DeForest Kelley Net Worth

DeForest Kelley passed away in 1999 leaving behind an extensive legacy and fortune. Renowned actor who gained prominence due to acclaimed performances such as Gunfight at the O.K. Corral and Star Trek films.

On January 20, 1920 in Toccoa, Georgia he made his acting debut and has gone on to appear in numerous films and television programs over his long career.

Early Life and Education

DeForest Kelley was born in Toccoa, Georgia on January 20, 1920. Initially he wanted to follow in the footsteps of his uncle who gave him birth, however due to financial reasons his family could not send him off to medical school so instead turned towards theater and acting instead.

Kelley graduated from Decatur Boys High School and moved to Long Beach, California, to pursue a career in acting with the Long Beach Theater Group, where he met Carolyn Dowling who also performed. They met and later married.

Kelley made his acting debut in 1957 with John Sturges’ Gunfight at the OK Corral, then later made appearances in You Are There, Raintree County and Warlock among other movies and TV series.

Professional Career

DeForest Kelley was an immensely talented actor who brought his vocal and acting abilities to numerous Western films and television series – particularly Star Trek! In fact, his role on that iconic show cemented his place in Hollywood history.

Kelley was born January 20, 1920 in Toccoa, Georgia and graduated from Decatur Boys High School that year before heading west for theater and radio acting careers in Long Beach, California.

He began his career appearing in Western films and as a guest star on television shows like Gunsmoke, Bonanza, and The Twilight Zone. Additionally he made appearances in film noir “Fear in the Night”, other movies and TV shows, stage productions as well as his beloved charity work within his community.

Achievement and Honors

DeForest Kelley was an immensely beloved actor best known for his iconic portrayal of Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy on Star Trek television series and movies. His legacy will endure for generations to come.

Kelley was born in Atlanta, Georgia, and spent his early life there before making the move to California after being discovered by a Paramount Pictures talent scout while working on an US Navy training film project.

He first appeared on screen as an extra in the low budget drama film Fear in the Night in 1947 and quickly began garnering roles in other movies as well as appearing on popular television programs such as You Are There and Variety Girl.

Kelley continued acting after Star Trek ended, appearing in only a handful of movies each year and receiving residuals and royalties for both reruns and film releases as well as investing in real estate. Furthermore, he was an active philanthropist, giving much of his wealth away to various charities.

Personal Life

DeForest Kelley was a devoted family man and fan-loved by all. Throughout his lifetime, he donated generously to numerous charities as an advocate for animal rights. Furthermore, he made smart real estate investments which added substantially to his net worth.

Kelley quickly won over fans of Star Trek around the globe as their beloved ship’s doctor in six movies based on Star Trek. His portrayal earned him global acclaim and audiences were often won over by his warmth and humor.

Kelley attended Star Trek conventions often and enjoyed meeting fans. He even appeared in a fan-made episode. Kris Smith, his longtime friend and author of Up Close and Personal, wrote his life story for Celestis’ book of his life story Up Close and Personal that was published in 2017 entitled Enterprise Memorial Space Flight which includes two locks of Kelley’s hair preserved as mementoes of Kelley’s.

Net Worth

DeForest Kelley was a beloved actor who left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Renowned for his southern drawl and mesmerizing blue eyes, DeForest Kelley delighted audiences with his captivating performances while remaining devoted family man and philanthropist.

Kelley first gained acting experience through church singing and radio appearances before embarking on his Hollywood acting career. Among others, his notable roles include Star Trek: Enterprise (where his acting abilities were demonstrated). Furthermore, he made appearances in movies like Gunsmoke and Bonanza as well as numerous TV series such as American Pie.

Kelley passed away on June 11, 1999 but his legacy lives on through classic films and television series he created; residuals, royalties, and real estate investments all continue to add value to his net worth and build upon it.