Majel Barrett Roddenberry Passes Away at 76

New York (ANI): Majel Barrett-Roddenberry, the voice behind 'Star Trek', has died at her home in Bel-Air, California. Majel Barrett passed away on December 18. The 76-year-old veteran, who was fighting leukaemia for a long time, had her son Eugene, by her side.

Majel Barrett was recognized as 'first lady' of 'Star Trek', since the death of Gene Roddenberry, the creator of the franchise, who died in 1991. For more than 30 years, Majel Barrett was a staple of "Star Trek" as the voice for the U.S.S. Enterprise, reports The New York Daily News.

The lady, who had a recurring role in the original 'Star Trek' as Nurse Chapel, developed several of Roddenberry's unfinished ideas into new projects, which included two syndicated shows. Barrett first appeared in 'Star Trek's first pilot which aired in 1964 as the Enterprise's first officer (referred to simply as 'Number One'), which was later changed as it did not go well with NBC execs.

She eventually returned in a new role as the blonde Nurse Chapel when the series was retooled. The recurring role was notable for her unrequited love for Spock, the Enterprise's unemotional Vulcan science officer. Barrett carried the theme over into her other onscreen role in the franchise, Lwaxana Troi.

Other than that, she famously provided the voice for the U.S.S. Enterprise's computer in "The Next Generation," as well as following sequel series. In fact, J.J. Abrams even had her contribute to the new 'Star Trek' film, due in theatres in 2009.

Before 'Trek', Barrett had roles on several television shows, including 'The Lucy Show', 'Leave it to Beaver' and 'The Untouchables'. She also appeared in 1958's 'The Black Orchid', 1963's 'The Quick and the Dead', and 1966's 'A Guide for the Married Man'.