Jeri Ryan, renowned for her portrayal of Seven of Nine in Star Trek: Voyager, opened up about the challenges of donning the iconic but uncomfortable costume for the character in an interview with the BBC. While fans may admire Seven of Nine’s sleek and futuristic appearance, the reality of wearing the costume was far from glamorous for Ryan.
Describing the laborious process of getting into the costume, Ryan explained, “Initially, I would stay in the costume much longer than I ended up staying in it, because it takes about twenty minutes to get into. Someone has to dress me and undress me.” This time-consuming process became a production challenge, leading Ryan to make sacrifices in her daily routine during the first season.
To avoid disrupting the shooting schedule, Ryan refrained from taking restroom breaks and limited her fluid intake. This sacrifice, while not the healthiest choice, demonstrated her dedication to being a team player. However, as time progressed, Ryan realized the importance of prioritizing her own comfort and well-being.
“As time progressed, I finally learned that you just heed the call of nature and take breaks when you need to take breaks,” she noted. Eventually, the production accommodated her need for breaks, allowing her to step out of the costume between takes.
Ryan shed light on the complexity of the seemingly simple costume, emphasizing the engineering involved in its design. The costume, which resembled a leotard, incorporated a corset and a one-piece undergarment that restricted movement and comfort. Despite the challenges posed by the outfit, Ryan acknowledged her commitment to the role, stating, “You do whatever it takes to play a wonderful, rich role as an actor.”
When asked if she got to keep the infamous catsuit as a memento, Ryan revealed, “They didn’t let me keep the catsuit. I would have loved to have burned it. Not so much the catsuit as the corset that was under it. But, no, they didn’t let me have that.” Despite the discomfort and challenges, Ryan’s portrayal of Seven of Nine remains iconic in the Star Trek universe.
