I loved Star Trek as a kid and watched it faithfully in the original run from '66-'69 (can it really be that long ago?) - it was exciting, fired my young imagination and seemed like a fully-realized creation, manned with real people doing real things in fantastic settings (I wanted Uhura
to be my personal communications officer). And it was funny, too.
I remember listening raptly to a lecture by Gene Roddenberry when I was in college in the later '70s, and was very excited when he announced that a Star Trek theatrical film was in the works.
But I didn't respond that well to the films - the jump to the big screen and the vastly improved production values seemed to diminish the charm of the concept rather than improve it for me, and of course, I was getting older. I don't think I have even seen the last couple of films in the series and I have never watched a single episode of any of the subsequent TV series, at least on purpose.
So I am not a Trekkie in any meaningful sense of the word, but I have to admit the thought of James "Scotty" Doohan
being too old and sick to carry out his faithful convention duties gives my heart a tug.
He is being celebrated this weekend:
- This weekend, Doohan, 84 and slowed by the diseases of Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and diabetes, will say goodbye. To the conventions, to the fans--though not the affection.
"Beam Me Up Scotty...One Last Time" is the quite-serious title to a three-day event at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel billed as a farewell to the actor who, as fiery Montgomery Scott, ran the U.S.S. Enterprise's engineering deck on Trek's 1966-69 flagship series and six big-screen adventures.
The fest opens with a party Friday night, before turning into a more conventional convention on Saturday and Sunday. A Doohan roast, benefiting Alzheimer's research, and featuring an appearance by Apollo astronaut Neil Armstrong, is set for Saturday night.
Article comments
1 - Jim Carruthers
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.
2 - Casper
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).
3 - Eric Olsen
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?
4 - Vic
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."
5 - Eric Olsen
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?
6 - Vic
Really. I just can't imagine this kind of feeling for the cast of "Seinfeld" or "Everybody Loves Raymond" in 40 years.
Vic