DeForest Kelley
The actor whose grumpy, humane Dr. McCoy gave the starship Enterprise its essential, cantankerous heart.
1920–1999 (age 79)·American actor·Birthday: January 20·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Long before he wore a blue science tunic, DeForest Kelley built a career playing villains in Westerns, his sharp features and intense gaze perfect for outlaws and gunslingers. This background in genre filmmaking made him a natural fit for television's newest frontier when he was cast as Dr. Leonard 'Bones' McCoy in 1966. Kelley’s genius was in grounding a fantastical series in palpable emotion. As the ship's chief medical officer, he was the passionate counterweight to Spock's logic, a skeptic with a deep well of compassion, forever complaining about space travel while risking his life for his friends. His chemistry with William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy defined the show's core trio. Though the role typecast him, he embraced it, understanding the character's profound connection with audiences. For decades after the original series ended, he returned to the role in films, forever cementing McCoy as the soul of 'Star Trek.'
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
DeForest was born in 1920, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When DeForest Was Born
The biggest hits of 1920
#1 Movie
Way Down East
DeForest's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1920Born
Women gain the right to vote in the US
Home: $3,395President: Woodrow Wilson"Swanee" — Al Jolson
1925Started school
The Scopes Trial debates evolution in schools
Home: $4,366President: Calvin Coolidge"Sweet Georgia Brown" — Ben Bernie
1933Became a teenager
FDR's New Deal launches; Prohibition ends
Gas: $0.18/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Stormy Weather" — Ethel WatersBest Picture: Cavalcade
1936Could drive
Jesse Owens wins four golds at the Berlin Olympics
Gas: $0.19/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"The Way You Look Tonight" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: The Great Ziegfeld
1938Could vote
Kristallnacht and the escalation toward WWII
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $2,850Min wage: $0.25/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Begin the Beguine" — Artie ShawBest Picture: You Can't Take It with You
1941Turned 21
Pearl Harbor attack brings the US into WWII
Gas: $0.19/galHome: $3,060Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Chattanooga Choo Choo" — Glenn MillerBest Picture: How Green Was My Valley
1950Turned 30
Korean War begins
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $7,354Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Goodnight Irene" — Gordon Jenkins & The WeaversBest Picture: All About Eve
1960Turned 40
Kennedy-Nixon debates become first televised presidential debates
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $11,900Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Theme from A Summer Place" — Percy FaithBest Picture: The Apartment
1970Turned 50
First Earth Day; The Beatles break up
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $17,000Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Bridge over Troubled Water" — Simon & GarfunkelBest Picture: Patton
1980Turned 60
John Lennon shot and killed in New York
Gas: $1.19/galHome: $47,200Min wage: $3.10/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Call Me" — BlondieBest Picture: Ordinary People
1990Turned 70
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1999Died at 79
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
Key Achievements
- Portrayed Dr. Leonard 'Bones' McCoy across three seasons of the original 'Star Trek' series and six subsequent feature films.
- His performance established the iconic 'I'm a doctor, not a...' line that became a franchise catchphrase.
- Appeared in over a dozen Western films and television episodes prior to his casting in 'Star Trek.'
- His final performance as McCoy was in the 1991 film 'Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country.'
Did You Know?
He served in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II as a radio operator and announcer.
Kelley published a book of poetry titled 'I'm a Doctor, Not a Bricklayer!' in 1995.
He was the first 'Star Trek' cast member to write an autobiography, titled 'DeForest Kelley: A Harvest of Memories.'
“I'm a doctor, not a... (various endings).”
