I’m not a big fan of watching reactions to the death of famous people, but rather listening to things from them directly. I like watching a movie with a particular actor when he dies.
In that vain, I like what Entertainment Tonight did, playing a collection of clips of Leonard Nimoy in both his role as his beloved Mr. Spock, but also him reflecting on that role.
So bear with the few seconds at the beginning and end of this with the commentary, because this is actually a pretty good collections of pieces with the actor.
Leonard Nimoy was a well-known giver of his time and resources to worthwhile causes, always donating his talents for fundraisers and the like. He was previously a pet shop owner, and did a fair amount of work before his iconic role in Star Trek in the late 1960’s, as well as voice and directorial work after. He also found success as an author, photographer, and musician, treating each with the seriousness and dignity he portrayed on film.
In perhaps what is the longest collections of reprisals of the same character, Leonard Nimoy portrayed his logic-loving Mr. Spock for over fifty years, most recently in the two J.J. Abrams retoolings of the Star Trek franchise.
Star Trek was conceived by Gene Roddenberry as a commentary on the dysfunction of the world at the time (late 60’s). The relationship between Leonard Nimoy with his co-star William Shatner was one of professional respect rather than friendship during the original series, but later blossomed into one of brotherly love, as they put it.
The best, short written eulogy of the actor-character of Nimoy-Spock comes from the Miami Herald, about how the death scene of Spock in The Wrath of Khan exemplifies how Spock was the most important character in the franchise history:
‘There are few love affairs in popular culture like the one between Kirk and Spock that seem to rocket to a level for which the word bromance is a callow insult. They needed and complemented and liked each other to the utmost. With McCoy they formed a triumvirate of the human condition: courage, reason, compassion.’ [Read more]
Even if you are not a fan of science fiction, you know Mr. Spock and his signature hand gesture (which Nimoy invented on the spot) and his ubiquitous, “Live long and prosper.” This is because the character transcended the TV shows and the movies. Leonard Nimoy and his legendary performance as the character have entered into the North American psyche the likes of which science fiction has rarely produced an equal. The closest perhaps would be Darth Vader, Yoda, or HAL 9000 from 2001: A Space Odyssey. None of those, however, are so intricately wrapped up with one man, a face that people can point to.
Leonard Nimoy was indeed an ambassador of science fiction, and although he tired of the association during the 70’s while trying to land more roles, he eventually embraced it, even directing two of the movies in the 80’s.
As always, it’s sad to see the passing of a legendary actor.
Leonard Nimoy in his last moments of life in ‘The Wrath of Khan’ with William Shatner.