Actor DeForest Kelley died today following an extended illness. He was 79 years old. I suppose none of us have a right to expect to live much longer than that, but I was still saddened to hear of his passing.
Mr. Kelley was best known (in my opinion, anyway) as Dr. "Bones" McCoy from Paramount's "Star Trek" shows and movies. His character was one of the core group that could be counted on to never die. Sadly, real life doesn't grant the boon of immortality just because you don't wear a red-shirt.
What did Mr. Kelley do for the world? He entertained us. As an actor, how much more could you want than millions of dedicated fans all over the world? He developed the "Bones" character into a deep and compassionate person who I always felt was right for his situation. There were other "physicians" who carried on his work in other "Treks" but none ever became the pivotal character that Bones was. Certainly, none have his recognition or have contributed more clichés to our modern vocabulary.
Dammit Jim, I'm a doctor, not a _<fill_in_the_blank>__!
So what, you say? Who cares about a character from a Sci-Fi show that was canceled before man even walked on the moon? I do. And judging by the numbers of fans, so do a LOT of other people. And perhaps you should too. Gene Roddenbery's vision of the future was always an optimistic one. There were no Orwellian abuses of power. People's needs were taken care of without regard for their ability to pay. There was unparalleled opportunity for each individual to contribute to society without restrictions from their gender, skin-color, religion or sexual preferences. Mr. Kelley helped us envision this possible future and for that, and all the times I enjoyed watching his performances, I thank him. I will miss you "Bones."
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