RIP Leonard Nimoy.
The heartbreaking news of Leonard Nimoy’s death that has put the
country in a state of tremendous sadness.
His iconic character Spock, from the Gene Roddenberry television
series Star
Trek, is an extremely important cultural icon for the science fiction genre.
For almost five decades, Star Trek has
inspired generations of fans to “boldly go” and be a special part of the world
in which they live.
Because of the positive influence of the long running franchise in
their lives, “Trekkies” will be especially distraught with the news of Nimoy’s
passing. Without a doubt, this year’s annual Star Trek conventions
across the country will pay great tributes to the Vulcan known as Mr. Spock.
Nimoy’s past Star Trek co-stars
reacted through social media yesterday, each having a heavy weight of grief.
William Shatner, who played Captain James T. Kirk in the original series, said
on his Twitter account: “I loved him like a brother. We will all miss his
humor, his talent, and his capacity to love.” The duo remained very close
following the show’s cancellation in 1969. There was a revival in the form of Star Trek: The Motion Picture in
1979 and it would be followed by five sequels throughout the 80’s and early
90’s.
Zachery Quinto, who plays the current version of Spock, posted a
picture of Nimoy on his Instagram account with the caption: “my heart is
broken. I love you profoundly dear friend. And I will miss you every day. May
flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.” Quinto and Nimoy became close during
the production of the Star Trek cinematic
reboot in 2009.
On his Facebook page, George Takei, who played Sulu in the
original series, posted: “Today, the world lost a great man, and I lost a great
friend. We return you now to the stars, Leonard. You taught us to ‘Live Long
and Prosper,’ and you indeed did, friend. I shall miss you in so many, many
ways.”
Personally, I was in awe of Leonard Nimoy’s acting ability not
only when he played Mr. Spock, but as well as during the other roles he had the
opportunity to play. He was an important character in the sci-fi show Fringe, which was
co-created by the Star Trek and Star Trek Into
Darkness writers Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci and includes the
director of both films, J.J. Abrams. I am a big fan of the show, and Nimoy’s
portrayal of the mysterious billionaire William Bell was always a pleasure to
watch.
Leonard Nimoy also did the voice work for the villain Sentinel
Prime in Transformers:
Dark of the Moon, the third film in the Transformers franchise.
His voice is what elevated each character he played, giving it unique
distinction but also being clearly identifiable as the voice of Leonard Nimoy.
Nimoy’s long life resulted with the
prosperity of everyone he inspired as Mr. Spock.
