De Forest Kelly, who plays the part of Dr. McCoy, was once described as a sinister character--because of his numerous roles on television, stage, and screen as villain.
De Forest was born in Atlanta, Georgia, when he graduated from high school at the age of sixteen. At seventeen he made his first trip outside the state, visiting an uncle in Long Beach, California. He went for two weeks and stayed a year. Returning home, Kelly told his mother, "I have a terrible shock for you. I am going to go and live in California."
This decision did not set well with his parents. His interest in entertainment was foreign to the understanding of his father, a Baptist minister. But his mother encouraged rather than discouraged his artistic talents. She realized the limitations of Atlanta for the son of a Baptist minister and had earlier cleared the way for him to sing in the church choir.For a period of time he did solo work and eventually sang on a program on radio station WSB in Atlanta. For this he won enengagment at the Atlanta Paramount Theater, singing with Lew Forbes and his orchestra.
His subsequent move to Long Beach, California, changed his entire future. Joining the Long Beach Theater Group, he formed a radio group with his friend, Barney Girard. Barney wrote the plays, and the rest of the group put them on at the local radio station. Off the air, Kelley earned his living as an elevator operator.
During the war Kelley was spotted in a Navy training film by a Paramount talent scout. The result was a screen test and a contract. He remained with the studio two and one-half years. In 1948 he went east to New York, gaining experience in stock, stage, and television. Upon returning to California, he discovered Hollywood has a short memory. But may of the people he had known in New York were now working on the West Coast. His friend Barney Girard, writing for the "You Are There" TV series, helped De Forest reestablish himself in the film capital.
Numerous TV appearances followed, including roles on "Schiltz Theater," "Playhouse 90," "Gunsmoke," "You Are There," "Navy Log," "Zane Grey Theater," "Rawhide," and "Bonanza." Among his motion picture credits are Tension at table Rock, Gunfight at the O. K. Corral, Raintree County, The and Jake Wade, Warlock, and Where Love Has Gone.
De Forest married Carolyn Dowling on September 1, 1945. They met while appearing together at the long Beach Theater Group. Carolyn has since given up the Theater, and the pair reside in Sherman Oaks, California. The only member of the family is cheer!, a "Schnoodle" (schnauzer and poodle).
Although De forest plays the part of a highly skilled doctor, his personal background contains no training in medicine. He has always had, however, a strong interest in medicine and at one time was asked by his parents to consider a career as a doctor. Had it not been for his move to California, he might have gone into medical school.
De Forest fells much of McCoy's personality is a reflection on his own personal feelings--probably because he has developed much of McCoy's character himself. (This another example of Gene Roddenberry's uncanny ability in casting the right person for the right role.)
Away from the TV camera, De Forest paint, enjoys swimming and working around the house.