DeForest Kelley Net Worth - Pulptastic

Publish date: 2024-05-04

What was DeForest Kelley’s Net Worth?

DeForest Kelley, the American actor, singer, screenwriter, and poet, had a net worth of $5 million at the time of his death in 1999. He was best known for his role as Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy in the original “Star Trek” series and its subsequent films. With over 130 acting credits to his name, Kelley also appeared in films like “Gunfight at the O.K. Corral” and television shows like “Bonanza”.

Kelley died of stomach cancer in June 1999.

Early Life and Career

DeForest Kelley was born in 1920 in Toccoa, Georgia, to parents Clora and Ernest David Kelley. His father was a Baptist minister, and Kelley grew up deeply involved with his father’s church. He began singing at an early age and eventually performed on local radio shows. The family moved to Decatur in 1934, and Kelley played on the baseball team at the Decatur Boys High School. He graduated in 1938 at the age of 16 and later moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career.

During World War II, Kelley served in the U.S. Army Air Forces from 1943 to 1946. He was spotted by a talent scout from Paramount Pictures while making a training film for the U.S. Navy. After his military service ended, he was offered a seven-year contract by Paramount Pictures.

DeForest Kelley’s Career Highlights

DeForest Kelley made his feature film debut in the 1947 film noir “Fear in the Night” and appeared in several films and TV shows, including “Gunfight at the O.K. Corral” (1957) and “Gunsmoke” (1956). He starred as Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy in the NBC science-fiction series “Star Trek: The Original Series” from 1966 to 1969 and appeared in six “Star Trek” films. Kelley’s final role was Viking 1 in the 1998 animated musical film “The Brave Little Toaster Goes to Mars.”

DeForest Kelley’s Marriage to Carolyn Dowling

In 1942, DeForest co-starred with Carolyn Dowling in a play in Long Beach. The two fell in love and got married on September 7, 1945. According to Kelley’s “Star Trek” co-star Majel Barrett, DeForest and Carolyn were known for being “the most loving couple you’ve ever seen in your life.”

DeForest Kelley’s Legacy

DeForest Kelley, best known for his role as Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy in the original “Star Trek” series, passed away on June 11, 1999, at age 79. He had been diagnosed with stomach cancer in 1997.

In a 1998 interview with the “Houston Chronicle,” Kelley spoke about the impact his character had on the medical profession. He said that Bones had inspired many people to become doctors who save lives, and he was proud to have played a part in that.

Kelley was cremated, and his remains were scattered over the Pacific Ocean.

Accolades and Honors

Kelley was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1991 for his contributions to the entertainment industry.

After his death, Kelley was posthumously honored with an In Memoriam Award at the 1999 Golden Boot Awards, recognizing his significant contributions to the western genre.

In 2020, Kelley was inducted into the Online Film & Television Association Hall of Fame, recognizing his legendary career in film and television.

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