Deforest Kelley Net Worth - Pulptastic

What was DeForest Kelley’s Net Worth?

DeForest Kelley, the American actor, singer, screenwriter, and poet, had a net worth of $5 million at the time of his death in 1999. He was best known for his role as Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy in the original “Star Trek” series and its subsequent films. With over 130 acting credits to his name, Kelley also appeared in films like “Gunfight at the O.K. Corral” and television shows like “Bonanza”.

Kelley died of stomach cancer in June 1999.

Early Life and Career

DeForest Kelley was born in 1920 in Toccoa, Georgia, to parents Clora and Ernest David Kelley. His father was a Baptist minister, and Kelley grew up deeply involved with his father’s church. He began singing at an early age and eventually performed on local radio shows. The family moved to Decatur in 1934, and Kelley played on the baseball team at the Decatur Boys High School. He graduated in 1938 at the age of 16 and later moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career.

During World War II, Kelley served in the U.S. Army Air Forces from 1943 to 1946. He was spotted by a talent scout from Paramount Pictures while making a training film for the U.S. Navy. After his military service ended, he was offered a seven-year contract by Paramount Pictures.