Gene Roddenberry Biography

Fast Facts

• Inducted into the Science Fiction Hall of Fame in 2007 and the Television Academy Hall of Fame in 2010
• Joined the United States Army Air Corps in 1941 and flew combat missions in the Pacific Theatre of World War II, flying a total of 89 missions
• Served as a commercial pilot for Pan American World Airways following his time in the military
• Studied police science at the Los Angeles City College in pursuit of a career in law enforcement
• Worked for the Los Angeles Police Department beginning in 1949 and was made Sergeant in 1953, until leaving the force in 1956 to focus on writing
• Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1985, becoming the first television to receive one
• Following his death, Roddenberry's cremated remains were launched into space aboard a rocket, along with Timothy Leary and 22 others