I've never been a big fan of Star Trek be it the original series or its many spin-offs, sequels, movies, etc. As far as I'm concerned there's only one reason to watch a single episode of anything with Star Trek in its title--DeForrest Kelly. Although William Shatner got the publicity and Leonard Nimoy got the awards, Kelly was the backbone of the show as far as I'm concerned. His character, Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy, was the show's realist and also its moral center. Bones McCoy was a bit of an Everyman with whom most viewers could identify . Even the ones who are not sci-fi afficionados such as myself.

Kelly, as stated on his page bio, had a long career in show biz playing mostly supporting roles. He never graduated into leading man territory and maybe it's fortunate for TV viewers that he didn't. Wonderful character actors like DeForrest Kelly are the backbone of every successful TV series or blockbuster movie. Without them we have no show. With them we have great memories.

RIP, Mr. Kelly