SCIFI.COM | Star Trek: Leonard H. McCoy

Appearing in two television pilots written by Gene Roddenberry led DeForest Kelley to his role in the original Star Trek series.

After several radio stints, Kelley was "discovered" in a Navy training film by a Paramount talent scout, which led to a three year contract and extensive work on TV. His film debut was a starring role in Fear in the Night. Kelley's film credits include Johnny Reno, Warlock, and Waco in addition to the first six Star Trek feature films.

Kelley has been in retirement since the last Star Trek film. He continues to write poetry and his poem, "The Big Bird's Dream" is a fan favorite.

Biographic information provided by Star Trek: Continuum.

Character: Leonard H. McCoy
Played By: DeForest Kelley
Full Name: Leonard Horatio McCoy, M.D.
Year of birth: 2227
Place of Birth: Earth
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. David McCoy
Education: University of Mississippi, 2245-49; medical school, 2249-53
Marital status: Divorced
Children: A daughter, Joanna
Service record: Chief medical officer as lieutenant commander, U.S.S. Enterprise, 2266.
Awards include: Legion of Honor; decorated by Starfleet surgeons.

Known to his captain by the old physician's nickname "Bones," McCoy's incredible diagnostic and research talents in space medicine were exceeded only by his compassion for friend and stranger alike. Although he thought of himself as "just an old country doctor," the truth is that the original Enterprise survived and succeeded as much on his medical miracles as it did Kirk's leadership and Spock's research.

Still, it was his role as unofficial counselor to both of them that likely proved most successful. McCoy's down-to-earth attitude, so to speak, found an ally in Scotty and often proved to be the missing ingredient in any top-level deliberation -- despite the verbal sparring tossed his way by Spock.