LOS ANGELES — James Doohan, the burly chief engineer of the Starship Enterprise in the original “Star Trek” TV series and motion pictures who responded to the command “Beam me up, Scotty,” died early Wednesday. He was 85.
Doohan died at 5:30 a.m. at his Redmond, Wash., home with his wife of 28 years, Wende, at his side, Los Angeles agent and longtime friend Steve Stevens said. The cause of death was pneumonia and Alzheimer’s disease, he said.
I’m too shocked for a thoughtful eulogy right now. Everyone who watched Star Trek liked Scotty, but everyone who met him loved Jimmy . . . I’m sure I’m not the only person today who feels like they lost a friend. My thoughts are with his family.
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Any man who participated in the D-Day invasion and played one of the greatest TV characters ever will be sorely missed.
I wish I had met him.
Today at work we were wishing that he could have just stepped into a transporter and endlessly looped there until future ages found him……
WWdN was the first place I came when I heard about Doohan’s death on the television, because I knew you’d have something meaningful to say about it, Wil. I never met him, but I will miss him terribly. 🙁
For a few years i lived over on the east side, i would see Mr Doohan at the Albertsons.
I was always such a big fan growing up watching his show.
When i worked up the nerve to come talk to him, he was the nicest person i have ever met.
We miss you james.
One of the greatest things I learned from “Scotty” was to always double the amount of time you would need for a project. It might sound a little dishonest, but you will never know how many times something unexpected happened and I need at least part of that extra time to pull off some “miracle”.
It’s sound advice. A good engineer should always take some account for Murphy’s Law.
One thing that makes this a little easier to take is that Mr. Doohan was able to go knowing how much he was loved. From the tributes like the one you spoke at, to the Star in Hollywood recently, I really hope he was able to see how much his performance, and his spirit in real life, influenced the world for the better.
How many of us will move on making a difference in this world because of the role he potrayed? How many more are a little better now because they knew the man?
Alex the Bold:
Two questions that I hope Wil can address when he gets around to his posting…
And in one of the later Futurama episodes, Scotty was replaced with “Welshie.” Was that because Doohan was too ill by then?
I read about this earlier on another website
Wil gave Mr. Doohan a very classy send off on Talk of the Nation on NPR today… Well done, Wil, well done.
I’m shocked by this. I don’t know how to put my thoughts down eloquently, so I’ll just say what comes to mind.
My sister and I used to watch Star Trek together growing up. She was a HUGE fan of Leonard Nimoy, and I liked Scotty. I don’t know if it was his adorable, grandfatherly accent, or the way his eyes would twinkle when he delivered a clever line, but he always made me smile.
How lucky you are, Wil, to have gotten to know him.
Nice seeming guy, best on TOS. Sad to see him go.
Although he had been in declining health for several years (not only from Alzheimer’s, but also diabetes and several other afflictions), it is still sad to learn of his death, even though we all knew it was coming, sooner or later.
Given the fact that he got his start in the RCAF during World War II, it occurs to me that a fairly well-known poem from that era would be an appropriate tribute. It’s by John Gillespie Magee, Jr., a young American who joined the RCAF prior to the entry of the US into WWII. Only a few days after writing this poem, and including it in a letter to his mother, Mr. Magee was killed in a mid-air collision in England. The poem is titled, “High Flight,” and it goes like this:
Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth,
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings.
Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds, and done a hundred things you have not dreamed of.
Wheeled, and soared, and swung, high in the sunlit silence.
Hovering there, I’ve chased the shouting wind along, And flung my eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue, I’ve topped the windswept heights with easy grace,
Where never lark, or ever eagle flew.
And, while with silent, lifting mind, I’ve trod the high, untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
I close by ading my own personal tribute, which I call “A Vulcan Prayer,” which I submitted to the convention at which Mr. Doohan made his final public appearance:
Live long and prosper, James Doohan!
May the sunset years of your life be filled with peace, color, beauty, and glory,
Like that of the setting sun itself.
And, when the time comes–as come it must for all men–For your time in this life to end,
May you be free from pain or suffering of any kind, Surrounded by the love of friends, fans, and family,
Able to look back with satisfaction
On a life well-ived, and a job well done!
Rest in peace, James Doohan!
“My soul is painted like the wings of butterflies
Fairy tales of yesterday will grow but never die
I can fly – my friends” – Queen, “The Show Must Go On”
Tonight, Scotty flies for the last time. Rest in Peace, Mr. Doohan.
(karmelrio-don’t feel bad about tearing up…i’m still full-on crying…)
Goodness, I’m tearing up too. Godspeed, Mr Doohan.
