Who Is DeForest Kelley? Age, Biography and Wiki
DeForest Kelley was born on January 20, 1920, and passed away on June 11, 1999. He was a beloved American actor best known for his role as Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy in the original Star Trek series and subsequent films. With a passion for acting that began at an early age, Kelley established a career that spanned several decades, receiving acclaim for both his performance and character portrayal within the science fiction genre. By 2025, Kelley remains a celebrated figure in pop culture, reflecting on his immense contributions to television and film.
| Occupation | Soldiers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 20, 1920 |
| Age | 79 Years |
| Birth Place | Toccoa, Georgia, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country | Georgia |
| Date of death | 11 June, 1999 |
| Died Place | Los Angeles, California |
Popularity
DeForest Kelley's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
DeForest Kelley stood at approximately 6 feet (183 cm) tall. At his healthiest, his weight was around 170 lbs (77 kg). His unique presence on screen, combined with his distinctive features, made him immediately recognizable and beloved by fans worldwide.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
DeForest Kelley was married to his wife, Caroline (Dolly) Kelley, from 1945 until his death in 1999. The couple had no children, and their relationship was characterized by deep love and mutual support throughout Kelley’s busy acting career. There are no records of romantic partnerships beyond this marriage, highlighting their enduring commitment to each other.
His mother was Clora (née Casey) and his father was Ernest David Kelley, a Baptist minister of Irish ancestry. Kelley was named after pioneering electronics engineer Lee de Forest. He later named his Star Trek character's father "David" after his own father. Kelley had an older brother, Ernest Casey Kelley. Kelley was immersed in his father's mission at his father's church in Conyers, Georgia.
Net Worth and Salary
DeForest Kelley's net worth at the time of his passing was estimated to be between $5 million and $10 million. His earnings primarily derived from his acting roles across television and film, with significant financial boosts from the popularity of the Star Trek franchise. Today, Kelley's legacy continues to generate income through royalties, merchandise, and commemorative projects.
Kelley became a good friend of Star Trek castmates William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy, from their first meeting in 1964. During Trek's first season, Kelley's name was listed in the end credits along with the rest of the cast. Only Shatner and Nimoy were listed in the opening credits.
As Kelley's role grew in importance during the first season, he received a pay raise to about $2,500 per episode and received third billing starting in the second season after Nimoy.
Despite the show's recognition of Kelley as one of its stars, he was frustrated by the greater attention that Shatner received as its lead actor and that Nimoy received because of "Spockamania" among fans.Shy by his own admission, Kelley was the only cast member of the original Star Trek series program never to have written or published an autobiog
raphy; the authorized biography From Sawdust to Stardust (2005) was written posthumously by Terry Lee Rioux of Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas.
Kelley regarded "The Empath" as his favorite Star Trek television episode.
Career, Business and Investments
Kelley’s acting career began in the late 1940s, with numerous television and film appearances before his breakthrough role in Star Trek in 1966. He reprised his role as Dr. McCoy in several sequels, solidifying his status as a cult icon. Beyond acting, Kelley was involved in various charitable endeavors throughout his life and continued to be active in the fan community, making appearances at conventions and events until his health declined.
Jackson DeForest Kelley (January 20, 1920 – June 11, 1999) was an American actor, screenwriter, poet, and singer. He was known for his roles in film and television Westerns and achieved international fame as Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy of the USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) in the television and film series Star Trek (1966–1991).
Social Network
In 2025, DeForest Kelley's legacy is celebrated on social media platforms through fan pages and tribute accounts that showcase his iconic moments from Star Trek and other works. His contributions to science fiction, as well as his memorable quotes and interactions with fans, provide a rich tapestry for discussions among new audiences discovering his work.
Before the end of his first year at Conyers, Kelley was regularly putting to use his musical talents, and often sang solo in morning church services. Kelley wanted to become a doctor like his uncle, but his family could not afford to send him to medical school. He began singing on local radio shows, including an appearance on WSB AM in Atlanta.
As a result of Kelley's radio work, he won an engagement with Lou Forbes and his orchestra at the Paramount Theater.
Education
DeForest Kelley attended the University of South California and pursued his passion for acting while honing his craft in the realm of theater and broadcast media. His education laid the foundation for a successful career where he would demonstrate a remarkable range of emotional and character depth in every role he undertook.
