Herbert Joseph Wright III – 50th Reunion Essay

Herbert Joseph Wright III

Date of Death: 24-Aug-2005

College: Morse

(These memorials appeared in the Los Angeles Times and Fandom.)

LA Times: Herbert Wright was best known as producer and writer of the successful TV series, Star Trek, The Next Generation. He began life in Keokuk Iowa, and then went on to Yale University (where he established the film school) and graduated with honors in 1969. After arriving in Hollywood, he produced, wrote and directed over 50 TV shows and feature films, including The Six Million Dollar Man, Night Gallery, and McCloud. He wrote and directed the TV version of War of the Worlds, starring his actress wife Elaine Giftos. He was nominated for an Emmy for his TV Movie, Through the Magic Pyramid. A prolific writer, he also wrote many articles and books on various subjects including filmmaking, martial arts, and Feng Shui. Herb was an avid martial artist with a black belt in Japanese Sword. He loved the outdoors and his horses, and was most comfortable in the saddle. At his death, he was preparing a new science fiction TV series, Questor. He is survived by his wife, daughter and three grandchildren.

Fandom: Herb Wright was the writer or co-writer of four episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation. He was also a co-producer during the show’s first season, and a producer on six episodes of the fifth season. Wright wrote the episode “The Last Outpost,” which introduced the Ferengi. He also wrote the second Ferengi episode, “The Battle.” Because of this, he has been dubbed the “Father of the Ferengi.” As a joke reference, a character (Herb Wright) named after him was listed in a Starfleet office directory in the episode “Violations.”

He also studied in Japan as an exchange student, during which he met with legendary director Akira Kurosawa, and began his lifelong study of martial arts.

Wright previously worked with Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry when the latter was developing the television pilot The Questor Tapes. The project fell through, however, as Roddenberry left the production due to creative differences with the studio, even though Wright himself did try to revitalize the project in the 2000s, keeping as close as possible to Roddenberry’s original vision for the project. Wright was an associate producer on the television series McCloud, which starred Diana Muldaur.

Larry Franks: If any classmates remember the Woolsey Hall concert in 1968 starring Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix (yes! it happened!), Herb Wright was the promoter who put together that show. Oh, what a night!

Dan Seiver: Herb lived in a magical world. I visited him in Santa Clarita and in Hollywood, and it was impossible not to get swept up in his world. I learned about Tibetan bowls from him. I still have one.