Striking supporting player of film, stage, and especially TV, largely identified with, and much loved for, his role as Dr. Leonard 'Bones' McCoy on the sci-fi phenomenon, "Star Trek". Jackson DeForest Kelley--known as "De" to his friends--began his entertainment career singing on the radio and at the local Paramount theater in his native Atlanta. His acting career started when he was spotted in a Navy training film, tested and then signed to a contract at Paramount Studios. He played his only true lead in his debut, "Fear in the Night" (1947), a minor but memorable film noir which aptly
Raised in Atlanta, Georgia, where he sang in his local church's choir
1937
First journeyed outside his native Georgia after graduating high school at age 17; visited an uncle in Long Beach, California, planning to stay for two weeks, but lived in California for a year (date approximate)
Performed on the radio station WSB, which won him a singing engagement at the Atlanta Paramount Theater with Lew Forbest and His Orchestra
Moved to California; joined the Long Beach Theater Group
Discovered by a Paramount talent when he appeared in a Navy training film; was offered a screen test and later a contract; stayed with Paramount for approximately 2 1/2 years (date approximate)
