The world is mourning today for a much beloved actor behind one of the most recognizable pointy eared characters in television and cinematic history. Leonard Nimoy, who played science officer Mr. Spock in the original Star Trek television series and subsequent films has departed this earth after suffering complications of a heart attack prompted by his suffering of end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Mr. Nimoy announced that he had the disease last year, attributing it to years of smoking, a habit he had given up three decades earlier. He had been hospitalized earlier in the week. He was 83. He did what his most known character urged those around him to do, live long and prosper, prompting the hashtag #LLAP to soar into the trending realm.
Nimoy has been a long standing pillar in the science fiction community, forever supportive of the fans (unlike that decade where Shatner hated everyone). The majority of co-stars from ST: TOS would say he was the most understanding man they would ever work with.
In recent years, more like the last decade, Leonard had been pursuing another passion of his, photography. I highly suggest fans look up his exquisite work, he really had an eye for the art form.
Leonard also used his position and influence to urge many politicians to take a stance on really saving the world, as made apparent in this long forgotten telegraph to JFK, then President:
In a telegram, #LeonardNimoy pleads with JFK for a safer planet. pic.twitter.com/u609le4xPK
— JFK Library (@JFKLibrary) February 27, 2015
William Shatner just posted this on his twitter:
"I loved him like a brother. We will all miss his humor, his talent, and his capacity to love."
-William Shatner http://t.co/U8ZN98tVYp
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) February 27, 2015
George Takei posted this on his official facebook page today:
Zachary Quinto who played young Spock in the 2009 reboot of the Star Trek franchise posted this on his instagram:
And yes, we know Battlestar Galactica isn’t Star Trek, but those early science fiction actor pioneers shared a kinship. This message from BSG’s Richard Hatch shows that:
I will forever love Leonard’s many appearances on The Simpsons:
And perhaps the most telling thing, the very last tweet Mr. Nimoy posted:
A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory. LLAP
— Leonard Nimoy (@TheRealNimoy) February 23, 2015