So Long Scotty
Published August 28, 2004
Doohan, whose family disclosed his battle with Alzheimer's in July, was said to be unavailable for interviews to talk about the event, which dovetails with Tuesday's scheduled unveiling of his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. But wife Wende says "he's totally aware of it--totally looking forward to it."
As such, Doohan is set to attend. And in a show of intergalactic unity, so are his sometimes-fractious crew mates: William Shatner (Captain Kirk), Leonard Nimoy (Mr. Spock), Nichelle Nichols (Lt. Uhura), Walter Koenig (Ensign Chekov), George Takei (Lt. Sulu), Grace Lee Whitney (Yeoman Rand) and Majel Barrett Roddenberry (Nurse Chapel, as well as creator Gene Roddenberry's widow).
The only original cast member to miss the reunion, scheduled for Sunday, is DeForest Kelley, Starfleet's esteemed Dr. McCoy, who died in 1999.
....Steven Stevens Sr., Doohan's longtime agent, says he came up with the idea for the con when it became clear his friend, who last did one in November 2003, wasn't going to be able to hit the road for Trek.
This weekend, Doohan won't do the question-and-answer and autograph sessions that are the staple of fan events. But he will visit the convention floor.
"Probably some of it is kind of a bit wistful," says Wende Doohan, "but being realistic, he can't get out and do the convention circuit like he used to."
....With the remaining Trek cast reunited for what promises to be the last time, Stevens says fans won't just be saying goodbye to Doohan or Scotty. They'll be saying goodbye to an era.
"They realize that it's coming to an end," says Stevens. "And they don't want it to come to an end." [E! Online] There comes a time when no amount of makeup, sleight of hand and wishful thinking can hide the sad reality that human beings age and die. Scotty shall beam no one up again, at least in public.
- So Long Scotty
- Published: August 28, 2004
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- Section: Video
- Filed Under: Video: News, Video: SF, Video: Television
- Writer: Eric Olsen
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I've never met the man personally. My only experience with the person himself is through the documentary Trekkies. Doohan seems to be a quality, genuine man, compassionate towards his fans and with a storied past (on the beach during D-Day in WW II).
I thought it was pretty sweet and was surprised to find myself touched by the story.
I find it very hard to believe there aren't more open or closeted Trekkies out there.
Anyone going to this thing?
I read about this on Trekweb and it made my heart ache:
"They [Nimoy and Shatner] said they saw Jimmy in his hotel room after the dinner they had last night, and Jimmy was crying because he couldn't believe that many people really loved him.
There was a break in the schedule for 45 minutes, and then they had the grand finale. They had a tribute reel, that had pretty much every line Scotty ever said, from the original series through the movies and his appearance on TNG. Then, aside from Nimoy and Shatner, the entire living cast from the original show, Grace Lee Whitney, Majel Barrett, Nichelle Nichols, George Takei, Walter Koenig, and then the man himself came out... Jimmy came in driving his motorized wheelchair with his wife and 4-year-old daughter (yes, that's right 4 years old), and the roof came off the place with cheers, applause, and it was bittersweet to see him.
I can't say for sure he knew what was going on, but he smiled at everyone and looked very happy. Didn't say a word. I think the Alzheimer's has really taken hold. Nichelle Nichols then introduced Dr. Neil Armstrong, who flew in from overseas just for this event, who gave Jimmy a hug. Jimmy stood up with some help, waved, and then they escorted him off."
thanks Vic, that was really something
By now we just take it for granted, but how unlikely is it that some goofy TV show from almost 40 years ago would still hold the public's attention, AND that of the people who made the show?
Really. I just can't imagine this kind of feeling for the cast of "Seinfeld" or "Everybody Loves Raymond" in 40 years.
Vic
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I think it is wonderful that Jimmy Doohan gets a celebration while he can appreciate it. Who needs obits and eulogies, let's tell him right now how much we appreciate him.
I'm flipping my wallet open and saying "Beam me up, Scotty", it has always gotten me out of trouble.