I just learned that James Doohan has passed away at age 85, at his home in Washington State. The Canadian actor and veteran is best remembered for his performances in film and on TV as Chief Engineer Montgomery Scott, of the U.S.S. Enterprise on various incarnations of Star Trek, including the original TV series (1966-69), the animated series (1973), and the film franchise (1982 - 1991). This character is such a part of the American lexicon that Scotty has been mentioned throughout our pop culture in all kinds of places, from the 1995 submarine-crisis film Crimson Tide to various episodes of The Simpsons. I also remember Doohan as the Commander of the Space Academy on a season of Filmation's Jason of Star Command, from the mid-1970s. Doohan's Scotty gave the original Star Trek so much of its heart and drive. I'll never forget Scotty drinking a Kelvan agent under the table in "By Any Other Name," defending the honor of Lt. Palamas in "Who Mourns for Adonis," or nursing the U.S.S. Constellation back to health in "The Doomsday Machine." I'll always love Doohan's Scotty for defending the honor of the Enterprise in "The Trouble with Tribbles," and admire him for commanding her through multiple crises in episodes such as "Bread and Circuses," and "Friday's Child." Basically, Doohan brought energy, zeal and a sense of determined "can-do" attitude to Star Trek, and I know from experience that engineers around the world grew up admiring him. He truly was the miracle worker that Captain Kirk claimed he was.
We'll all miss Mr. Doohan, grieve with is family, and cherish his life and talents. He brought so much joy to so many millions of viewers, and his legacy will live long and prosper.
As Captain Kirk would no doubt say at this point, "Well done, Scotty..."
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