James Doohan Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

James Doohan is a Canadian actor most celebrated for his portrayal of Montgomery “Scotty” Scott in the Star Trek franchise.

Introduction

Born on March 3, 1920, the actor-pilot-veteran James Montgomery Doohan became a global figure through his iconic role as chief engineer Scotty in Star Trek: The Original Series and the subsequent films. His estimated net worth at the time of his death is around $7 million. He married three times, fathered several children, and maintained a rich personal life that mirrored his adventurous onscreen persona. His birthday is celebrated each year on March 3.

Quick Facts

From Wartime Cadet to the Enterprise’s Miracle-Worker

Born in Vancouver to Irish immigrant parents, Doohan showed early aptitude in mathematics and science when his family moved to Sarnia, Ontario.  With the outbreak of war, he enlisted in the Canadian Army and served in the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division, landing at Juno Beach on D-Day, where he sustained serious injuries including the loss of his right middle finger. 

After returning from service, Doohan transitioned into radio and then television, honing his voice skills and character work. In 1966 he auditioned for a new TV series and suggested a Scottish accent for the engineer—“because the best engineers are Scots,” he quipped. The character of Montgomery “Scotty” Scott was born. 

Defining moments in James Doohan’s journey include:

• Landing at Juno Beach during WWII and surviving the ordeal.

• Transitioning from radio to television and mastering dialects and voice work.

• Being cast as Scotty and transforming into a cultural engineering icon.

• Reprising the role through multiple films and conventions, cementing his legacy.

The Core Pillars of James Doohan’s Wealth Include:

While major outlets like Celebrity Net Worth list his estate at approximately $7 million, other financial details—such as residual income and licensing—are less transparent. 

Relationships & Family Life

Despite his on-screen personification of dependability, Doohan’s personal life included multiple marriages and a sizable family. He was first married to Janet Young, with whom he had four children; this marriage ended in 1964. In 1967 he married Anita Yagel; they divorced in 1972 and reportedly had no children.  In October 1974 he married fan-turned-spouse Wende Braunberger, and the couple had three children together. 

Key insights into James Doohan’s relationships and personal life:

• His dedication to his craft sometimes meant long absences for conventions and filming.

• Even after his star role ended, he stayed engaged with fans and family alike.

• He embraced his later years as a mentor figure to fans inspired by his character’s technical spirit.

• His marriage to Wende lasted until his passing, showing a stable later chapter.

Lifestyle, Assets & Interests

Beyond his acting credits, Doohan’s life reflected his interests, values, and legacy.

Beyond career success, James Doohan leads a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:

• An honorary doctorate in engineering in recognition of his influence in inspiring students. 

• Frequent appearances at Star Trek conventions where he engaged with fans, shared war stories, and embraced his role as an engineering role model.

• Authored his memoir Beam Me Up, Scotty to give voice to his journey, including service, acting and family.

• A public acknowledgment of his military service—including how his war wounds led to his signature screen persona concealing a missing finger. 

• While details of specific homes, cars or collections are less publicly documented, his focus appeared more on legacy and outreach than ostentatious asset display.

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

While precise breakdowns are limited, the following table offers a reasonable estimate based on available sources:

Together, this aligns with the commonly cited total of approximately $7 million for James Doohan’s net worth. His income streams were primarily tied to his iconic role and its broad legacy, rather than diversified business ventures typical among high-net-worth celebrities.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Doohan’s portrayal of Scotty transcended entertainment. He became a symbol of engineering ingenuity and perseverance—an inspiration to thousands of students who cited his performance as the reason they pursued technical fields.

In fandom culture he is affectionately remembered not just as a television actor but as a pioneer who embraced his audience. The fact that his ashes were partly launched into space further underscored his connection to science-fiction and space exploration imaginations.

His legacy remains strong in academic institutions, engineering departments, and among Star Trek devotees — a sign of lasting influence beyond a single performance.

Conclusion

James Doohan’s story is one of transition—from wartime pilot to one of the most beloved engineers in science-fiction history. His net worth of approximately $7 million reflects decades of work, loyal fans, and a character that resonated globally. Born on March 3, 1920, his birthday is celebrated by Star Trek fans everywhere. His relationships and family life, though sometimes complex, show a man committed to both art and audience, to legacy and family. In every “Beam me up” moment, there lies a deeper narrative: that of resilience, craft, and the belief that even behind the scenes, an engineer can change the world.