“There’s a distinguished Elizabeth Janeway, and we’re not allowed to make use of names of distinguished folks as a result of it may be sticky,” longtime “Trek” author and eventual “Star Trek: Voyager” showrunner Jeri Taylor mentioned in an interview. The actual Elizabeth Janeway would’ve been an important inspiration for a robust character just like the one Kate Mulgrew would find yourself taking part in: within the twentieth century, she penned a number of novels and books about second wave feminism and the lives of ladies, and in addition aided in main actions of the time together with a Forties Normal Motors strike and the combat for abortion rights. In keeping with The Guardian, Janeway was a pal of distinguished feminists like Gloria Steinem and Betty Friedan, and he or she additionally served as president of the Authors Guild, the place she fought to guard the work of writers.
Janeway died in 2005, however in response to Taylor, she could have heard by the grapevine in regards to the “Trek” character who nearly had her identify. “We heard form of secondhand that Elizabeth Janeway was flattered about it,” Taylor shared on the time. After the “Trek” staff determined to vary the identify to keep away from any authorized snafus, Kathryn wasn’t truly their second choose. That was Nicole, a reputation chosen by actress Genevieve Bujold, who performed Janeway for simply two days earlier than apparently quitting the present. “A Federation vessel is misplaced in house on the fringe of the galaxy, with out its captain, who has abruptly deserted ship,” a New York Instances piece mentioned on the time.