James Doohan

Highest Rated: 86% Trekkies (1997)

Lowest Rated: 8% Pretty Maids All in a Row (1971)

Birthday: Mar 3, 1920

Birthplace: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Known most famously for playing beloved chief engineer Montgomery Scott on the classic science fiction series, "Star Trek" (NBC, 1966-69), actor James Doohan became a pop-culture icon to generations of adoring fans. His professional acting career began with prolific work in radio and television, on series such as "The Twilight Zone" (CBS, 1959-1964) and "The Virginian" (NBC, 1962-1971) prior to landing his career-making role on Gene Roddenberry's "Western set in space." The franchise was later brought back to life, bigger than ever, with the release of "Star Trek: The Motion Picture" (1979), spawning five successful sequels, in all of which Doohan made appearances. Although he also found work outside the "Trek" universe, Doohan good-naturedly gave back to the loyal community of fans who for years flocked to see him and the other members of the Enterprise crew at various conventions, before passing away in 2005, the second lead to do so after the 1999 death of DeForest Kelley. Doohan's portrayal of the beloved and beleaguered "Scotty" granted him an enduring legacy very few actors would ever have the good fortune to attain.