Introduction
DeForest Kelley was an American actor most famous for his role as Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy on Star Trek. Fans adored him for his dry humor, southern accent, and endearing demeanor. But what was his net worth? Was he as successful off-screen as he was on? This blog post will delve into the actor’s career, personal life, and finances to uncover the surprising net worth of a Star Trek favorite.
Early Career
Kelley’s acting career began in the 1940s when he landed a role in the Broadway play “Youth Runs Wild.” He then signed a contract with Paramount Pictures and appeared in several movies, including “Darkness on the Edge of Town” and “The Men.” However, his breakthrough role didn’t come until he was cast as Dr. McCoy in the Star Trek television series in 1966.
Star Trek and Beyond
Kelley’s portrayal of Dr. McCoy was a fan favorite, and he remained with the franchise until the final movie, “Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country,” in 1991. He also made appearances in other television shows and movies during his career, including “Bonanza,” “Gunfight at the O.K. Corral,” and “The Delta Force.”
Personal Life
Kelley was married to Carolyn Dowling from 1945 until her death in 1999. They did not have any children. Kelley was also an avid golfer and supported several charities over the course of his life.
Net Worth
DeForest Kelley’s net worth at the time of his death in 1999 was estimated to be $5 million. The majority of his wealth came from his decades-long career in acting, primarily from his work on Star Trek.
Influence and Legacy
Kelley left a lasting impact on Star Trek and the world of science fiction. His portrayal of Dr. McCoy was one of the most iconic in television history, and his dry humor and southern accent made him a fan favorite. His legacy lives on through the countless fans who continue to watch and enjoy Star Trek to this day.
Trivia
– Kelley disliked space travel and was not a fan of science fiction before he was cast on Star Trek.
– His father was a Baptist minister, and Kelley initially wanted to follow in his footsteps before pursuing acting.
– Kelley was offered a role in the movie “The Big Lebowski,” but he turned it down due to his age and health.
Contemporary Comparisons
Compared to other Star Trek actors, DeForest Kelley’s net worth was moderate. William Shatner and Patrick Stewart, who played Captain Kirk and Captain Picard, respectively, have a net worth of $100 million and $70 million.
Conclusion
Despite his relatively modest net worth compared to other Star Trek actors, DeForest Kelley left a lasting impression on the world of science fiction and film. His work on Star Trek and other projects will continue to be enjoyed by fans for generations to come.
FAQs
Q: Did DeForest Kelley ever win any awards for his acting?
A: Yes, he won a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country.”
Q: Was DeForest Kelley a method actor?
A: No, Kelley did not consider himself a method actor and preferred a more straightforward approach to acting.
Q: Did Kelley ever write any fiction?
A: Yes, he wrote a novel called “The Big Bird’s Dream” that was published in 1976.
Q: Was Kelley a fan of the other Star Trek series?
A: Yes, he made guest appearances on Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.
Q: What was Kelley’s cause of death?
A: Kelley passed away in 1999 from stomach cancer.