VIEWS
107
LAST UPDATE
2024-09-19 11:22:32
PAGE VERSION
Version 2
LIKES
1
STARRED IN
1x07 The Infinite Vulcan
2x01 The Pirates of Orion
2x19 A Private Little War
2x20 Return to Tomorrow
2x22 By Any Other Name
3x02 The Enterprise Incident
3x03 The Paradise Syndrome
3x08 For the World Is Hollow and I Have Touched the Sky
3x12 The Empath
BIOGRAPHY
DeForest Kelley, born Jackson DeForest Kelley on January 20, 1920, in Toccoa, Georgia, was an American actor, screenwriter, and poet, best known for his iconic portrayal of Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy in Star Trek: The Original Series and its subsequent films. Kelley’s career spanned more than five decades, beginning in radio and Western films, but it was his role as the gruff yet compassionate Dr. McCoy that made him a beloved figure in science fiction and popular culture.
Despite his humble beginnings, Kelley left a significant impact on television and film, embodying the quintessential humanist doctor aboard the USS Enterprise. His portrayal of McCoy emphasized the importance of empathy, morality, and humor in an often cold and logical universe, making him a favorite among Star Trek fans.
Early Life and Education
DeForest Kelley was born to Clora (née Casey) and Ernest David Kelley in Toccoa, Georgia. His father was a Baptist minister, and Kelley spent much of his early childhood in Conyers, Georgia, where he attended church and sang in the choir. Kelley was naturally gifted with a deep, resonant voice and an interest in the arts, which led him to participate in school plays and local productions. His early life was steeped in religion and rural Southern values, and his family frequently moved to accommodate his father's ministry work.
During his teenage years, Kelley developed a love for acting but didn’t initially pursue it as a career. Instead, after graduating from high school, he attended Decatur Boys High School and contemplated a career in medicine, though he ultimately decided against it, in part due to his strong aversion to the sight of blood—a somewhat ironic fact given his later role as Dr. McCoy.
In 1938, Kelley moved to Long Beach, California, to live with an uncle. There, he began to consider acting more seriously as a career. In the early 1940s, Kelley started performing in radio plays and worked in various odd jobs while preparing for a break into Hollywood.
World War II Service
Kelley’s early career was interrupted by World War II. He enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces in 1943, serving as a public relations writer and entertainer. Stationed in the First Motion Picture Unit, Kelley worked with other actors and filmmakers to produce training and educational films for the military. This experience helped him develop his acting skills and gave him a foothold in the film industry. He achieved the rank of technical sergeant before being honorably discharged at the end of the war.
Early Acting Career: From Westerns to TV
After the war, Kelley began his Hollywood career in earnest. His breakthrough role came in 1947 when he appeared in the film Fear in the Night, a low-budget film noir that showcased his acting talents. This was followed by a part in Variety Girl (1947), where he acted alongside several prominent stars of the time. His work caught the attention of Hollywood producers, but despite his initial success, Kelley found himself typecast as a villain in many of his early roles.
Throughout the 1950s, Kelley appeared in a number of Westerns, often playing the antagonist. He made guest appearances in shows like The Lone Ranger, Gunsmoke, Bonanza, Rawhide, and The Rifleman. He became a familiar face in the genre, frequently cast as outlaws, gunslingers, and hardened criminals. Kelley’s rugged features and intense screen presence made him a natural fit for these roles, though they were far from the heroics for which he would later become famous.
Notably, Kelley starred in The Law and Jake Wade (1958) alongside Robert Taylor and Richard Widmark, and Warlock (1959) with Henry Fonda. While these roles solidified his reputation as a capable character actor, Kelley longed for more complex and diverse parts. He was a talented actor capable of both subtlety and depth, but the typecasting as villains in Westerns frustrated him and limited his career prospects at the time.
Star Trek: Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy
Kelley’s career took a dramatic turn in 1966 when he was cast as Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy in Star Trek: The Original Series. Created by Gene Roddenberry, Star Trek was envisioned as a science fiction series set in the 23rd century, where a diverse crew aboard the USS Enterprise explored space. Kelley initially auditioned for the role of Spock, the ship's half-Vulcan science officer, but was ultimately offered the role of Dr. McCoy instead.