One to beam up.
Oh man, I’m sad to hear he’s gone, and how he went (Alzheimer’s and pnuemonia). At least his wife was by his side, and I hope he knew that. This is the man who singlehandedly taught a nation of engineers to say “I’ll have that for you in 8 hours”, only to turn it around in minutes, making you look real good. Speed, Mr. Doohan, speed.
That is so sad to hear James Doohan died. We lose so many good people to sickness and what not and he was was sure one of the good ones! My thoughts are also with his family and friends. May you rest in peace Mr. Doohan!! P.S. Wil, your post was very moving. That is one of the best things about your site! You always have the right words to say about people.
I never had the chance to meet Jimmy Doohan in person, but I can truthfully state that I adored the way he brought the character of Scotty to life. It was that lovely Scottish burr that must have done it — that and the “human touches” like his fondness for good malt Scotch! He will be missed and lovingly remembered in the hearts of all whose lives he touched…which is a good part of the population of the world, and that’s a fine legacy to leave behind.
I was fortunate to meet him a few years back at a Trek convention. He seemed like a very sweet and nice guy. I know he’s had health problems the last few years, but his death was still somewhat of a shock. He will be missed dearly.
Tears. I’ll lift a glass tonight at the pub. RIP.
Of all the random deaths that have occured in the past year, this is the first to touch me in the slightest. I don’t know why; I never knew this man, I never watched TOS, I never went to any conventions. But all your loving memories of him have made his death meaningful.
May he forever rest in peace, and may the memories of him live long and prosper.
The number of people writing in to comment is a tribute in itself.
However, weirdness, a comment on the news from William “f***ing” Shatner on how close he was to Jimmy and how they stayed good friends all these years. Jimmy said himself that he liked Kirk, but couldn’t stand Shatner. I’d have liked it better if Shatner had simply settled for saying something nice about Jimmy’s work, and not gone with that little piece of embroidery.
I made a little memorial page for Scotty.. Nothing too fancy, but hopefully I got the message across okay..
http://nemfxprojects.4t.com/custom.html
You know, for years I’ve thinking, “If I ever have a kid and it’s a boy, I’m going to try to name him Montgomery Scott.” Hey, I can always use the excuse that Scott is also my middle name.
I do find it appropriate that he died on the moon landing anniversary. He was the reason I became a nuke (worker bee on a nuclear reactor) and Star Trek was probably a big factor that made me choose to serve on a submarine instead of something lame, like an aircraft carrier.
Rest in peace Jimmy Doohan. We love you and will miss you.
I loved original Trek. It looks cheesy now, but it will always be a classic, the show that started it all.
My thoughts are with Jimmy’s family right now. His death was one shock of many today.
My sister was due to have her daughter in one month. She went in to full labor this morning at – you guessed it – 5:30. Born one month premature but healthy and already spunky. My guess is, the kid has a big legacy to live up to now.
Kind of that big Circle of Life thing. I know I’ll always have one day now when I think of Jimmy and the wonderful legacy he left behind.
Here’s the link for the NPR article:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4762683
He lives forever on the silver screen and in the hearts of his fans. It was hard to read about his decline, I wish his family the best, no doubt a dazzingly light has gone out in their world.
Burn bright children, we have a lot of slack to take up.
Make that ‘dazzlingly-bright’ (which I ain’t)
Love of Star Trek is one of many things that bonded my Dad and I together as a little girl , and Later My Son, Mike and I together. Scottie was one of the best Role modles Off and On the screen. When wE took my son to Cedar point and he rode his first roller coster , he became very scared ,, instead of just screaming ,, he yelled Beam me up Scotty , and he was serious,,lol . He will be very missed and fondly remembered
I met him breifly at a convention a few years back. He was extremely nice and friendly to myself and the two friends I was with. He will truely be missed.
but im happy that he (and his family, his friends) wont have to suffer any longer from this terrible disease. whats important is that he lead a full life. im going to miss him.
As a Canadian I have to remember Jimmy’s service in World War II.
From the Daily Bulletin:
He was among the Canadian forces that landed on Juno Beach on D-Day. “The sea was rough,” he recalled. “We were more afraid of drowning than the Germans.”The Canadians crossed a minefield laid for tanks; the soldiers weren’t heavy enough to detonate the bombs. At 11:30 that night, he was machine-gunned, taking six hits: one that took off his middle right finger (he managed to hide the missing finger on screen), four in his leg and one in the chest. Fortunately the chest bullet was stopped by his silver cigarette case.
