Quotes

[on why he chose to play Dr. McCoy instead of Mr. Spock on Star Trek (1966)] I wouldn't have been anywhere near Leonard Nimoy. He's marvelous.

[on his life] I'd wanted to become a doctor and couldn't - yet became the best known doctor in the galaxy.

[on the Star Trek (1966) fans] They're the most devoted group of people and contrary to what people think, they don't have antennae coming out of their heads.

I'm very grateful for the career that I've had. And I'm very grateful for the experiences that Star Trek has afforded me along with my past background. When I look back and think how fortunate I've been to work with some wonderful people and had some marvelous experiences, then I can look at Star Trek and think it's almost like the cream on the coffee. I don't approach it as anything but a magnificent plus.

I thoroughly enjoyed those years. I liked Westerns for two reasons: First, it took the actor outside. They were all very physical at that time and not limited to a stage. Second, they paid my rent an awful lot.

[to William Shatner, on his deathbed] Let's make just one more Star Trek movie! I sure miss making those movies!

[on why he turned down Star Trek: Generations (1994)]: When I read the script and saw we were only in the first 10 minutes, I thought it was best to pass and go out with 'VI' ('The Undiscovered Country'). At the time, I didn't know Leonard had passed as well, and I certainly wouldn't have done the film without him in it.

[on the Star Trek episode 'The Deadly Years'] I once aged 90 years old in one episode.

[on the process of working on a Star Trek episode] I'm up at 5 (a.m.) in the morning and in bed by 10 (p.m.) in the evening.