The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences never saw fit to award Gene Roddenberry with an Emmy (even though he was nominated twice), but in January they will make up for it by inducting the creator of Star Trek into the TV Hall of Fame.
Roddenberry gets into TV Hall of Fame
The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ Hall of Fame Committee has selected seven TV veterans for induction at a ceremony onWednesday, Jan. 20, at the Beverly Hills Hotel. In addition to Roddenberry the new inductees are actress Candice Bergen, art director Charles Lisanby, announcer Don Pardo, actor/comedians Tom and Dick Smothers and game show producer Bob Stewart.
In a statement Television Academy Chairman-CEO John Shaffner said of the inductees:
Each year, the Television Academy has the privilege of honoring television greats that have contributed to the development and success of this ever-evolving medium. This year’s inductees have challenged and shaped popular culture, changed television for the better and entertained us royally while doing so. We are very pleased to be able to induct them into the Hall of Fame for their many achievements.
The statement also included the following profile of Gene Roddenberry:
The legacy of two-time Primetime Emmy Award-nominee Gene Roddenberry continues to flourish as the “Star Trek” franchise he created has reached 10 theatrical movies, seven television series and numerous merchandising and ancillary businesses–all of which maintain the late producer’s vision of the future. Often affectionately referred to as the “Great Bird of the Galaxy,” Roddenberry led a life as colorful and exciting as almost any high adventure fiction. It wasn’t until 1966, when Roddenberry created and produced the original “Star Trek,” that he found his voice in Hollywood. Once “Star Trek” debuted on television, it developed a loyal following as fanatical viewers grew to love The Starship Enterprise and its crew. Roddenberry served as a decorated Second Lieutenant during World War II, receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal.