Rest in peace, James. Far more important than being a good actor is being a good human. You were both. Thank you so very much. Carsten
Iceberg wrote:
“Mr. Scott, the word is given.”
*with tears in my eyes*
Damnit, that says it all, doesn’t it?
Reminds me of another great line Kirk said before the Enterprise was decommissioned.
“Second star to the right, and straight on ’til morning”…
The stars are yours dear friend. Go to them.
The galaxy seems a little empiter today.
I was shot down by Klingons AND Romulans when I heard that “Scotty” had passed away. He was always my favorite character on the original series and there was always a “link” between me and him because my nickname was Scotty. May he go to the grand Enterprise in the Heavens in the deepest reaches of space.
My deepest sympathy to the entire Doohan family!
One of the most treasured pictures and stories I have about James Doohan:
I was standing in line at a convention with my wife ready to get Mr. Doohan’s autograph. When it was my turn, Mr. Doohan raised from his seat to streach. His assistant said that if we wanted a picture, it would be a good time now to do it.
Mr. Doohan then asked me, “Is this pretty young lady here your wife?”
I answered, “Yes, Sir.”
He then said, “I’ll let you take a picture, but she has to give me a kiss on the cheek.”
I whole heartedly agreed to his proposal as I knew I was about to shoot the picture of a lifetime.
He then offered me a picture with him and I said, “I’d appreciate that, but I’m not kissing you.”
I will remember that moment for the rest of my life and would like to thank that man for giving it to me.
He seemed like a great man. My thoughts are with his family. He lived a long life and i’m sure he will be very fondly remembered by many.
As someone responsible for an ongoing Star Trek universe saga over on Electric Minds, I came up with a small tribute here, as expressed by the characters aboard our own starship.
Godspeed, Jimmy.
I wish I could’ve had the opportunity to meet him. Best wishes to his family and those who knew him.
I was shot down by Klingons AND Romulans when I heard that “Scotty” had passed away. He was always my favorite character on the original series and there was always a “link” between me and him because my nickname was Scotty. May he go to the grand Enterprise in the Heavens in the deepest reaches of space.
My deepest sympathy to the entire Doohan family!
I was shot down by Klingons AND Romulans when I heard that “Scotty” had passed away. He was always my favorite character on the original series and there was always a “link” between me and him because my nickname was Scotty. May he go to the grand Enterprise in the Heavens in the deepest reaches of space.
My deepest sympathy to the entire Doohan family!
I was shot down by Klingons AND Romulans when I heard that “Scotty” had passed away. He was always my favorite character on the original series and there was always a “link” between me and him because my nickname was Scotty. May he go to the grand Enterprise in the Heavens in the deepest reaches of space.
My deepest sympathy to the entire Doohan family!
I met Jimmy awhile back when I lived in Raleigh. He was at a Sci Fi convention along with Walter Koenig, George Takei, Nichelle Nichols, Chase Masterson, and Stephen Furst. All were very nice. “Relics” aired during the 6th season of ST:TNG, so Wil was gone by then. I am looking forward to Wil’s rememberences of Jimmy.
Jimmy looked a little tired but perked up when I addressed him as “Mr. Doohan.” instead of “Scotty.” He graciously gave me an autograph, and he said he wanted a drink! I offered to buy him one, but he said the convention folks wouldn’t look too kindly on that.
I wish I had known about his service in World War II, especially what he went through at D-Day. I also did not know he had nine children.
I’m reminded of my visit to a convention in Charleston, WV back when I was in High School. I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Doohan. I was wearing a Star Wars “T” and he said to me “Nice Shirt…Wrong Universe”. I laughed and we sat and talked for a few minutes. I really enjoyed my conversation with him and will forever remember him. I was truly saddened to see him go.
A very sad day in the universe.
Peace to you Mr. Doohan.
I was honored to chat with Jimmy during the (short-lived) Disney World SciFi convention back in 95 (96?). He came across as totally genuine and totally likable.
I even managed to stay cool and not go completely fanboy 🙂
He was possibly my favorite TOS character and was partly responsible for my interest in computers and programming.
RIP dude.
That was an awesome, heartfelt send-off you gave Jimmy, Wil. Good jaerb.
Good ol Scotty! Sorry to see him go!
BTW Wil, did you know that that Nemesis will have deleted scenes on the DVD? One of them is your scene in the movie! Good stuff!
I have a separate love for ALL the star trek personalities. I really loved that Jim made himself publically available while battling alzheimers. He was a huge face for me of hanging on with dignity… not being secluded away because he was suffering an illness. It was great his family supported this and let all his fans show him love. he’ll be missed.
A toast in the memory James Doohan:
Here’s to ye, lad!