Maggie Thrett, the actress and singer who played Ruth Bonaventure in the original Star Trek series, died on December 18, 2022, at the age of 76. Her family announced her death but did not reveal the cause. However, according to The Hollywood Reporter, Thrett died of complications from an infection at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New Hyde Park, New York.
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Who was Maggie Thrett?
Maggie Thrett was born as Diane Pine on November 18, 1946, in New York City. She attended the High School for the Performing Arts in Manhattan and started her career as a model and a singer. She recorded a single under her birth name in 1964 and had a minor hit with the song “Soupy” in 1965, produced by Bob Crewe, who also worked with The Four Seasons.
Thrett changed her name to Maggie Thrett on Crewe’s advice, as he thought it sounded more British and trendy. She moved to Hollywood in 1966 to pursue acting and signed with Universal Pictures. She appeared in several movies and TV shows, such as Dimension 5, Out of Sight, Run for Your Life, The Wild Wild West, and I Dream of Jeannie.
How did Maggie Thrett become famous?
Maggie Thrett’s most famous role was Ruth Bonaventure in the Star Trek episode “Mudd’s Women”, which aired on October 13, 1966. She played one of the three beautiful women who were transported by the con man Harry Mudd to a mining planet as potential brides for the lonely miners. However, the women’s beauty depended on a drug called the Venus drug, which made them appear younger and more attractive.
Thrett wore a sparkling green gown and captivated the viewers with her long brown hair and seductive eyes. She also shared a memorable scene with Leonard Nimoy as Spock, who was unaffected by her charms. Thrett’s performance earned her many fans and made her a part of Star Trek history.
What happened to Maggie Thrett after Star Trek?
After Star Trek, Maggie Thrett continued to act in movies and TV shows. She starred as a flower child in the sex comedy Three in the Attic in 1968, which was a hit for American International Pictures. She also appeared as a prostitute in Cover Me Babe in 1970 and had guest roles in Cimarron Strip, The Most Deadly Game, McCloud, and Run, Joe, Run.
However, Thrett grew tired of the entertainment industry and its challenges. She reportedly used her life savings to buy out her contract with Universal Pictures before appearing in Three in the Attic. She also faced unwanted advances from producers and directors. In May 1970, she was involved in a motorcycle accident with singer-songwriter Gram Parsons, who suffered serious injuries. Thrett was unharmed but decided to quit acting soon after.
What did Maggie Thrett do after leaving Hollywood?
Maggie Thrett left Hollywood in 1974 and worked as a telephone operator at a hospital for many years. She married Canadian actor Donnelly Rhodes in 1975 but divorced him two years later. She had no children with Rhodes but had three children with another husband named Alex, whom she married after leaving Hollywood.
Thrett lived a quiet life away from the spotlight and rarely gave interviews or attended conventions. However, she did attend a Star Trek convention in Las Vegas in 2021 and met some of her fans and co-stars. She also received tributes from Star Trek fans and celebrities after her death was announced.
How did Maggie Thrett die?
Maggie Thrett died on December 18, 2022, at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New Hyde Park, New York. Her family did not disclose the cause of death but said that she died of complications from an infection. She was 76 years old.
Maggie Thrett will be remembered as one of the original Star Trek beauties who enchanted millions of viewers with her role as Ruth Bonaventure. She was also a talented singer and actress who had a diverse career in entertainment. She will be missed by her family, friends, and fans.
