Jeri Taylor

Jeri Taylor

Deceased · Born: Jun 30, 1938 · Died: Oct 24, 2024

Personal Details

BornJun 30, 1938 Evansville, Indiana, USA
Spouse
  • David Moessinger

    ( Oct 11, 1986 to Oct 26, 2018 )
  • Dick Enberg

    ( Sep 19, 1959 to Dec 1, 1975 )

Biography

Jeri Taylor, a renowned and accomplished screenwriter and producer, has garnered widespread recognition and acclaim for her remarkable contributions to the esteemed Star Trek franchise, a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication to her craft.

Her academic background is marked by a Bachelor's degree in English from the prestigious Indiana University, which provided a solid foundation for her future endeavors, allowing her to develop a strong understanding of language, literature, and creative writing.

Furthermore, Taylor's academic pursuits were not limited to her undergraduate degree, as she went on to obtain a Master's degree from California State University, demonstrating her commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Prior to transitioning to screenwriting in 1979, Taylor initially explored her creative talents by pursuing a career in acting, where she honed her skills by directing local stage productions and running an acting workshop in Los Angeles, thereby gaining valuable experience and insight into the world of the performing arts.

Taylor's illustrious career as a freelance writer began with a significant milestone, as she successfully secured a multitude of assignments through the expertise and connections of a well-established and reputable agent. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of her journey into the world of freelance writing, allowing her to leverage the agent's extensive network and industry knowledge to gain a foothold in the competitive market.

As her illustrious career continued to unfold, she made groundbreaking contributions to the widely acclaimed and beloved forensic crime series, Quincy, M.E., which premiered in the year 1976, showcasing her impressive range by taking on dual roles as both writer and producer, solidifying her position as a multifaceted creative force within the industry.

Notably, her extensive repertoire of accomplishments encompasses the esteemed role of story editor and producer for an array of television programs, further solidifying her reputation as a multifaceted and accomplished industry professional.

It was the year 1990 that witnessed a pivotal moment in the career of Taylor, as she gained access to the esteemed executive producers of the groundbreaking science fiction television series Star Trek: The Next Generation, which had initially premiered in 1987 to widespread critical acclaim. This auspicious encounter was made possible through the auspices of Lee Sheldon, a colleague with whom Taylor had previously worked on the acclaimed medical drama Quincy, thus heralding the commencement of a long and highly productive partnership with the revered Star Trek franchise.

Taylor's inaugural undertaking for the television program was a teleplay for the fourth season episode 'Suddenly Human', which aptly demonstrated her writing prowess and her capacity to craft captivating narratives that resonated deeply with viewers. As her involvement with the show continued to flourish, Taylor solidified her position as a key member of the writing team, initially serving as a staff writer and subsequently ascending to the role of co-executive producer, where she collaborated alongside the esteemed Rick Berman and Michael Piller.

Taylor's role in the production of Star Trek: The Next Generation extended far beyond her writing responsibilities, as she also lent her expertise to various other crucial aspects of the process. This included the pivotal tasks of casting, where she was instrumental in selecting the talented actors who brought the show's characters to life. Additionally, her skill and attention to detail served her well in the editing room, where she played a vital role in shaping the final product. Furthermore, her proficiency in post-production enabled her to make significant contributions to the show's overall quality and coherence.

Marina Sirtis, a gifted and accomplished actress, who brought to life the captivating character of Deanna Troi, and Gates McFadden, a highly skilled and talented actress, who masterfully portrayed the esteemed character of Beverly Crusher, both played crucial roles in the iconic television series Star Trek: The Next Generation.

Jeri Taylor, a renowned television producer and writer, played a pivotal role in the creation of the acclaimed science fiction series Star Trek: Voyager, a spin-off of the beloved The Next Generation. In collaboration with esteemed colleagues Rick Berman and Michael Piller, Taylor brought her creative vision to the forefront, spearheading the development of the show.

As the showrunner, Taylor was responsible for leading the production team, overseeing the creative direction, and ensuring the successful execution of each episode throughout the show's initial four seasons. Her exceptional leadership and expertise proved instrumental in shaping the series' identity and tone, earning widespread critical acclaim.

However, in 1998, Taylor decided to step down from her role as showrunner, passing the reins to the talented Brannon Braga. Although she relinquished her primary responsibilities, Taylor remained deeply invested in the project, serving as a creative consultant for the subsequent three years. This prolonged involvement allowed her to continue contributing to the show's development, offering valuable insights and guidance to the production team.

Taylor's leadership style has been notably marked by its accessibility and affability, thereby creating a collaborative atmosphere that encourages open communication and teamwork.

Cliff Bole, a seasoned director, has particularly highlighted Taylor's exceptional availability, stressing her eagerness to lend an ear and respond promptly to his requirements and concerns.

In tandem, Jonathan Frakes, a fellow director and actor, has extolled Taylor's multifaceted qualities, emphasizing her genuine passion for the show's script, production, and overarching creative vision.

As a result, Taylor's directorial approach has earned widespread acclaim for its emphasis on fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, where everyone feels valued and heard.

Jeri Taylor, a celebrated and accomplished author, has made a profoundly significant and lasting impact on the esteemed Star Trek franchise by crafting a multitude of novelizations, including the universally acclaimed and widely praised "Unification", "Mosaic", and "Pathways". This remarkable and impressive literary portfolio, showcasing her extraordinary storytelling abilities and unwavering dedication to the cherished and beloved science fiction series, is a testament to her unparalleled skill and mastery of the craft.

Jeri Taylor, a multifaceted individual, has the distinction of being the doting mother of Alexander Enberg, a remarkable actor who has garnered widespread recognition within the entertainment industry.

Alexander Enberg, the proud offspring of Jeri Taylor, has successfully carved out a niche for himself in the entertainment sector, leaving an indelible mark on the world of television.

One of his most notable roles was his recurring appearance on the phenomenally popular television series Star Trek: Voyager, where he brought to life the captivating character of Ensign Vorik with unwavering enthusiasm and exceptional skill.

As a testament to his remarkable talent, Alexander Enberg's portrayal of Ensign Vorik on Star Trek: Voyager left an indelible impression on audiences, solidifying his position as a talented young actor in the entertainment industry.

Career

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1983
Please Don't Hit Me, Mom
Please Don't Hit Me, Mom as Screenplay, Story
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1995