On this day in history, March 3rd 1920, the person to play one of the most memorable characters in Star Trek, James Doohan, was born.
While we all know of his exploits as Scotty, not many also realize that the Irish-Canadian Actor was a also a WW2 Veteran, who got his first combat experience on Juno Beach during D-Day. During the invasion, he was wounded by friendly fire, being shot 6 times (four in the leg, one in the chest and one hand causing him to lose a finger). The potentially mortal shot was deflected by a silver cigarette case…..who said smoking would kill you?
Even though he had many other acting roles in his career, of course he will always be remembered as Scotty, the Scottish Engineer aboard the USS Enterprise. Through this role, he inspired countless young techies (yours truly included) and taught us WHO really ran things behind the scenes.
He enacted Scotty Principle, that was best defined in the STNG Episode Relics -
"You told him how long it would actually take you? How do you expect to be considered a Miracle worker if you tell them how long it will really take."
This is a principle that I still use to this very day.
James went on to pass away on July 20th 2005 of pneumonia….on the the Anniversary of Apollo 11 lunar landing. Fitting, if you ask me.
I will always have a soft spot in my heart for him (especially since he reminds me of my own father), so please join me in raising a toast on his birthday.
Cheers Scotty……Thanks for making life fun and being an inspiration.
<Ed Note- Sorry for the poor quality of the vid, it was the best I could find>
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