PICTURE: Leonard Nimoy waves as he arrives in the town of Vulcan, Alberta April 23, 2010. Nimoy portrayed the character Spock in the original Star Trek television and movie series. REUTERS/Todd Korol (CANADA – Tags: ENTERTAINMENT)
A few days ago, a posted a blurb about Leonard Nimoy retiring from acting. Since Nimoy has been a part of many people’s lives over the years, I thought it would be pertinent to ask fans of his work via livejournal what Nimoy means to them.
geriatricfool: As he’s been a part of my life for over 40 years, I find the thought that we won’t be seeing him again very difficult. I feel that he has every right to take the step at nearly 80 years old, I respect his decision to make it a final break, but I find it hard on the heart! As well as a fan, and a few other things, I’m also an astrologer, and I do find it fascinating that he’s taken this step at the precise time in his life that he is being called upon to transform his sense of identity. The last time he had similar configurations he was compelled, apparently against his will, to return to Trek and join the cast of ST:TMP[Star Trek: The Motion Picture]. That was certainly a question of identity; from now he will no longer be an “actor”. I wish him well, and hope we’ll be able to continue to glimpse him in alternative contexts.
My feeling was, when Spock Prime stood up on that balcony watching Kirk’s award ceremony, and then said “Thrusters on full”, he was actually saying goodbye. For me that was one of the most moving parts of the film. As much as I’d like to see him go on and on, he can’t. There has to be a point at which he says goodbye. That was a very graceful one.
Candace M.: I’m a relatively new trekkie and fan of Leonard Nimoy. Growing up in the 80′s, I watched some reruns of TOS[Star Trek: The Original Series], but I was most familiar with TNG[Star Trek: The Next Generation] and DS9[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine]. Spock was my favorite character, but I can’t say I was a big Nimoy fan then. However, after watching the movie for the first time, I had a renewed love for Original trek and set out to watch every episode. Classic Trek soon became my favorite, mostly because of the wonderful characters shaped by the original cast, especially Nimoy’s Spock. Leonard Nimoy had such a pivotal role is shaping the character of Spock and what is best loved about Trek today.
So, now that he is retiring for good, I don’t find myself sad or disappointed, but thankful for the large body of acting work that he has created over the past 60 years. I also respect his decision to step out of the limelight in order to give Zachary Quinto room to run with Spock. I loved Quinto in [Star Trek] XI and I look forward to his work in the sequels, but Nimoy will always be Spock in my heart. I wish him a happy and fulfilling retirement from acting.
vardoeger: I respect his decision but…a part of me hopes he takes his retirement as seriously as Jay-Z took his.
syfymango: I was a new fan after the 2009 [Star Trek] movie. I went back and watched all the TOS episodes and Quinto’s Spock took second place for me after seeing Nimoy’s Spock. I am a little sad to see him go but I do hope he keeps in touch with us fans, interviews, twitter, anything. I do respect his decision and I am thankful that he has such a great body of work that I can continue to enjoy while he is doing what ever it is he really wants to be doing at this point in his life. Live long and prosper!
spockchick: I’m sure he is doing the right thing, he gave his blessing to Zachary Quinto both on and off screen and he has lots of other projects such as his photography and writing. I think also that because of his youthful appearance and demeanor that folks forget his age. I would prefer he bow out while he is still mentally and physically healthy, to enjoy his life without feeling an obligation to the fans. Also, Quinto needs to be allowed to step out of [Leonard Nimoy’s] shadow, something that can’t happen if Mr Nimoy continues…My heart is firmly with Classic Spock, but we can’t be nostalgic forever. I hope he goes on for many more years with his other projects. Live long and prosper, Mr. Nimoy.
Claudia W.: Star Trek, and Nimoy’s Spock in particular, were a huge part of my childhood, so this is a big blow to my heart. But beyond my fantasy that he and Nichelle [Nichelle Nichols, the actress who played Uhura in the original Star Trek] could do a flashback scene together in the next movie, I totally understand and respect his decision to focus on his photography. My wish for him to keep working, particularly in Star Trek, is purely selfish. Will miss seeing that handsome devil!
junewilliams7: I totally respect his decision to step aside for Quinto, but I would still be so happy if he was in the next movie. Spock Prime is like a different character than Spock Reboot, plus they need to explain a little about the new Vulcan colony.
ejectingthecore: I feel so happy about all the acting he’s done and left for us to find and enjoy, but I am also selfishly sad he’s retiring. I want more of William Bell[Nimoy’s character in Fringe], for one thing. But honestly, it’s just weird to think of a world without him acting in something. He’s been on my tv since I can remember. I’m also thinking…he’s going to get seduced back into doing some kind of acting by someone, even if it’s super small. I’m in all kinds of denial.
hateya_habiba: I think he’s paid his due and I wish him the best as he journeys towards another destination. I can only hope he knows how much he has affected our lives. For me, he’s always been the epitome of a “real man” both as a real person and through his various characters. I grew up on Star Trek reruns, loving Mr. Spock even before I understood what the word meant.
Since Fringe is not broadcast on my cold little island, I cannot legally see his final acting role… Thankfully though, he’s quite beloved in this country and I usually see him twice a week either as Spock or in work he did even earlier. One of my favorites was his appearance on Colombo: A Stitch in Crime. Live Long and Prosper Leonard Nimoy! I’ve been a fan of yours my entire life!
recumbentgoat: It’s time for him and he’s passed the mantle on with his blessing. For me personally, Spock was a big part of how I began looking at identity and I really love Nimoy for what he brought to the role as well as how he lived his life as an artist.
I hope he lives a long and prosperous life in retirement.
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As far as my personal views are concerned, I’m going to be sad to not see Nimoy in the next Star Trek movie. But at the same time, all rides have to end at some point, and I suppose he feels his ride as an actor is finished. While I’ll always have the original series to fall back on when I need to see vintage Spock, I’m excited to see where Quinto is going to take the character in the future installments of Star Trek.
What Leonard Nimoy showed me:
How to maintain calm in a sea of adversity. [Parents yelling. Spock posture, Spock face.]
How to be a peacenik. [It was the early 70's; I read his statement in "The Making of Star Trek," "I hate bombs and killing and war..."]
How to logically reason things out. [This one took about 30 years.]
How to be a good craftsman/actor/singer. [Commit and do it.]
How to love others. [Be open. It may be your 100th convention, but the fans weren't at all of them. Show them the same love and respect they show you.]
How to be humble. ["I Am Not Spock." "I Am Spock."]
How to maintain integrity as an artist.
And, now that he’s ready to retire, and has had all his velveteen covering rubbed off, we know he’s the best-loved, just like the Velveteen Rabbit. He is still soft and warm and dear.
After 40+ years, Leonard Nimoy, I wish you fair winds and following seas. Live Long and Prosper.