Eugene Wesley "Gene" Roddenberry (August 19, 1921 – October 24, 1991) was an American screenwriter and producer. He is best known as the creator of Star Trek, an American sci-fi series known for its influence on popular culture.

Roddenberry was sometimes referred to as the "Great Bird of the Galaxy" in reference to his founding role in Star Trek. He was one of the first people to have his ashes "buried" in space.

Gene Roddenberry created the greatest sci-fi icons of all history. Live long and prosper to all Trekkies, and rest in piece to Mr. Roddenberry. Gene Roddenberry was born in El Paso, Texas, to Eugene Edward Roddenberry and Caroline "Glen" Golemon Roddenberry. He grew up in Los Angeles, California, where his father worked for the Los Angeles Police Department. He attended Berendo Junior High School (now Berendo Middle School). After graduating from Franklin High School, Roddenberry took classes in Police Studies at Los Angeles City College where he also became the head of the Police Club, acting as a liaison for the FBI. Roddenberry furthered his studies at Columbia University, the University of Miami, and the University of Southern California. Per People magazine article, November 11, 1991, it says the following: