Let me tell you a story about a man who wasn’t just an actor but a legend in his own right. DeForest Kelley, best known as Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy from Star Trek, had a career that spanned decades. But what exactly was his net worth? How did he build his fortune, and what kind of legacy did he leave behind? Let’s dive into the details.
DeForest Kelley wasn’t just a face in the crowd. He was a man who carved out a place for himself in Hollywood’s history books. Sure, his co-stars like William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy often grabbed the headlines, but Kelley quietly built a financial legacy that’s worth talking about. His journey wasn’t just about being on camera—it was about building a life that resonated with fans and left a lasting impact.
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DeForest Kelley: The Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Jackson DeForest Kelley |
| Popular Name | DeForest Kelley |
| Birth Date | January 20, 1920 |
| Age | 79 (Died: June 11, 1999) |
| Birthplace | Atlanta, Georgia, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Irish ancestry |
| Education | Decatur Boys High School |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Carolyn Charlotte Meagher Dowling |
| Children | N/A |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | Ernest Casey Kelley (brother) |
| Parents | Clora Casey, Ernest David Kelley |
| Height (meters) | 5 ft 10½ in (1.79 m) |
| Net Worth | $5 million |
| Source of Wealth | Acting, Star Trek franchise, conventions, voice acting, poetry |
DeForest Kelley's Net Worth in 2025
Fast forward to 2025, and DeForest Kelley’s estimated net worth sits at a cool $5 million. Now, let’s be real here—this guy wasn’t exactly rolling in cash like some of his co-stars, but he built a steady, reliable financial foundation over his lifetime. Kelley’s role as Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy in Star Trek was more than just a job; it became his identity. And while he didn’t make as much as William Shatner or Leonard Nimoy, he found ways to keep the money flowing in.
One of the highlights of his career came when he earned a whopping $1 million for his work in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. That’s right—thanks to some negotiation by Leonard Nimoy, Kelley got the recognition and pay he deserved. And let’s not forget those convention appearances. In the late '70s, Kelley was pulling in around $50,000 a year just from meeting fans and signing autographs. Not too shabby for a guy who wasn’t even the top-billed star!
For more stories about Hollywood’s biggest earners, check out some of the other legends who’ve left their mark on the industry.
Wealth, Salary, and Financial Insights
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How He Built His Wealth Over the Years
DeForest Kelley’s journey to financial stability didn’t happen overnight. It began with early roles in films like Fear in the Night, but it was his portrayal of Dr. Leonard McCoy in Star Trek that truly launched him into the spotlight. From 1966 to 1969, he became a household name thanks to the original series. Even though he wasn’t the highest-paid actor on the show, he was an essential part of the cast. And as
