Cheeseheads?
Today, Jeri Ryan, who portrays the beloved character Seven of Nine, is one of the iconic faces representing the Star Trek franchise. However, back in 1997, the actress was simply a newcomer just trying to fit in on the already well-established Voyager series during its fourth season. There was no denying Seven’s popularity right from the beginning, but the actress was unprepared for all the attention she'd receive, at least when it came to attending her first Star Trek convention.
Ryan was clearly overwhelmed by the convention atmosphere, and, in a new interview, which fans can watch below, for the upcoming documentary To the Journey — Looking Back at Star Trek: Voyager, the actress reveals how she almost bailed on her first Trek convention if it hadn’t been for her longtime manager talking her off the ledge. Ryan also lovingly compared Star Trek fans to the die-hard sports enthusiasts who follow the NFL’s Green Bay Packers: the vaunted Cheeseheads. Ryan said (per The Transporter Room):
“And then you realize there is no more passionate, supportive, loving group of fans anywhere in the world. And they’re no different than, you know, the passionate, rabid football fans in like Wisconsin in the middle of a Wisconsin winter wearing no shirt and having cheese on their head. That’s what it is. It’s their fandom.”
As a lifelong Trekkie, I’d argue that the Star Trek fandom is even more loyal and devoted to our “team” than the Cheeseheads are to the Green Bay Packers. Just consider all the fans around the world who show up to Star Trek conventions dressed as their favorite characters. They might not be wearing cheese on their heads, but I have seen plenty of Klingons and Borg drones roaming the floors at conventions, and, of course, lots of people dressed up as Seven of Nine.
What do you think about Jeri Ryan comparing Star Trek fans to Green Bay Packers’ Cheeseheads? Personally, I love it, but let’s hear your thoughts on the matter. Share your comments with us on the Redshirts Always Die Facebook and X pages.
Live long and prosper, Trekkies!
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