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Star Trek's Scotty Dies at 85
darkworm writes "James Doohan, better known to Trekkies everywhere as Scotty, has died at the age of 85. James was suffering from both Parkinsons and Alzheimer's and died earlier today at his home"
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He's dead, Jim! -- Bones
Strange women lying in ponds distributing swords is no basis for a system of government.
"Is the word given, sir?"
"Aye, laddie-- warp speed."
RIP, Scotty.
Scotty had to be one of the most beloved Star Trek characters of all time and Mr. Doohan really made the character. I only hope that someone somewhere will play Amazing Grace on the pipes for him as he did for Spock at the end of Star Trek II.
may the force be with you!
wait...
... Of all the characters in Star Trek.... He.. was the most... human.
BBC obituary here.
Just as Agnes Moorehead didn't want to be remembered only as "the witch", I think it's kind of insulting to James Doohan just to encapsulate remberences of him solely as his most well-known character. Can anyone out there comment on his other roles? (e.g. Star Commander of Jason?) his military service? or his long, long life?
We all know he had a fun, fake Scottish accent and was unparalleled in delivering technobabble in just the right doses for a good episode of Trek, but I'd love to hear the stories of this man that aren't penned by Rodenberry or copyrighted by Viacom.
Anyone have any?
The Space Shuttle is obviously waiting for his ashes... That would be fitting. (Depending on the families wishes of course)
"We know what happens to people who stay in the middle of the road. They get run over." - Aneurin Bevan
But the real value that James Doohan brought to his role, and that I value from his life was his enthusiasm. The positiveness he brought to his role came from the heart. He embodied and lived the "Can Do" attitude. Hopefully it was every bit as infectious as the rest of Star Trek and we will all remember that we too 'can do!'
"Can there be a Klein bottle that is an efficient and effective beer pitcher?"
He was also a linguist...
I see, but was he a cunning one?
-ShelbyCobra
Living life in the right side of the s-plane
I loved the scene in the documentary Trekkies where Doohan talks befriending a suicidal fan.
. shtml
I found this link which gave more info about that part of the documentary.
http://www.treknation.com/interviews/roger_nygard
Q: Trekkies like to hear anecdotes. Tell us of some funny incident during the production of the movie.
A: Right in the middle of the most emotional moment of our interview with James Doohan the camera ran out of film, interrupting Mr. Doohan in the middle of his story about a suicide note he had received from a fan. He couldn't wait until the camera was reloaded because he was already late to be on stage. The convention security people said there would not be time for a second interview so it seemed like we would never find out what happened to the suicidal woman. We were determined to find out so we waited four hours until after Mr. Doohan spoke on stage and then signed several hundred autographs and then Denise asked him if he could kindly come back to finish his story. Despite being exhausted from the day's convention events, he graciously agreed, and he told us the rest of the story, which became the most touching moment in the film. I can't believe we almost didn't get that story.
A great actor who will be missed by all. So sad that such an extrodinary human suffered the indignity of dying through Alzheimers.
I recommend all Slashdotters honour his memory by donating to the Alzheimer's Association so we can find a cure for this disease.
I had breakfast with Jimmy Doohan once. This was years before I was a famous geek, so I doubt he remembered it long. But I remember him -- a very warm, human, unassuming person. He had the quiet self-confidence of a man who's seen it all, done most of it, lived an upright life, and has nothing left to prove to anybody. The contrast with the brittle personalities and huge fragile egos of some other Trek stars I've met was very noticeable.
I'll miss you, Jimmy.
>>esr>>
Mostly by his 5 year old son I should think.
Sarah Doohan is a girl.
The mind boggles - how much of an asshole do you have to be to have children at that age?
These things are not always planned. It's easy to call other people assholes when you can imagine whatever circumstances you like to support your judgement. Jackass.
If a job's not worth doing, it's not worth doing right.
There is a post on his website - http://www.wilwheaton.net/
...no two people are not on fire.
(Mr. Scott): "Engineering"
(Turbolift Computer voice): "Thank you"
(Mr. Scott): " Up your shaft! "
My father died when I was one year old. He knew he was going to die. My mother knew he was going to die. I am not an accident.
I do not consider my conception reprehensible behavior on the part of either of my parents. I'm rather glad to be here. Thanks mom and dad. The weather is lovely today and I'm angst free about the whole thing, no matter how unfasionable that may be these days.
My mother is rather glad to have me here as well, as was my father's mother before she too passed on.
I am something of him for them; and as I am half him he can hardly have "left" me.
KFG
"TK-421, why aren't you at your post?"
He arrived as the con chair (who was a big 'Scotty' fan) was speaking to the closing ceremonies. They snuck him in unseen and he walked up to her and gave her a big bear hug from behind.
Swinging around to slap him, a growl of disapproval changed to a squeal of glee almost mid-swing.
They later made her a button that read "Feel Me Up Scotty!".
Sometimes boldness is in fashion. Sometimes only the brave will be bold.
Until now, I was a big fan of the character Scotty. Now I'm a fan of Doohan, the man! Everybody thought Shatner was the player, but who knew that Scotty was the true pimp of TOS. :)
I have two, two, two recessive genetic diseases, one of which has the potential to kill me (and always makes my life rather difficult) and the other of which will certainly kill me in time. I have lived much of my life in pain and discomfort.
Life is suffering.
Nonetheless, today the sky is a remarkable shade of blue, the sun is warm, but not too hot and the air smells of summer. I have been sitting down by the river where there is a nice breeze blowing and playing violin much of the morning. I like playing violin.
Life is also the only blessing you will ever receive, and if all it offered me was today I would take it rather than have nothing.
I see no point in self-inflicted psychological suffering when it is just as easy to play violin. I feel sadness for your father, but because he created his own tragedy needlessly.
My father made it out of his twenties, but only just. Rheumatic Fever. There was no such thing as a heart transplant at the time.
Life is suffering; and then you die. If parents never had children to prevent them from suffering and death there wouldn't be any parents in the first place.
Get thee hence and buy the best pizza in town. Enjoy it.
Thank your father for making that joy possible.
KFG