DeForest Kelley (January 20, 1920 – June 11, 1999)

He began his career in 1945 with the film Time to Kill. His other film appearances include Fear in the Night, Variety Girl, Beyond Our Own, Malaya, The Men, Taxi, House of Bamboo and The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit… As television quickly became more of a popular venue he began making various guest appearances. Some of his credits include “Public Prosecutor”, “Studio One”, “The Lone Ranger”, “The Pepsi-Cola Playhouse”, “Cavalcade of America”, “Studio 57”, “Gunsmoke”, “Schlitz Playhouse of Stars”, “Playhouse 90”, “Rawhide”, “Richard Diamond, Private Detective”, “Zane Grey Theater”, “Perry Mason”, “The Virginian”, “The Fugitive”, “Bonanza”, “Death Valley Days”, “Ironside”, “The Bold Ones: The New Doctors”, “Room 222” and “Police Story.” In 1966 he stepped into the role that would make him immortal in the eyes of his fans. That was the year he signed on to play Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy on the sci-fi classic “Star Trek.” As Dr. McCoy he became known for his catchphrase “Damn it I’m a doctor not a…” The original series ended in 1969 after three seasons but he returned to the role in 1973 when an animated version of “Star Trek” went into production. In 1979, Star Trek: The Motion Picture was released and followed up by a series of sequels. Dr. McCoy was present in all of them. In 1987, he reprised his role as Dr. McCoy in an episode of “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” By this time McCoy had been promoted to the position of admiral. He made his final film appearance in the 1989 film Star Trek V: The Final Frontier… Much like millions of faithful “Star Trek” lovers… In Memoriam Remembers: DeForest Kelley