Leonard Nimoy, loved by many for his role as Spock in “Star Trek,” died February 27 at the age of 83.
Sophomore Kyle Jung said, “I think that it’s really unfortunate that such an influential, talented, and iconic actor has passed away. He was really a defining character as Spock in “Star Trek.” That’s the movie I know him from.”
Nimoy, whose career in show business spanned more than six decades according to CNN News, made his first appearance as Spock in “The Cage,” the “Star Trek” pilot episode, which kicked off his career as one of the most iconic movie characters of all time.
Nimoy continued in his role as Spock in various “Star Trek” sequels and branch-offs until his death, building his fame and shaping the personality of the famous character of Spock as he went. The calm, logical persona that Nimoy portrayed as Spock came to define Spock’s personality, and carried over into J.J. Abrams’ s reboot of “Star Trek” in 2009 and its sequel, “Star Trek Into Darkness” in 2013.
Junior Keegan Kirk said, “The character Spock that Nimoy defined was an important and influential person in the ‘Star Trek’ universe. He is remembered as more than just a crew member; he plays the far bigger role of a friend that grew up with the captain. The success of Spock as a character should be credited to Nimoy’s portrayal of him, and Nimoy’s incredible acting and composure.”
Nimoy’s acting work prior to the 2009 reboot of “Star Trek” is not well known by some Carlmont students, as much of that work was created before they were born.
“I know that Nimoy played the ‘older Spock’ from ‘Star Trek Into Darkness,'” said Jung. “I personally didn’t see his works in the television series of ‘Star Trek,’ but I really enjoyed watching him in the newer movies.”
Nimoy’s work extended beyond the world of film. He also pursued photography, directing, and even wrote two autobiographies, the first titled “I Am Not Spock,” and the second titled “I Am Spock,” which explored Nimoy’s identity in relation to the character that had come to define his success.
Junior Jake Kumamoto said, “Leonard Nimoy was a special man. He was involved in so many different things other than just being Spock, which impresses me. I actually saw a quote that impressed me a lot that I saved, where he said, ‘I’m touched by the idea that when we do things that are useful and helpful — collecting these shards of spirituality — that we may be helping to bring about a healing.'”
Nimoy defined the character of Spock for a generation, but will be remembered for his words and influence in the areas of culture that he touched until long after he has been gone.
