Gene Roddenberry, the visionary behind Star Trek, had a fascinating journey before he became a household name. Born in El Paso, Texas, in 1921, Roddenberry's early life was marked by a move to Los Angeles, where his father worked as a police officer. This article delves into the formative years of Roddenberry's life, highlighting his education, military service, and initial forays into writing.
Growing Up in Los Angeles
Roddenberry's family relocated to Los Angeles in 1923
after his father passed the civil service test and joined the police force. Growing up in the bustling city, Roddenberry developed a keen interest in reading, particularly pulp magazines. He was captivated by stories like John Carter of Mars and Tarzan, which fueled his imagination and creativity.
During his high school years at Franklin High School, Roddenberry majored in police science at Los Angeles City College. It was here that he met Eileen-Anita Rexroat, who would later become his wife. His interest in aeronautical engineering also blossomed during this time, leading him to obtain a pilot's license through the Civilian Pilot Training Program.
Military Service and Aviation
Roddenberry's life took a significant turn when he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1942, he was posted to the Pacific Theater, where he flew Boeing B-17 Flying Fortresses in combat missions. His military career was marked by bravery and skill, earning him the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal.
After returning to the United States, Roddenberry continued his aviation career with Pan American World Airways, flying long-haul routes. However, a crash in the Syrian desert in 1947 led him to reconsider his path, ultimately deciding to pursue his dream of writing for television.
Transition to Writing and Police Work
Upon returning to Los Angeles, Roddenberry joined the Los Angeles Police Department, initially working in the traffic division before transferring to the newspaper unit. Here, he honed his writing skills, working as a speechwriter for the police chief and contributing to the Dragnet series.
Roddenberry's writing career began to take off as he sold scripts to various television programs, including Mr. District Attorney and Highway Patrol. His passion for storytelling and television led him to resign from the police force in 1956, dedicating himself fully to writing and eventually creating the iconic Star Trek series.
