Imagine surviving a harrowing plane incident only to become a pioneering aviator. That's the incredible true story of Susan Oliver, the actress who played Vina in the original 'Star Trek' pilot, 'The Cage.' Her journey from near-death experience to the cockpit is nothing short of inspiring. But how did a brush with disaster lead to such an extraordinary transformation? Let's dive in!
In 1965, the original 'Star Trek' pilot was rejected by NBC executives. They saw potential but wanted a revamp. Gene Roddenberry, the creator, dramatically reworked the series, keeping only one character: Spock, played by Leonard Nimoy. The original pilot, featuring Captain Christopher Pike (Jeffrey Hunter), eventually resurfaced as a two-part episode called 'The Menagerie' in 1966. The uncut version of 'The Cage' wouldn't be seen until the mid-1980s.
'The Cage' introduced us to Captain Pike's encounter with the Talosians, a species of telepathic aliens. They imprisoned Pike and subjected him to illusions. Among the prisoners was Vina, a beautiful human woman played by Susan Oliver. Vina was forced to participate in Pike's fantasies, including appearing as a damsel and, more controversially, as a green-skinned Orion slave.
Susan Oliver's career was already taking off when she landed the 'Star Trek' role. She had a long list of TV appearances, including shows like 'Father Knows Best,' 'Wagon Train,' and 'Bonanza.' But her life took a dramatic turn in 1959.
And this is the part most people miss... Oliver's life took a dramatic turn in 1959. She was a passenger on Pan Am Flight 115, which encountered severe turbulence, plummeting from 35,000 feet to 6,000 feet. The plane made an emergency landing in Newfoundland. The experience was so traumatic that she initially swore off flying. She even witnessed another plane crash upon landing at LaGuardia Airport.
To overcome her fear, Oliver underwent hypnosis and eventually took flying lessons. She described the experience in her autobiography, 'Odyssey: A Daring Transatlantic Journey.' She was captivated by flying, even envisioning herself piloting international flights.
But here's where it gets controversial... Oliver's passion for flying was reignited. She was already flying solo when she auditioned for 'Star Trek.' She even survived another plane incident shortly after, when a small plane she was in crashed after hitting telephone wires. Undeterred, she set her sights on a solo transatlantic flight. In 1967, Oliver made the historic journey in an Aero Commander 200, equipped with extra fuel tanks. She stopped in several locations before landing in Copenhagen, Denmark. She was only the fourth woman to complete a transatlantic flight. Unfortunately, she was denied entry into the Soviet Union, which prevented her from completing her planned route to Moscow.
After her groundbreaking flight, Oliver continued acting, directing episodes of shows like 'MASH' and 'Trapper John, M.D.' She also continued flying, earning ratings in gliders. Sadly, Susan Oliver passed away in *1990** at the age of 58 from colon cancer. Her life is a testament to resilience and the pursuit of dreams.
What do you think about Susan Oliver's incredible life? Do you find her story inspiring? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
