R.I.P. James Doohan 1920-2005

James Doohan died early this morning at the age of 85 from pnemonia and Alzheimers. He is best remembered for his portrayal of Monthgomery "Scotty" Scott on Star Trek. Canadian born, he was a master of dialects. Doohan served in the Canadian Army and landed at Juno Beach on D-Day. He suffered wounds and lost the middle finger on his right hand, which he managed to hide throughout his acting career. He had four children with his first wife, Judy, and two children with his second wife, Anita. The youngest of four children, he is survived by his wife of 28 years, Wende, and their three children, the youngest only being born in 2000. Doohan was never ashamed of his role as the famous engineer, and never got tired of hearing fans order him "Beam Me Up Scotty", although that line has never been said on screen in Star Trek. Doohan is the second original series cast member to pass away, as DeForrest Kelley (Dr. McCoy) died in 2001. On a personal note, I have always respected and admired James Doohan for his incredible acting skills, not just on Star Trek. I was saddened last August when he retired from public life after being diagonsed with Alzheimer's, and his death is very sad, although he led a rich and full life. Many of my favorite actors have died in recent years, Lane Smith (Perry White on Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman) for instance died last month. Doohan hits me the hardest though. My favorite two actors from the original Star Trek were the first two to go. Remember Jimmy and his legacy.

Qop!
"I know this ship like I know the back of my hand!" James Doohan as Scotty in Star Trek V: The Final Frontier. Shortly thereafter he smacks his head on a pipe and lays unconscious