Jeri Ryan Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / July 23, 2024
Jeri Ryan Then
Jeri Ryan, born Jeri Lynn Zimmermann on February 22, 1968, in Munich, West Germany, had a unique upbringing due to her father’s military career.
As a child, she experienced a nomadic lifestyle, living in various locations such as Kansas, Maryland, Hawaii, Georgia, and Texas, as well as overseas.
This constant relocation was a result of her father, Gerhard Florian “Jerry” Zimmerman, serving as a master sergeant in the Army.
Her mother, Sharon, contributed to the family’s stability by working as a social worker.
When Jeri was eleven, her family settled in Paducah, Kentucky, after her father’s retirement, providing her with a more stable environment for her formative years.
Jeri’s academic and extracurricular achievements were notable during her high school years.
She graduated from Lone Oak High School in 1986, where she was recognized as a National Merit Scholar, highlighting her academic excellence.
Her talents extended beyond academics into the realm of pageantry. Ryan went on to attend Northwestern University, where she pursued a degree in Theater, further honing her skills in the performing arts.
During her time at Northwestern, she gained recognition as Miss Illinois, a significant achievement that showcased her poise and charisma.
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Ryan’s participation in the Miss America Pageant in 1990 marked a pivotal moment in her career.
She finished as the 3rd Runner Up, an impressive placement that brought her considerable attention.
Her performance included winning the swimsuit competition and delivering a standout talent segment with her rendition of “On My Own” from the musical “Les Misérables.”
This exposure helped pave the way for her subsequent career in acting, leading to her iconic roles in television and film.
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Jeri Ryan Acting Career
After relocating to Los Angeles, Jeri Ryan embarked on her acting career with a series of guest-starring roles on various television shows.
Her early appearances included episodes of popular series such as “Who’s the Boss?” “The Flash,” “Nurses,” “Reasonable Doubts,” “Time Trax,” “Murder, She Wrote,” “The Sentinel,” and “Melrose Place.”
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During this period, she also took on roles in several made-for-TV movies, gradually building her resume and gaining industry experience.
Ryan’s breakthrough came when she secured a regular role on the science fiction series “Dark Skies,” where she played Juliet Stuart, an investigator.
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Despite its brief run of just one season, “Dark Skies” garnered a dedicated fanbase within the science fiction community.
This role set the stage for Ryan’s most prominent and career-defining role, which came in 1997 when she was cast as Seven of Nine in the fourth season of “Star Trek: Voyager.”
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Her portrayal of the Borg drone was a major hit, contributing to a significant 60 percent increase in the show’s ratings and cementing her status as a key player in the science fiction genre.
Following the conclusion of “Star Trek: Voyager,” Ryan continued to diversify her career with roles in various film and television projects.
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She appeared in Wes Craven’s horror film “Dracula 2000,” showcasing her versatility.
Ryan then joined the cast of “Boston Public,” where she played Ronnie Cooke, a role written specifically for her by the show’s creator, David E. Kelley.
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Her performance as a frustrated lawyer-turned-high-school-teacher was well-received, and she remained with the series until its end in 2004.
Ryan’s post-“Boston Public” career saw her in a mix of film and television roles. She had a minor part in the romantic comedy “Down with Love” and the indie film “Men Cry Bullets.”
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Her first leading role came with “The Last Man,” where she played the last woman on Earth. She also appeared in the TV pilot “Commuters” and had a recurring role on “The O.C.” as Charlotte Morgan.
In 2006, Ryan made guest appearances on “Boston Legal” and “Shark” and participated in seven episodes of “Leverage” in its second season.
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In 2010, Ryan reprised her role as Sonya Blade in the film “Mortal Kombat: Rebirth.”
She then began a regular starring role in the ABC series “Body of Proof” in 2011, further establishing her presence in television.
Over the next few years, she continued to appear in guest roles on science fiction series such as “Warehouse 13” and “Helix.”
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Ryan returned to the “Star Trek” universe in 2020 with “Star Trek: Picard,” reprising her role as Seven of Nine and earning a Saturn Award nomination for Best Guest Starring Role on Television.
Additionally, she appeared as herself on “Ready Room” and played Gwendolyn Hayes in the TV series “MacGyver.”
Her continued work in science fiction and television underscores her lasting impact and versatility as an actress.