As Dr. McCoy, Kelley played the ship’s chief medical officer, who frequently clashed with the unemotional, logical Spock. McCoy was a quintessential humanist—gruff, sarcastic, but deeply compassionate. His Southern charm, biting wit, and moral convictions made him a perfect foil to both Captain James T. Kirk (played by William Shatner) and Spock (played by Leonard Nimoy). The trio’s dynamic became one of the central elements of the show, with McCoy representing the emotional, ethical side of humanity in contrast to Spock’s logic and Kirk’s leadership.
Kelley’s portrayal of McCoy gave the character a distinct personality. He imbued McCoy with a deep sense of humanity, often serving as the moral compass aboard the Enterprise and advocating for the needs and rights of others, whether human or alien. His catchphrases, such as “He’s dead, Jim” and “I’m a doctor, not a [fill-in-the-blank]!” became some of the most memorable lines in television history.
Although Star Trek initially struggled with ratings and was canceled after three seasons, it developed a dedicated fan base in syndication during the 1970s. Kelley became a fan favorite, and his portrayal of McCoy became one of the most beloved characters in the Star Trek universe.
Star Trek Films and Ongoing Role as McCoy
Kelley reprised his role as Dr. McCoy in the Star Trek feature films that followed the television series. Starting with Star Trek: The Motion Picture in 1979, Kelley appeared in six additional Star Trek films: Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982), Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984), Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986), Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989), and Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991).
His performances in the films further developed McCoy's character, and his relationships with Kirk and Spock remained central to the series' success. The friendship and interplay between the three characters became iconic, and Kelley’s humor and warmth helped humanize the high-stakes science fiction adventures they embarked on.
Kelley’s final appearance as Dr. McCoy came in Star Trek: The Next Generation. In the 1987 pilot episode, "Encounter at Farpoint," Kelley made a cameo as an elderly Admiral McCoy, symbolically passing the torch to the next generation of Star Trek actors. This brief appearance further cemented his status as one of the most important and enduring figures in the Star Trek universe.
Later Career and Personal Life
Despite his fame as Dr. McCoy, Kelley chose not to pursue many acting roles outside of Star Trek after the series ended. He appeared in a few television shows and made-for-TV movies but largely stepped back from Hollywood in the 1990s, preferring to spend his later years with his wife, Carolyn, whom he had married in 1945. The couple remained deeply devoted to each other for over 50 years, with Kelley often attributing much of his happiness and stability to their marriage.
DeForest Kelley was known for his humility and sense of humor. Though Star Trek had made him a star, he remained modest about his achievements, often deflecting attention and credit to his co-stars. He continued to attend Star Trek conventions, where he was beloved by fans for his down-to-earth nature and genuine appreciation of their support.
In his later years, Kelley also became a published poet. His poetry reflected his love for life, nature, and human kindness. He was deeply touched by the enduring appeal of Star Trek and the connection it fostered between people across the world.
Death and Legacy
DeForest Kelley passed away on June 11, 1999, at the age of 79 from stomach cancer. His death was mourned by fans, colleagues, and the entire Star Trek community. Tributes poured in from across the globe, including from his co-stars William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy, both of whom spoke of Kelley’s kindness, talent, and the deep friendship they had shared during their years working together.
Kelley’s portrayal of Dr. McCoy left an indelible mark on science fiction and popular culture. He is remembered for bringing heart and humanity to the Star Trek universe, making McCoy a symbol of compassion, ethics, and emotional intelligence. The character’s wit and warmth contrasted with the coldness of space, grounding the Star Trek crew in their shared humanity.
Beyond his work on Star Trek, Kelley’s career as an actor, poet, and artist reflected his sensitivity and quiet brilliance. He was posthumously inducted into the Star Trek Hall of Fame, and his contribution to the franchise continues to be celebrated by fans of all ages.
In a career that spanned more than 50 years, DeForest Kelley may not have achieved the broad fame of some of his contemporaries, but his impact on those who loved his work was profound. His portrayal of Dr. Leonard McCoy remains one of the defining performances in television history, and his legacy as a humble, generous artist endures.
HISTORY
2024-09-19 11:22:32 -
Pike:
Added a bio.
2024-09-19 04:53:46 -
Pike:
Added a portrait.
2024-09-19 04:50:53 -
Pike:
New star added.
