Deforest Kelley Quotes

Powerful Deforest Kelley for Daily Growth

About Deforest Kelley

Deforest Kelley (1920-1999), an American actor renowned for his captivating performances on both stage and screen, was born on January 20, 1920, in Detroit, Michigan. His career spanned over five decades, making a significant impact in the realms of television and film. Raised in Arkabutla, Mississippi, by his parents Lola Spinks and Edward S. Kelley Jr., DeForest developed an early interest in acting. In 1943, he graduated from Detroit's Northwestern High School before enlisting in the United States Navy as a pharmacist's mate during World War II. Upon returning home after the war, Kelley took acting classes at the Detroit Community Theater Workshop and made his stage debut in 1947. In the 1950s, Kelley found success on Broadway, performing alongside legendary actors such as Tennessee Williams and Paul Newman. However, it was his portrayal of Dr. Leonard 'Bones' McCoy in Star Trek (1966-1969) that brought him worldwide recognition. His character became a fan favorite due to the complex relationship between McCoy and Captain Kirk, embodied by William Shatner. Post-Star Trek, Kelley continued to act, appearing in various films and television shows such as O'Hara, U.S. Treasury (1965), Mission: Impossible (1967-1973), and The Love Boat (1982-1986). In 1979, he returned to the Star Trek universe in the film Star Trek: The Motion Picture. Kelley's impact extended beyond his acting roles. He was an active member of the Screen Actors Guild and a dedicated advocate for civil rights. DeForest Kelley passed away on June 11, 1999, leaving behind a legacy as a talented actor and influential figure in both entertainment and activism.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Logic is the beginning of wisdom, not the end."

This quote by Deforest Kelley emphasizes that while logic and reason are essential tools for understanding our world, they alone do not provide us with ultimate wisdom. Logic is a means to make sense of information and solve problems, but it can't capture the full depth of human experience or the complexities of life. Wisdom involves not only logical thinking but also empathy, intuition, and emotional intelligence – qualities that extend beyond logic and help us make well-rounded decisions and navigate life's uncertainties.


"Acting is an opportunity to meet yourself."

This quote suggests that acting, for Deforest Kelley, was a means through which he could explore and understand aspects of his own personality, emotions, and character. It implies that the process of acting allows actors to delve into their inner selves, uncovering hidden or unexplored facets of themselves. This self-discovery can lead to personal growth and enrichment.


"In show business, you're always looking for the next step."

This quote by Deforest Kelley encapsulates the dynamic nature of the entertainment industry, where professionals are continually seeking to progress, innovate, and advance their careers. It implies that success in show business is not static or achieved once; rather, it involves a continuous pursuit of new opportunities, roles, and experiences that challenge and grow one's talent. This mindset drives artists to be adaptable, resilient, and always ready for the next big step on their professional journey.


"A good actor can interpret a script. A great actor interprets a life."

This quote emphasizes that exceptional acting transcends mere interpretation of written words; it involves immersing oneself in the character's life, emotions, and experiences to create a vivid, authentic performance. Great actors don't just read lines - they live them, making the audience believe in and feel for their characters. This level of dedication and empathy elevates acting from a simple craft to an art form that can deeply move and resonate with audiences.


"I have been very lucky in that I have had a long career and I have played some wonderful roles."

This quote by Deforest Kelley suggests gratitude for a successful, lengthy career in acting and the opportunity to portray engaging and memorable characters. It implies contentment, satisfaction, and recognition of good fortune in his professional journey.


I have been exposed to a great amount of temptation throughout the course of my career.

- DeForest Kelley

Career, Been, Amount, Temptation

It was a perfectly average well- adjusted childhood, not a bit unlike that of millions of other individuals.

- DeForest Kelley

Average, Other, Perfectly, Adjusted

My ambition is peace and perfection.

- DeForest Kelley

Peace, Ambition, Perfection

I have no aspiration whatsoever to be the next great leading man.

- DeForest Kelley

Next, Leading, Whatsoever, Aspiration

I ran around with the other youngsters, hunting, fishing and raising tadpoles and all the rest.

- DeForest Kelley

Rest, Other, Raising, Ran

I m up at 5 in the morning and in bed by 10 in the evening.

- DeForest Kelley

Morning, Bed, Up, Evening

I refuse to be crude and selfish in any way.

- DeForest Kelley

Selfish, Refuse, Any, Crude

You see, I was the son of a baptist minister.

- DeForest Kelley

Son, See, Minister, Baptist

Star Trek has brought so much of what I want within my grasp.

- DeForest Kelley

Star, Grasp, Brought, Trek

Star Trek is perhaps the best thing that ever happened to me, in a career sense.

- DeForest Kelley

Career, Perhaps, Ever, Trek

What I truly miss the most is having sufficient time to do all the things that need to be done around the house and for our friends.

- DeForest Kelley

Done, Need, Having, Sufficient

I had fallen in love with California.

- DeForest Kelley

Love, California, Had, Fallen

I am still seeking to become firmly established as an actor.

- DeForest Kelley

Actor, Established, Firmly, Seeking

I once aged 90 years old in one episode.

- DeForest Kelley

Old, Once, Episode, Aged

I have deep feelings for the welfare and comfort of others.

- DeForest Kelley

Deep, Feelings, Comfort, Welfare

I have considered myself a mature actor.

- DeForest Kelley

Myself, Mature, Considered, Actor

My father started me singing in church.

- DeForest Kelley

Father, Me, Church, Singing

The most important influence in my childhood was my father.

- DeForest Kelley

Important, Most, Dad, Influence

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