Leonard Nimoy (1931-2015)
A beloved actor with over a hundred television and film credits to his name passed away today at 83.
His best known role may be as the alien, ultra serious Spock, but despite appearing on the show, films, and reboot, he was far more than just his best known character. For one, he started acting on television a decade before his first Star Trek episode in 1966. And he appeared in just about every TV anthology, western, and sci-fi show around. He first came to attention as a lead in Mission: Impossible as agent Paris. His ability to play even buffoons as deadly serious men made him a perfect choice for Mr. Spock (an unrated comic actor).
But wanting to avoid being typecast he actively worked to break into other areas of the industry. He was a strong director, not only directing two Star Trek movies (including the franchise’s only comedy The Voyage Home but also the monster hit Three Men & a Baby. He executive produced the series Deadly Games, hosted In Search Of, hosted a radio show, and even recorded a novelty album featuring the way too catchy tune The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins. In his off-time he worked as a professional and highly praised, photographer, wrote stories and poetry, owned a pet store, and raised two children, and lived with his second wife of more than 25 years.
The gentleman frequently spoke of leaving acting entirely…and he clearly had enough interests and passions elsewhere to do it. But he returned to the craft when asked, specifically by big fan JJ Abrams with the TV series Fringe and Star Trek reboot films.
Nimoy died at 83, and a gentleman, with a genuine legacy. And you’ll hear this 1000 times in the coming days but he was one of the men who truly lived long and prospered, and will be missed.
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