Who Is James Doohan? Age, Biography and Wiki
James Doohan was born on March 3, 1920, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Best known for his role as Montgomery "Scotty" Scott in the beloved sci-fi series "Star Trek," Doohan became a household name. His unique portrayal of the chief engineer of the USS Enterprise won the hearts of fans and established him as a significant figure in the entertainment industry.
Sadly, Doohan passed away on July 20, 2005, but his legacy continues to resonate within the hearts of science fiction enthusiasts and pop culture historians alike.
| Occupation | Voice Actors |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 3, 1920 |
| Age | 85 Years |
| Birth Place | Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Country | Canada |
| Date of death | 20 July, 2005 |
| Died Place | Redmond, Washington, U.S. |
Popularity
James Doohan's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific details about James Doohan's height and weight during his acting career are not commonly highlighted, sources indicate that he stood approximately 6 feet (183 cm) tall. He was known for his robust voice and memorable expressions, factors that contributed to his on-screen charisma. Unfortunately, there is limited and speculative information regarding his weight and other body measurements.
In 1939, Doohan enlisted in the Canadian Army, joining the Royal Canadian Artillery, 14th (Midland) Field Battery of the 2nd Canadian Division. From there, he was moved to the 13th Field Regiment of the 3rd Canadian Division in their 22nd Field Battery. By 1940 he was a lieutenant and was sent to train in Britain prior to Operation Overlord.
He first saw combat on D-Day, landing in the second wave in a reconnaissance party at Juno Beach. The 13th Field Regiment was interspersed with the Regina Rifle Regiment landing at Nan Sector of Juno Beach.
After shooting two snipers, Doohan led his men to higher ground through a field of anti-tank mines, where they took defensive positions for the night.
Crossing between command posts at 23:30 that night, Doohan was hit by six rounds fired from a Bren gun by a nervous Canadian sentry: four in his leg, one in the chest, and one through his right middle finger. The bullet to his chest was stopped by a silver cigarette case given to him by his brother.
His right middle finger had to be amputated, something he would conceal on-screen during most of his career as an actor, sometimes with a flesh-colored glove with a faux finger.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
James Doohan had a rich personal life. He was married three times, with his last marriage to Wende Doohan lasting until his death in 2005. He had four children from his marriages, and his family remained a vital part of his narrative.
Doohan's romantic life, particularly his relationships beyond marriage, is not widely documented, but his dedication to family and friends reflects his warm, affectionate nature.
William Doohan owned a chemist shop in Main Street in Bangor beside Trinity Presbyterian Church and reportedly invented an early form of high-octane gasoline in 1923. Doohan's 1996 autobiography recounted his father's serious alcoholism.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in 2005, James Doohan's net worth was estimated to be around $7 million. His financial success predominantly stemmed from his acting career, voice acting roles, and appearances in conventions and fan events. Although no current updates are available on his estate or financial dealings in 2025, it can be inferred that his legacy continues to generate income through royalties from the "Star Trek" franchise.
Doohan hoped that Star Trek would benefit his acting career. After the series ended, however, he found himself typecast and had a hard time gaining other roles. After his dentist reminded him he would "always be Scotty", he supported his family with income from personal appearances.
Career, Business and Investments
James Doohan's career spanned several decades, beginning in the 1940s and enduring until his death. He gained fame mainly through his role in "Star Trek," which he portrayed from 1966 to 1969 and later reprised in various films and series.
Beyond acting, Doohan was involved in voice work for animated series, video games, and commercials, showcasing his versatile talents. He also made appearances in various sci-fi conventions, where he engaged with fans, further solidifying his status as an iconic figure in popular culture.
James Montgomery Doohan (March 3, 1920 – July 20, 2005) was a Canadian actor, best known for his role as Montgomery "Scotty" Scott in the television and film series Star Trek.
Doohan's characterization of the Scottish chief engineer of the Starship Enterprise has become one of the most recognizable elements in the Star Trek franchise, and inspired many fans to pursue careers in engineering and other technical fields.
He also made contributions behind the scenes, such as the initial development of the Klingon and Vulcan languages.
Social Network
James Doohan's presence on social media is primarily maintained through fan pages and tribute accounts since he passed away before the rise of platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Nevertheless, his enduring influence is palpable across social networks, where fans regularly share quotes, images, and stories celebrating his contributions to film and television.
For GM Presents, he played the lead role in the CBC Television drama Flight into Danger (1956) by Arthur Hailey, then in The Night they Killed Joe Howe (1960). (Arthur Hailey rewrote the former into the novel Runway Zero-Eight, then adapted to Terror in the Sky. This story was later satirized in Airplane!.)
Education
James Doohan graduated from the Vancouver College of Music, where he honed his acting and dramatic skills. His background in music significantly influenced his voice work and character portrayals throughout his career. Additionally, he served in World War II, where he became a highly skilled pilot before fully embarking on his acting career.
The family moved from Vancouver to Sarnia, Ontario. Doohan attended high school at Sarnia Collegiate Institute and Technical School, where he excelled in mathematics and science. He enrolled in the 102nd Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps in 1938.
