Person Biography:
Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Grace Lee Whitney was a talented actress and vocalist who began her career as a "girl singer" on Detroit's WJR radio. She quickly gained recognition and went on to open in nightclubs for renowned artists such as Billie Holiday and Buddy Rich, and toured with the Spike Jones and Fred Waring Bands.
Her Broadway debut came in the 1950s with the production of "Top Banana", and she soon followed up with a role in the United Artists film Top Banana in 1954. However, it was her iconic portrayal of Yeoman Janice Rand on the original Star Trek series in 1966 that cemented her place in the hearts of fans worldwide.
Whitney reprised her role as Yeoman Rand in a string of successful Star Trek films, including Star Trek: The Motion Picture in 1979, Star Trek III: The Search for Spock in 1984, Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home in 1986, and Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country in 1991.
Throughout her career, Grace continued to delight fans with her personal appearances at conventions and events across North America and Europe. In 1998, she appeared alongside her Star Trek castmates George Takei, Walter Koenig, and Majel Barrett in an episode of the popular TV series Diagnosis Murder.
Sadly, Grace Lee Whitney passed away at the age of 85 on May 1, 2015, in her home in Coarsegold, California, due to natural causes. Her legacy continues to inspire and entertain fans of all ages.
