Leonard Nimoy

Few actors manage to make such a deep impression throughout their careers as Leonard Nimoy did in the role of Mr. Spock. Of course, he has played many other characters throughout his long life, but if you think of Leonard Nimoy, you automatically think of the green-blooded, pointed-eared Vulcan from the 1960s TV show Star Trek. This role was a recurring theme throughout his later acting life. Even though there was a time when he did not like being constantly identified as Mr. Spock and even writing a book about it with the title "I am not Spock," at some point he made friends with him and felt it even honored what the blurb of his next book proved: "I am Spock”.
Especially as he created a new kind of hero with this role: In addition to all the daredevils and womanizer beating around in the diverse television landscape, he was the quiet, logical, disciplined opposite pole. As an (almost) unemotional half-Vulcan, who knew every answer, and every problem was objectively, logically and scientifically, he was a role model for many generations of young people, who were always the last in the sports team elected at school. And at some point it was clear: yes, intelligence is sexy!
Born on March 26, 1931 in Manhattan son of Jewish Orthodox immigrants from western Ukraine began his career very early and collected as a child actor first experiences. His first small film role he got in 1951 in "Queen for a Day”.
He became known in addition Star Trek in other television series such as "Columbo" with Peter Falk and "T.J. Hooker", where he again acted at the side of William Shatner. He also worked as a director, book author and photographer.
In the 1980s, he directed two Star Trek movies: "Star Treck III: The Search for Spock" and "Star Treck IV: The Voyage Home". Until recently, Mr. Spock was his constant companion. In none of his public appearances was missing the “Vulkan greeting” with the words "Live long and prosper". The hand position he copied in the synagogue, when the rabbi blesses the community. He then just built this into his game.
Even in the animated series "The Simpsons" he had several guest appearances, which of course he dubbed himself. In addition to the many prizes cleared during his long career, such as the Emmy, a star on the Walk of Fame and the Life Career Award, he recently received fame and glory in the series "The Big Bang Theory," in which he starred old ego Mr. Spock will be regularly discussed. The lovable nerds in this series, all scientists as well as Mr. Spock, are ardent admirers of Star Trek, Mr. Spock and not least Leonard Nimoy, who has lent his voice in a series of one of his collectible figures. Thanks to the iconic Vulcan, Leonard Nimoy has made the leap into recent series and films in which he is often mentioned or quoted. So he will always be a concept for future generations. Leonard Nimoy succumbed to severe lung disease on Friday, February 27, 2015 in Bel Air. He was 83 years old.

Text: Nadja von der Hocht

Foto: Foto: Beth Madisonderivative work: Lämpel [CC BY 2.0 ]