Leonard Nimoy (1931-2015)
G'day, this is RadDingo. If you have or have not watched Star Trek. I have sad news to inform you that the actor Leonard Nimoy, known for film and television roles such as Captain Kirk's faithful half-Vulcan, half-human companion Mr. Spock, passed away on February 27th, 2015, at age 83. It has been tragic that someone who is very recognisable for portraying a character without emotion has now gone above the stars.
Before working on Star Trek, Leonard began his acting career in 1951, appearing in 50 minor parts in old B-grade movies before landing a huge role in the film "Kid Monk Baroni." When playing the title role, Leonard Nimoy believed it would cement him as Hollywood's most sought-after actor, but this never proved true for him until years later. He then went on to star in a 12-part science-fiction serial, appear in supporting roles, and make guest appearances on television. Notably, these shows are "Bonanza," "Perry Mason," "Dragnet," "The Twilight Zone," and "Get Smart," among the various others in which he chose to appear. In 1965, Leonard came to play the Human/Vulcan hybrid of an officer on an upcoming science-fiction show instead of a role on a soap opera that had offered him one. However, the famous character of Spock and the show "Star Trek" didn't air until 1966. During the show's production, Leonard formed a long, brotherly relationship with his co-star, William Shatner, who played Captain James T. Kirk, whom he first met while guest-starring in an episode of "The Man From U.N.C.L.E."
In 1969, after "Star Trek" got cancelled in its third season, Leonard joined the cast of the "Mission: Impossible" show, replacing the lead character portrayed by Martin Landau. His tenure lasted until the sixth season. He continues to make roles in cinema and on television, co-starring with Yul Brynner and Richard Crenna in "Catlow." Leonard reprised his role of Spock in the animated series and again in "Star Trek: The Motion Picture." With Robert Wise and Nicholas Meyer directing the first two films, Leonard was able not only to portray Mr. Spock but also to direct the third instalment. He becomes the first Trek actor to direct himself, starring in films in not just one but two chapters, like "The Search for Spock" and "The Voyage Home." Leonard's newfound gift as a director paved the way for him to direct four more movies, including the notable heartwarming comedy "Three Men and a Baby."
Leonard occasionally did a lot of voice work in animated features, most notably as Megatron's upgraded counterpart, Galvatron, in a film based on "The Transformers" (click here), and as himself in two episodes of the prime-time animated sitcom "The Simpsons." After eight years in film and 18 years away from the role of Spock, Leonard eventually returned to play the character once again, this time as the older version in J.J. Abrams' reboot of "Star Trek." He would return as Spock Prime in a cameo in "Star Trek Into Darkness," his last appearance as Mr. Spock.
Leonard, wherever you are now, I don't care whether your performance as Spock or the show featuring your character was well-regarded. I've always admired your work. My final words to you were, "Live long and prosper!"
Remember to look at two YouTube clips of Leonard's great movie performances, highlighted below.
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