Discover the enduring legacy of DeForest Kelley

Kris Smith spent many years as DeForest Kelley’s assistant and as his friend. Through many hours of conversation and correspondence, a strong friendship and trust was born. Years of watching fans interacting with Kelley and showing their love of the man who had brought Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy to live on Star Trek: The Original Series and the ensuing movies led to this book—The Enduring Legacy of DeForest Kelley, Actor, Healer, Friend.

In this short volume, the author shares letters and memories from fans who knew Kelley as the title says—as an actor, healer, and a friend. And the heartfelt reminisces are numerous. Though you most likely already know the warmth and kindness that existed in DeForest Kelley, this book highlights the many ways he became more than just an actor to a legion of Star Trek fans.

Those fans write of how Kelley encouraged them to follow their dreams and congratulated them on successes. Of how he invested in the lives of those who adored his work. And even those who didn’t have the opportunity to meet him write about the impact he made on their lives through his work.

There are stories of Kelley providing coffee to fans who’d waited in line for ten hours to meet him, of poems written about the man they considered a hero, and his openness when accidentally meeting fans in hotel lobbies. All of which point to a genteel side of DeForest Kelley that was always visible beneath the surface of the actor.

It won’t take you long to read The Enduring Legacy of DeForest Kelley, Actor, Healer, Friend, but each and every word will stay with you long after you finish the finale page. It’s filled with beautiful stories of a man who lived his life as a gentleman and left behind a legacy of love.