Star Trek pioneerm D.C. Fontana, has passed away. The accomplished writer left us on Tuesday, Dec. 2nd peacefully in her home at age 80.
D.C. Fontana was a driving force in the world of Star Trek from the beginning. Born Dorothy Catherine Fontana, D.C. decided to change her name to get more work. Fontana wrote for the original series as well as every incarnation through Deep Space Nine.
Star Trek fans will be quite familiar with D.C. Fontana’s contributions to the franchise. One of her more famous scripts was the original episode “Journey to Babel.” It’s here we first see Mark Leonard and Jane Wyatt as Spock’s parents Sarek and Amanda. We also learned about Spock and Sarek’s tumultuous relationship in this episode. Fontana co-wrote the Hugo nominated TNG pilot episode “Encounter at Farpoint.”
Star Trek was only one part of D.C. Fontana’s illustrious resume. She also wrote for such shows as Babylon 5, The Six Million Dollar Man, Bonanza, The Tall Man, and many others. D.C. Fontana was a trailblazer in the industry and never took no for an answer. Fontana’s whole way of being can be summed up with this quote from her:
“You can’t say, I won’t write today because that excuse will extend into several days, then several months, then… you are not a writer anymore, just someone who dreams about being a writer.”
Dorothy Catherine Fontana didn’t just dream of being a writer, she was one. She wrote some of the most seminal Trek episodes of the ’60s, ’70s (animated series), and the ’80s. She worked on many television productions, and later on lectured at the American Film Institute. Fontana mentored many budding screenwriters, directors, and producers. She taught the world that you can do anything if you only believe in yourself.
Live long and prosper D.C. Fontana. Your work in Star Trek and all the rest will be enjoyed for years to come.
Which D.C. Fontana Star Trek episodes are you favorite? Let us know in the comments below.