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Jeri Ryan Movies
- The Last Man (2000)
- Dracula 2000 (2000)
- Down with Love (2003)
- Men Cry Bullets (2004)
- The Keeper (2004)
- Scream 3 (2000)
- Mortal Kombat: Rebirth (2010)
- Devil’s Revenge (2019)
- The Doorman (2020)
- Mortal Kombat Legends: Battle of the Realms (2021)
Jeri Ryan’s Personal Life
During her time on “Star Trek: Voyager,” Jeri Ryan began a relationship with producer Brannon Braga.
Unfortunately, their personal lives became the subject of a troubling incident when they were targeted by a stalker, Marlon Estacio Pagtakhan, in 2000.
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Pagtakhan was convicted in May 2001 for making threats and harassing the couple. The situation led to heightened security concerns and legal battles, casting a shadow over their relationship.
In a separate personal matter, Ryan’s divorce from her former husband, Jack Ryan, became a public issue when he ran for a U.S. Senate seat in Illinois in 2003.
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The release of their divorce and custody records became a point of controversy during his campaign, especially when he faced Barack Obama.
Outside of her acting career, Jeri Ryan has a passion for gourmet cooking. While starring in “Boston Public,” she pursued her culinary interests by working as a chef on weekends at a Los Angeles restaurant called The House.
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Her love for cooking led to a significant partnership with French chef Christophe Eme, whom she met at a charity event for chefs.
Eme moved in with Ryan and her son, Alex, in the San Fernando Valley. Together, they opened a restaurant named Ortolan on Third Street in Los Angeles. Despite its initial success, Ortolan eventually closed its doors.
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Ryan and Eme’s relationship flourished beyond their professional collaboration.
They were married on June 16, 2007, in the Loire Valley, France, and welcomed a daughter in March 2008.
The couple also made appearances on “Iron Chef America,” highlighting their shared passion for the culinary arts.
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Jeri Ryan Now
At 56 years old, Jeri Ryan remains a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, continuing to build on her successful career as an actress.
Best known for her iconic role as Seven of Nine in “Star Trek: Voyager,” Ryan’s portrayal of the former Borg drone earned her significant acclaim.
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Her performance in this role was recognized with multiple nominations for the Saturn Award, culminating in a win in 2001.
This role not only defined a significant part of her career but also established her as a key figure in science fiction television.
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Ryan’s return to the “Star Trek” universe with “Star Trek: Picard” has been a noteworthy highlight in her recent career.
In this revival, she reprised her role as Seven of Nine, bringing renewed depth and complexity to the character.
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Her performance in “Star Trek: Picard” earned her another Saturn Award, underscoring her enduring talent and the lasting impact of her role on both the franchise and her career.
In addition to her work in the “Star Trek” series, Ryan continues to engage with fans and contribute to various projects within the industry.
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Her dedication to her craft and her ability to evolve with the changing landscape of television and film demonstrates her commitment to her profession.
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As she navigates the current phase of her career, Jeri Ryan remains a respected and influential figure in the world of entertainment, celebrated for her remarkable achievements and contributions.
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Jeri Ryan’s Net Worth
Jeri Ryan, an accomplished American actress, has a net worth of $20 million, reflecting her successful career in television and film.
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This financial standing highlights her achievements and the significant impact of her roles, particularly her iconic portrayal of Seven of Nine in “Star Trek: Voyager” and her continued success in subsequent projects.
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FAQs
Jeri Ryan is married to French chef Christophe Eme. They wed on June 16, 2007, and have a daughter together.
Seven of Nine, a character from “Star Trek: Voyager,” is portrayed as being in her late 20s to early 30s, but her exact age isn’t specified in the series. The character was assimilated by the Borg at a young age and spent years in that state before being liberated.
Jeri Ryan’s daughter is Gisele Eme, born in March 2008.
Jeri Ryan is famous for her role as Seven of Nine in “Star Trek: Voyager,” where she gained significant recognition and acclaim.
After “Voyager,” Jeri Ryan appeared in various roles, including in “Boston Public,” “Dracula 2000,” and “Body of Proof.” She also reprised her role as Seven of Nine in “Star Trek: Picard.”
Jeri Ryan earned her net worth through her acting career, with notable roles in television series like “Star Trek: Voyager” and “Boston Public,” as well as various film appearances and subsequent roles in “Star Trek: Picard” and other projects.