James Doohan dies

Jul 20, 2005 by Ian Evans

James Doohan, who played the beloved character Scotty in the Star Trek series and movies, died Wednesday at the age of 85. Doohan, who was suffering from pneumonia and Alzheimer’s disease, died with his wife of 28 years, Wende, at his side.

Doohan had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2004 and made his farewell to the public. The Canadian-born actor, who was a popular figure on the fan convention circuit, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame that year with several of his Star Trek co-stars at his side.

Born in Vancouver in March 3, 1920, James escaped a rough home life by enlisting in the Canadian Army when he was 19. Doohan was among the Canadian soldiers who stormed Juno Beach on D-Day. He was wounded by six bullets including one that took off his middle right finger.

When he returned home after the war, Doohan started taking a drama class in Toronto. His skill earned him a two-year scholarship for New York’s Neighborhood Playhouse. He landed several character roles in films and television before he was beamed aboard the Starship Enterprise when Star Trek hit the air for three season’s in 1966.