In a science fiction universe, costumes and prosthetics are often required, resulting in quite a laborious process. But the women on the “Star Trek” set seemed to have it worst than most. Teri Garr wouldn’t be the last actor on set to endure wardrobe uncomfortably. When Jeri Ryan landed the role as the assimilated Borg, Seven of Nine in “Star Trek: Voyager,” she had more to handle than just onset tension with Kate Mulgrew. Her famous corset on the show was a source of discomfort, especially when she needed time to herself. The costume was so elaborate that she needed help anytime she needed the bathroom.
“If I had to go, it was on the radio, ‘Jeri’s going. 10-1. That’s 20.’ Because, you know, I had to have somebody dress me and undress me,” Ryan recalled during the “Voyager” reunion. “It was a 20-minute thing to get me undressed, go to the bathroom, get dressed, go back to set. It was a thing.” Ryan became so self-conscious, that she even tried limiting food and liquids just so she wouldn’t hold up production. The actor suffered all so she could represent a sense of sexuality for the show, which was consequently why the show’s star also made Ryan’s time on “Voyager” so unpleasant. Thankfully in her appearance in “Star Trek: Picard,” she seemed to have a much more comfortable outfit and less of a double standard lodged against her.
