Jackson DeForest Kelley ( January 20, 1920 – June 11, 1999) was an American actor, best known for his role as Dr. Leonard 'Bones' McCoy in the 1966–1969 television series Star Trek (TOS) and the first six Star Trek motion pictures. He also had a cameo role in the first episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, "Encounter at Farpoint".
He was born in Atlanta, Georgia, son of a Baptist minister and later a member of his Church's choir. After an extended stay at Long Beach, California, he decided to relocate to the state permanently to pursue an acting career. While his mother encouraged him, his father hated the idea. Kelley's first movie was the low-budget film noir Fear in the Night (1947). Kelley went on to having a career playing minor characters, chiefly in Western movies and TV Westerns, prior to landing the part of 'Bones' McCoy. Kelley was the first member of the original Star Trek cast to pass away.
DeForest Kelley is also a veteran of the Second World War and served as an enlisted member of the Army Air Force between March 10, 1943 and January 28, 1946. His service number was 39 563 856. Kelley was assigned to bomber duty over Europe and his awards and decorations include the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.
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