It was sad news for all sci-fi fans out there when we learnt of the death of Leonard Nimoy. Best know for his part in the Star Trek franchise as Mr Spock. As Mr Spock, the half human half Vulcan he was the logic behind Captain Kirk’s no-nonsense shot first ask questions later attitude. He was also the only Star Trek character to appear in every episode of the original series.
Leonard Simon Nimoy was born on the 26th March 1931 in Boston, Massachusetts. His parents Max and Dora were Ukrainian Jewish immigrants who ran a barbershop. Leonard has an interest in acting since the age of 8 and got his first film part at the age of 20 with a bit part in the 1951 film Queen for a day. In 1953 Leonard enlisted in the United States Army Reserve at Fort McPherson where he served for 18 months making the rank of Sargent. During his time in the army he spent time with the Army Special Services where he wrote and put on shows to entertain the troops. After leaving the army Leonard appeared in many films and TV shows such as Perry Mason, Dragnet; The Brain Eaters; The Silent Service; Wagon Train; Bonanza; Rawhide; and the Untouchables to just name a few but his big break came in 1966 as the science officer aboard the USS Enterprise in the hit series Star Trek. Mr Spock is considered to be one of the most popular alien characters ever on the big screen. After Star Trek finished Nimoy went on to appear in two seasons of Mission: impossible as well as numerous films. in 1979 we saw Mr Spock on the big screen in the first of many Star Trek films, two of which he directed. Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home was the most successful Star Trek film both critically and financially! Mr Spock also made an appearance in Star Trek: The next Generation. Nimoy also lent his voice to such greats such as Transformers: The Movie, The Simpsons; Futurama and Transformers: Dark of the moon to name just a few. Recently Nimoy has played Spock prime in the JJ Abrams Star Trek reboot playing Spock from an alternative time line opposite Zachary Quinto’s young Spock. Leonard Nimoy died on the 27th February in his Bel Air home due to complications of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. He is survived by his wife, two children; six grandchildren and one great grand child.
Five Nimoy facts
1. One of the most popular haircuts in his father’s barbershop was the “Spock cut”
2. Got to 121 in the billboard singles chart in 1967 with his single “Visit to a sad planet”
3. The V sign Vulcans make with their left hand is half of what is commonly done by a Jewish priest when they bless the congregation.
4. Only actor to appear in both Star Trek pilots.
5. Spocks full name is S`chn – T’Gaii Spock.
I have only touched upon a few elements of Leonard Nimoys life as well as an actor his was a director, singer, poet and author. To the legions of Star Trek and sci-fi fans out there he will be greatly missed. So I say to you Leonard Nimoy as both a star trek fan and sci-fi geek “Live Long and Prosper and May the Force be with you always!”
Library Jedi 