Actor James Doohan, the beloved Scotty from television's original Star Trek, died at the age of 85.
From Bloomberg:
Doohan died of pneumonia and Alzheimer's disease at his home in Redmond, Washington, this morning, the Associated Press reported, citing his agent Steve Stevens. His wife was with him, AP said. The actor also suffered from Parkinson's disease, diabetes and lung fibrosis and used a wheelchair.Doohan played Lieutenant Commander Montgomery "Scotty" Scott, the Enterprise's chief engineer, on "Star Trek," which ran on NBC network from 1966-1969.
During an age where it was less common for pop culture phrases to enter everyday jargon, “Beam me up, Scotty,” came to take on all manner of connotations and meanings. Doohan played Montgomery “Scotty” Scott, the chief engineer on the U.S.S. Enterprise.
Unlike some other original cast members, Doohan embraced the persona he would be forever typecast as and remembered for, as this San Francisco Chronicle piece relates:
When the series ended in 1969, Doohan found himself typecast as Montgomery Scott, the canny engineer with a burr in his voice. In 1973, he complained to his dentist, who advised him: "Jimmy, you're going to be Scotty long after you're dead. If I were you, I'd go with the flow.""I took his advice," said Doohan, "and since then everything's been just lovely."
Star Trek, which began as a modestly popular 1960s television program, exploded into an international phenomenon over the next few decades, and may have had an impact in generating interest in the next generation (so to speak) of summer blockbusters such as Star Wars.
The fame of Star Trek brought along a series of films, along with the burgeoning egos of any wildly successful ensemble. Doohan, never one to mince words, had this to stay about William Shatner, who played the iconic James T. Kirk:
Article comments
1 - Temple Stark
Yes. He will be missed. Why not Shatner first?
This guy was great - and livened up the show.
"If we give ' er any more she's gonna blow capt'n."
- Temple
2 - Tan The Man
So long, Doohan.
3 - Natalie Davis
Beamed up, apparently. I will miss old Scotty.
4 - KC
He did a few cons. that I got to see and he was a great guy to listen to, full of lots of interesting stories.
He died on the annv. of the first Moon landing, I wonder what he would have said about that. He'll be missed.
5 - Gina
How sad. He will be missed.
6 - The Proprietor
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Doohan on a couple of occasions; he was always most gracious and giving to the fans. A real gentleman - he shall be missed.
RIP.
7 - Mark Sahm
My favorite Scotty moment was from the 4th ST movie, when they time-travel to present day Earth, and he gets the parts they need (to transport the extinct whales) by trading the molecular structure for 'transparent aluminum' which hadn't been invented yet. I hated the rest of the film, but that Scotty scene made me chuckle.
8 - Eric Berlin
That particular Star Trek film is just about my favorite. There was some great comedy with the crew traipsing around our backwards little planet.
9 - dietdoc
I was overwhelmed by the news item's description of his WWII exploits. That was one tough Canadian soldier. And a damned fine actor. Finally, from what I read from those who knew him, he was a most excellent person. I was interested to here of the Shatner feud. Interesting fellow.
Cheers to you, James,
Ron
10 - Eric Berlin
He seemed like just the kind of guy you'd like to have a pint with down the pub, no?
11 - M. Nelson
Jimmy Doohan was an alcoholic in private life and suffered from Alzeimers and Parkinsons Disease.
He did not sire a child at 80 -- nope twasn't
his spawn.