Dr. Leonard McCoy was one of Star Trek's most beloved characters, and his lengthy timeline involved the biggest moments in the franchise's history. The doctor made his debut in Star Trek: The Original Series, and his folksy charm and grumpy demeanor made him an instant standout alongside his shipmates on the USS Enterprise. Most remembered for his catchphrases and ironic dislike of technology, Dr. McCoy was nevertheless an integral part of the lives of his comrades like Spock and Captain James T. Kirk. So much more than comic relief, the good doctor had a massive impact on Star Trek as a whole.
Unlike characters like Kirk or Spock, McCoy was more peripheral in key franchise moments, and yet he always managed to contribute through his expertise and his sage advice. Dr. McCoy's unmistakable traits always came through no matter what situation he was in, and he was never above ruffling feathers when it came to taking care of his patients. McCoy was a medical professional first and foremost, and his commitment to helping those in need sometimes clashed with the directives of Starfleet and the Federation in general. His friendship was also indispensable, and he helped form the trio of characters that made the TOS era of Star Trek so memorable.
