Jeri Ryan is an American actress best known for her iconic role as Seven of Nine in Star Trek: Voyager.
With her striking looks, undeniable talent, and ability to bring depth to complex characters, she quickly became a fan favorite in the sci-fi world. Beyond Star Trek, she has built a successful career in television, starring in hit series such as Boston Public, Body of Proof, and Leverage: Redemption.
Early Life and Background
Jeri Ryan was born Jeri Lynn Zimmermann on February 22, 1968, in Munich, West Germany. She was born into a military family, as her father was a U.S. Army officer stationed overseas. The family moved frequently before settling in Paducah, Kentucky, where Jeri attended high school.
A bright and driven student, Ryan later attended Northwestern University, where she studied theater and graduated with a degree in 1990.
During her college years, she competed in beauty pageants, winning the title of Miss Illinois and placing third in the Miss America pageant in 1990. While pageants gave her public exposure, acting was her true passion, and she quickly pursued a career in Hollywood.
Breakthrough as Seven of Nine in Star Trek: Voyager
Jeri Ryan’s big break came in 1997 when she joined the cast of Star Trek: Voyager in its fourth season. She was cast as Seven of Nine, a former Borg drone who struggles to regain her humanity after being freed from the Borg Collective.
Her portrayal of Seven was met with widespread acclaim. She brought emotional depth, intelligence, and strength to the role, making Seven one of the most beloved characters in Star Trek history. Ryan’s performance earned her multiple Saturn Award nominations and cemented her place as a sci-fi icon.
Her presence also boosted the show’s ratings, and she remained a key part of Voyager until the series ended in 2001. Decades later, she reprised the role in Star Trek: Picard, bringing her character back to the Star Trek universe in a new and exciting way.
Expanding Her Career in Television
After Star Trek: Voyager, Jeri Ryan proved she was more than just a sci-fi actress. She transitioned into mainstream television, taking on diverse roles in different genres.
She starred as attorney Jessica Devlin in Shark (2006–2008) alongside James Woods, played Dr. Kate Murphy in the medical drama Body of Proof (2011–2013), and had a recurring role as Veronica Allen in Bosch (2016–2020).
One of her most notable roles outside of sci-fi was as Ronnie Cooke in Boston Public (2001–2004), a drama about the challenges faced by teachers and students in a public high school. Her performance further established her versatility as an actress.
In 2021, she joined Leverage: Redemption, a revival of the fan-favorite crime drama Leverage, playing the role of sophisticated grifter and fixer, Tara Cole.
Personal Life
Jeri Ryan was married to politician Jack Ryan, with whom she shares a son, Alex. After their divorce, she later married French chef Christophe Émé in 2007. A passionate foodie, she co-owned a Los Angeles restaurant with her husband and has spoken extensively about her love for French cuisine.
