James Montgomery Doohan (/ˈduË É™n/; March 3, 1920 â€" July 20, 2005)
was a Canadian actor, voice actor, author and soldier best known for
his role as Montgomery "Scotty" Scott in the television and film
series Star Trek. Doohan's characterization of the Scottish Chief
Engineer of the Starship Enterprise was one of the most recognizable
elements in the Star Trek franchise, and inspired many fans to pursue
careers in engineering and other technical fields. He also made
contributions behind the scenes, such as the initial development of
the Klingon and Vulcan languages.Prior to his acting career, Doohan
served in the 14th Field Artillery Regiment of the 3rd Canadian
Infantry Division. He also served as a pilot. He saw combat in Europe
during World War II, including the D-Day invasion of Normandy, in
which he was wounded, apparently by friendly fire. After the war, he
had extensive experience performing in radio and television, which led
to his role as Scotty. Following the cancellation of the original Star
Trek series, Doohan had limited success in finding other roles; he
returned to play the character in the animated and film continuations
of the series, and made frequent appearances at Star Trek
conventions.Doohan was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, the
youngest of four children of William Patrick Doohan and Sarah Frances
(née Montgomery), who both emigrated from Bangor, Northern Ireland.
His father, born in Belfast, was a pharmacist, veterinarian and
dentist, and a member of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland.
William Doohan owned a chemist shop in Main Street in Bangor, beside
Trinity Presbyterian Church, and reportedly invented an early form of
high-octane gasoline in 1923. Doohan's 1996 autobiography recounted
his father's serious alcoholism. His paternal grandfather, Thomas
Doohan, was a Head Constable in the Royal Irish Constabulary.
was a Canadian actor, voice actor, author and soldier best known for
his role as Montgomery "Scotty" Scott in the television and film
series Star Trek. Doohan's characterization of the Scottish Chief
Engineer of the Starship Enterprise was one of the most recognizable
elements in the Star Trek franchise, and inspired many fans to pursue
careers in engineering and other technical fields. He also made
contributions behind the scenes, such as the initial development of
the Klingon and Vulcan languages.Prior to his acting career, Doohan
served in the 14th Field Artillery Regiment of the 3rd Canadian
Infantry Division. He also served as a pilot. He saw combat in Europe
during World War II, including the D-Day invasion of Normandy, in
which he was wounded, apparently by friendly fire. After the war, he
had extensive experience performing in radio and television, which led
to his role as Scotty. Following the cancellation of the original Star
Trek series, Doohan had limited success in finding other roles; he
returned to play the character in the animated and film continuations
of the series, and made frequent appearances at Star Trek
conventions.Doohan was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, the
youngest of four children of William Patrick Doohan and Sarah Frances
(née Montgomery), who both emigrated from Bangor, Northern Ireland.
His father, born in Belfast, was a pharmacist, veterinarian and
dentist, and a member of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland.
William Doohan owned a chemist shop in Main Street in Bangor, beside
Trinity Presbyterian Church, and reportedly invented an early form of
high-octane gasoline in 1923. Doohan's 1996 autobiography recounted
his father's serious alcoholism. His paternal grandfather, Thomas
Doohan, was a Head Constable in the Royal Irish Constabulary.
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