Instagram/William Shatner & Melissa TV Would Gene Roddenberry approve of modern Star Trek romances? William Shatner doubts it, citing the creator's original vision for starship relationships. March 27, 2026 AceShowbiz - Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry passed away in 1991, having witnessed only the early stages of the expansive sci-fi franchise he founded. As the visionary behind Star Trek: The Original Series and executive producer of Star Trek: The Next Generation, Roddenberry shaped much of the universe's foundation. However, the actor who famously portrayed Captain James T.