VIDEO: James Doohan (Scotty from Star Trek) Concealed His Injury On-Screen * 2024
VIDEO: James Doohan (Scotty from Star Trek) Concealed His Injury On-Screen * 2024

His biografy

James Montgomery Doohan, March 3, 1920 – July 20, 2005. Was a Canadian actor and author, best known for his role as Montgomery “Scotty” Scott in the television and film series Star Trek. Doohan’s characterization of the Scottish chief engineer of the Starship Enterprise has become one of the most recognizable elements in the Star Trek franchise, and inspired many fans to pursue careers in engineering and other technical fields. He also made contributions behind the scenes, such as the initial development of the Klingon and Vulcan languages.

That evening, Doohan was hit by machine-gun fire when returning to his command post after enjoying a cigarette; a jumpy Canadian sentry fired on his lieutenant, mistaking him for the enemy. Four rounds hit his leg, one passed through his right middle finger and one hit him in the chest, deflecting off the lucky cigarette case given to him by his brother. Later, his right middle finger would have to be amputated, an injury he would often conceal on-screen throughout his career.

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Injuries and amputations

The 13th Field Regiment was interspersed with the Regina Rifle Regiment, landing at “Nan” Sector of Juno Beach. After shooting two snipers, Doohan led his men to higher ground through a field of anti-tank mines, where they took defensive positions for the night. Crossing between command posts at 23:30 that night, Doohan was hit by six rounds fired from a Bren gun by a nervous Canadian sentry: four in his leg, one in the chest, and one through his right middle finger. The bullet to his chest was stopped by a silver cigarette case given to him by his brother. His right middle finger had to be amputated, something he would conceal on-screen during most of his career as an actor, sometimes with a flesh-colored glove with a “faux finger.”

The reason you don’t remember Scotty missing a finger is that Scotty, the character, is not supposed to be missing a finger. Any scene where you can see the missing finger are filming goofs. Close-ups of his hand were filmed using a hand double.

Acting career

Prior to his acting career, Doohan served in the 14th Field Artillery Regiment of the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division. He also served as an Artillery Forward Observation Officer (FOO) and pilot. He saw combat in Europe during World War II, including the D-Day invasion of Normandy, in which he was wounded, apparently by friendly fire. After the war, he had extensive experience performing in radio and television, which led to his role as Scotty. Following the cancellation of the original Star Trek series, Doohan was typecast and had limited success in finding other roles; he returned to play the character in the animated and film continuations of the series, and made frequent appearances at Star Trek conventions.

Eddie Paskey, who played TOS background character Lt. Leslie, stood in for Doohan for some episodes requiring closeups of Scotty’s hands.

James Doohan, Star Trek actor, lost his middle finger * Todo lo relacionado