The Truth About DeForest Kelley in Star Trek: The Next Generation

There is much confusion and misinformation surrounding DeForest Kelley's role in Star Trek: The Next Generation (ST:TNG). I will clarify the facts to set the record straight.

DeForest Kelley's CAMEO in "Encounter at Farpoint"

DeForest Kelley did appear in the pilot episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, titled "Encounter at Farpoint." However, his appearance was not the full character of Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy. He was under a heavy amount of makeup, portraying an aged version of McCoy, making him appear to be approximately 137 years old by the time of his cameo. This appearance was a strategic decision to show the audience McCoy's future state.

IMDB Confirmation

IMDb, a reputable source, confirms DeForest Kelley's involvement in the pilot episode. This is the same source many refer to when verifying actors' roles in TV shows and films. His appearance in the episode is officially documented there.

DeForest Kelley’s Health and Passing

DeForest Kelley's health was indeed deteriorating in the late 1980s. Despite the makeup, he was not able to continue his role as Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy in the series. After playing McCoy in the pilot episode, his health issues prevented him from appearing in further episodes.

DeForest Kelley passed away on June 11, 1999, at the age of 79. His contribution to the Star Trek franchise, particularly as Dr. McCoy, will always be remembered and celebrated in the community of fans and the wider circle of enthusiasts.

Clearing Misconceptions

There is a common misunderstanding about DeForest Kelley's role in the series during the first episode. Many fans and critics argue that his appearance is unlike the iconic Bones from the original series (Star Trek: The Original Series - ST:TOS). This is due to the makeup and the fact that the character was portrayed as an aged version of McCoy. Similarly, the character's appearance in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country is also aged.

The Reality of Aging McCoy

In the original series, Dr. McCoy was portrayed as being in his 30s to 40s. However, in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, McCoy is depicted as being approximately 30 years older than he was in the last film. This age was further exaggerated using makeup in the Star Trek: The Next Generation pilot to create the character's elderly appearance.

Role Accuracy in ST:TNG

In summary, DeForest Kelley did indeed play Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy in the pilot episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. However, he did not continue his role in the series due to his failing health. The elderly depiction was a special, one-time appearance to show McCoy's future state, and the reality was not altered to fit the character's new age.