Jackson DeForest Kelley, or Just DeForest Kelley as he's more commonly known was born on the 11^th of January 1920. In Atlanta in the USA. In fact he was delivered by his own uncle who's a Doctor.

As a child singing in the local choir gave Kelley the taste for entertainment. And when he was old enough he saved up and moved to California. Where he instantly fell in love with the surf and sun.

Some low key jobs lead to a chance encounter with director Rohn Hawke. Hawke took Kelley under his wing and prepared him for a part in a play he was directing. After passing an audition Kelley got the part. While the play was running DeForest was noticed by a talent scout who felt he had a promising acting career ahead of him.

Over time Kelley and his friends started to write their own plays for a local radio station, this in turn lead to more radio related work.

Kelley thought he had the part of the baby faced killer in "This Gun for Hire" but instead Alan Ladd was chosen for the part.

In 1942 Kelley met Carolyn Dowling who was a fellow co-star in a theatre production of "The Innocent Young"

Meanwhile the war started and Kelley went into the Army Air Corps in New Mexico. When he was transferred to Culver City to act in a Navy training film the couple decided to marry. They married on September 7^th 1945 and spent the rest of their lives together.

A Paramount talent scout saw Kelley in the Navy training film and his performance earned him a 3 year contract.

His maiden film was in starring in "Fear in the Night". Even though it was only a low budget film it was a real hit and Kelley became a respected actor.

Years later Kelley had a reputation and a knack for playing "heavy's", such as Ike Clanton in the TV-Series "You are there" which ran from 1953-1957. That part lead to subsequent others and eventually he was offered 3 movies deals.

Not wanting to get type cast as a heavy Kelley took on the role of Sam Corwin in "Where Love Has Gone".

He also did a TV pilot called "333 Montgomery" which was written Gene Roddenberry. A few years later Kelley took on another role in a Roddenbery pilot called "Police Story". But once again the show failed to take off. But for Kelley it lead to his role as Dr Leonard McCoy and turned him into a household name.

When Star Trek ended he basically retired and saw any acting that he did do as a hobbie.
He has also written poetry.

DeForest Kelley, best known to fans around the world as "Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy" in the "Star Trek" TV series and feature films, died on 11^th June 1999 after a prolonged battle with stomach cancer. Kelley, whose film credits consist of more than 60 TV series appearances and 35 motion pictures, was 79 years old.