Jeri Ryan is an American actress, best known for her roles in science fiction and dramatic television series. She was born Jeri Lynn Zimmerman on February 22, 1968, in Munich, West Germany, to Gerhard Florian Zimmerman, an American master sergeant, and his wife, Dorothy Ann (Ryan), an Irish-American social worker.
Ryan grew up in various military bases in the United States and Europe due to her father's military career. She attended the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theater in 1990. After graduation, she moved to New York City to pursue an acting career.
Ryan's first major television role was as the shape-shifting alien, Kahn, on the syndicated series "Star Trek: Voyager," which she joined in 1995. Her character, Seven of Nine, was initially a Borg drone but later became a humanoid and joined the crew of the starship Voyager. Ryan's portrayal of Seven was praised for her ability to convey both vulnerability and strength.
After leaving "Star Trek: Voyager" in 2001, Ryan appeared in several television series, including "Boston Public," "Ghost Whisperer," and "Body of Proof." She also had recurring roles on "Leverage," "Major Crimes," and "Bosch."
Ryan has also had roles in films, including "Dark Skies," "The Quiet," and "The Bold and the Beautiful." In 2016, she joined the cast of the Fox series "Empire" as Veronica Harrington, the ex-wife of Lucious Lyon.
Ryan has been married twice. Her first marriage was to Jack Packard, a producer, from 1991 to 1994. She married her second husband, graphic designer, and producer, Alex Mansoori, in 2000. They have two children together.
Ryan is an active philanthropist and has worked with various charities, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the American Cancer Society. She is also a supporter of the Human Rights Campaign and has spoken out in support of LGBTQ+ rights.
Ryan is known for her striking blue eyes, which she has described as "alien-like." She stands at 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 m) tall and has a slim build. She has spoken about her struggles with body image and weight gain during her time on "Star Trek: Voyager," and has since become an advocate for body positivity.
Ryan's acting career spans over three decades, and she continues to work in television and film. She is best known for her role as Seven of Nine on "Star Trek: Voyager," but her versatility as an actress has allowed her to take on a variety of roles throughout her career.