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Majel Barrett was Number One, 2nd in command, in the original pilot “The Cage”.
She wore a black wig.

Right, and she wore pants. As did Sally Kellerman and Andrea Dromm in the second pilot. Grace Whitney requested that be changed to a miniskirt.

Apparently, this was the first time a second pilot was made for a TV show. The execs didn't want Barrett in the series so Roddenberry made her into a blonde as Nurse Chapel to sneak her into the show. Grace Whitney was sold to the network execs as the female lead. Roddenberry demoted from second in command to yeoman, and then wrote her out of the show.

71 posted on 09/08/2026 2:09:07 PM PDT by Dr. Franklin ("A republic, if you can keep it." )

To: Dr. Franklin

It was the first time for a 2nd pilot back then. It’s been done since.

73 posted on 09/08/2026 2:26:20 PM PDT by Fledermaus (Free Republic is now all Trump hatred all the time from a handful of "Me, Me, Me" babies. )

To: Dr. Franklin

That cute blonde in the lower photo wasn’t on much after.

74 posted on 09/08/2026 2:27:01 PM PDT by Fledermaus (Free Republic is now all Trump hatred all the time from a handful of "Me, Me, Me" babies. )

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