As I am certain most of you reading this will have already heard or read by now, on February 27th of this year we lost a man that was an icon in many sci-fi and entertainment circles, and for many of us a mentor and inspiration as well. I am speaking of course of the entertaining, caring and inspirational Leonard Nimoy.
My first experience of Leonard Nimoy's talents was in his iconic role as the unflappable Mr. Spock. Some of my favorite memories as a child were spending time with my Dad on Sunday mornings watching reruns of the original series of Star Trek. As Spock he entertained and inspired many people, including many young people who have gone on to live their dreams because in a very big way he made science seem cool. It was also in this role that he helped teach the message of equality for all that was at the heart of the Star Trek franchise from its very beginnings. In this same spirit, when Mr. Nimoy was later approached about voicing Spock for the animated adaption of Star Trek in the 70's, it was his pushing and coaxing that made sure that George Takei and Nichelle Nicols were also included in the voice cast. At first the studios were only going to use William Shatner, DeForest Kelley and Leonard Nimoy from the original cast, and then get others to do the rest of the voice, but it was Mr. Nimoy that basically told them that if they wanted him, they would have to include the others, as 'they' were the ones that represented the diversity that was at the heart of Star Trek, and without them he would refuse to be part of it.
Yet as iconic as his portrayal of Mr. Spock is, there was so, so much more to his professional career. From various movies to his role in the Mission Impossible series, Gunsmoke, playing a wonderful villain in an episode of Columbo, to TV movies such as 'Vincent', voicing animated characters(such as Galvatron from Transformers the movie), narration roles, lending his voice to 'Big Bang Theory' to his role in the more recent and popular series Fringe, his acting career was, in the very least' prolific, with more than 130 acting credits to his name. But this also was only a part of Leonard Nimoy's contribution to our world, for he directed several projects(including the incredible movie 'Three Men and a Baby'), was a writer, producer, and a fabulous photographer, and of course his infamous singing career which included such cult classics as 'The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins'. :)
Actor, director, writer, poet, speaker, photographer, humanitarian, he was an inspiration to many through his professional work, and also just by being the man he was. Not once have I seen/heard a story from any fan who met the man, saying that he had seemed rude, or had obviously ignored them, or had been uncharitable in any way. He was one of those people that showed us how to live, not through beating us over the head with 'you should do this' or things of that nature, but by example, and through some of the characters he brought to life for us.
May you rest in peace Mr. Nimoy.
In memory of Leonard Simon Nimoy
March 26, 1931 - February 27, 2015
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