Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, July 13, 1993 TAG: 9312030371
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Ian Spelling
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The legendary writer-producer had already cast Kelley in two pilots for TV series (``33 Montgomery Street'' and ``Police Story'') and wanted him to take a look at the original pilot for ``Star Trek,'' which starred Jeffrey Hunter.
``After [the screening] he said, `Well, cowboy, what did you think?''' Kelley recalls.
``Not being a fan of science-fiction, I said, `Gene, that will be the biggest hit or the biggest miss ever made.' It turned out to be a bit of both.''
Kelley eventually signed on to play Dr. Leonard McCoy, but if the winds of fate had blown in another direction he might have donned Vulcan ears and portrayed Spock.
``It's hard to believe,'' Kelley says by phone from his home in Sherman Oaks, Calif.
``Gene and I had lunch at the studio commissary, when it was called Desilu. Gene said, `I've got two roles.' He first described this green-painted alien.''
Kelley, then best known for playing ``heavies'' in feature films and TV westerns, asked Roddenberry to explain the other role.
``He said, `It's High Noon.' Well,'' Kelley says, laughing, ``I said, `I'll take High Noon.'''
``I'm glad it turned out that way because I wouldn't have been anywhere near Leonard [Nimoy]. He's been marvelous.''
Initially, Kelly agreed to do just seven of the first 13 ``Trek'' episodes. He never dreamed that 27 years later he would be discussing a possible seventh ``Trek'' movie.
``There has been talk of another film,'' the Atlanta-born actor says in his soft Southern drawl. ``I went into `VI' with every indication it was the last, but now I hear they may work us into a movie with the `Next Generation.'''
Over the years Kelley's ``Treks'' have taken him to conventions worldwide, earned him a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame, enabled him to forge enduring friendships with his co-stars and many fans and given him the opportunity to place his hands and feet in the cement at Mann's Chinese Theater.
Now 73, he has participated in nearly every ``Trek'' manifestation, from the animated series to the six films to an appearance as 137-year old Adm. McCoy on the ``Next Generation'' pilot.
While awaiting word on ``Trek VII,'' Kelley is relaxing at home with his wife, Carolyn, and their 85-year-old pet turtle, Myrtle.
``I've always thought it nice to have something around that's a little older than Carolyn and me,'' jokes Kelley, who spends much of his free time raising funds for animal-related causes. He also writes poetry.
``At conventions I read some of my poems. They're a mix of comedy and truth.
``I always come back to what everyone is doing now, I talk about Leonard [Nimoy] and his directing.
Bill [Shatner] is riding horses and hosts `Rescue 911,' so he's in heaven.
``So what's with Kelley? He's still in the valley with the very same wife! In September it will be 47 big years.''
Some things in life, like the Kelleys' marriage and ``Star Trek,'' seem to last for ever.
If you have Trek news or trivia to share - or if you have questions relating to ``Star Trek'' - write to Ian Spelling, care of The Roanoke Times and World-News, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke, VA 24010. Be sure to enclose a self- addressed, stamped envelope if you would like a reply.
by CNB