Gene Roddenberry(1921-1991)

While in junior high school, he became interested in science fiction. Years later, while reading a copy of 'Astounding Stories' when he was working as an airline pilot, he decided to give it up and become a writer. He moved west and joined the Los Angeles police force to gain experience that would help him toward a writing career in Hollywood. He began selling scripts for television shows, such as 'Dragnet' and 'Naked City'. He was head writer on 'Have Gun Will Travel' for two years, winning the 'Writer's Guild Award' for 'Best Script'. He created and produced 'The Lieutenant' , followed by three years of the 'Star Trek' television series, as well as producing the films 'Pretty Maids All in a Row' and Star Trek - the Motion Picture.