “And I have no regrets.”

The Struggle of ‘Force Field Acting’

One of the more humorous aspects of filming Star Trek was what actors called “force field acting.” Since special effects were added in post-production, actors often had to pretend they were hitting an invisible energy barrier—without anything to react against.

One infamous moment in Voyager came when Seven of Nine had to throw herself against a brig force field. There was no actual resistance, just Ryan hurling herself forward and stopping mid-motion while contorting her face in exaggerated pain. The crew often struggled to contain their laughter, turning “force field acting” into an inside joke on set.

Seven of Nine’s Legacy in Star Trek

Seven of Nine wasn’t just another addition to Voyager—she fundamentally changed the show. Before her arrival, Voyager’s crew had settled into a routine with little internal conflict. Seven disrupted that harmony. She was a challenge to Janeway, an enigma to the crew, and a character that brought fresh tension to the series.

Jeri Ryan has often reflected on Seven’s impact: “She allowed the show to explore humanity in a way that was missing. She brought conflict, something that Voyager lacked after the Starfleet and Maquis tensions disappeared.”

More than that, Seven of Nine joined the ranks of other Star Trek outsiders—characters like Spock, Data, and Odo, who forced humanity to examine itself through their unique perspectives.

Why Seven of Nine Wore High Heels

One of the more debated aspects of Seven of Nine’s character is her choice of footwear. Why would a former Borg drone wear high heels?

Jeri Ryan had a simple answer: “All the female characters wore heels.” The decision wasn’t necessarily about the character, but rather a stylistic choice made for visual appeal. “If you’re walking around in a bodysuit, flats just aren’t going to cut it,” Ryan joked.

While the practicality of high heels in deep space is questionable, they certainly added to the character’s commanding presence.

The Hidden Challenge of Playing Seven of Nine

Aside from the uncomfortable costume, Ryan faced another unexpected challenge—keeping a straight face.

Seven of Nine was emotionally restrained, always in control. But behind the scenes, the Voyager cast was known for its humor and pranks. Keeping a stoic Borg expression while surrounded by chaos wasn’t easy. “The biggest challenge was not cracking up,” Ryan admitted.

Despite the struggles, Ryan has called Seven of Nine “one of the greatest roles” of her career. “She was a gift as an actor. Everything was new to Seven, everything was a discovery.”

Conclusion: Seven of Nine’s Lasting Impact

Jeri Ryan’s portrayal of Seven of Nine went beyond just boosting ratings—she added depth, conflict, and humanity to Star Trek: Voyager. Though tensions existed behind the scenes, her performance remains one of the most memorable in the franchise.

Whether navigating interpersonal conflicts, struggling with an unbearable costume, or mastering the art of force field acting, Ryan’s time on Voyager was anything but dull. And today, Seven of Nine remains a fan-favorite character, proving that sometimes, the most reluctant stars shine the brightest.