Leonard Nimoy (1931-2015), Beloved Actor, Singer, and Photographer Best Known as Spock on ‘Star Trek’

Leonard Nimoy 2011
photo by Beth Madison

Leonard Nimoy, the beloved film director, poet, singer, photographer, and most recognizably, actor from the original Star Trek series and subsequent film, television, and video game sequels as the ever-logical Mr. Spock, passed away at his Bel Air, California home from complications of end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Nimoy had previously attributed the disease to a smoking habit that he quit over 30 years ago. He was 83 years old.

Nimoy’s granddaughter Dani has made the following statement about her late grandfather:

Hi all, as you all know, my Grandpa passed away this morning at 8:40 from end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He was an extraordinary man, husband, grandfather, brother, actor, author-the list goes on- and friend. Thank you for the warm condolences. May you all LLAP. – Dani P.s. I will be putting special shirts up on our site, SHOPLLAP.com, where all of the proceeds will go to the COPD Foundation. I hope to hear from you all.

Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner
image via Wikipedia

While Nimoy was most famous for his roles as Spock and as an IMF agent in the series Mission Impossible, he was also known for his sonorous voice, his eloquent way with words, and his beautiful photography, some of which is available for purchase. In a 2011 interview with Collector’s World, Nimoy had this to say about his photography:

I began making images at 13. I have used everything from a 1930’s Kodak bellows camera to a digital Hasselblad. The camera is only a tool. I don’t carry a camera. When i have a concept which intrigues me I get my cameras to find a way to explore that idea visually. I don’t bring a camera to a production set. I consider it an invasion of a serious workplace. Some of my greatest pleasures as an artist have been seeing an audience touched by a performance or enjoying a print of my work on a wall. It’s all about the creative process.

Self Portrait
Self Portrait – Leonard Nimoy

Max and Dora
Max and Dora – Leonard Nimoy

Goodbye, Mr. Nimoy. Please rest in peace. You will always live long and prosper within our grateful memories.

via The New York Times

Lori Dorn
Lori Dorn

Lori is a Laughing Squid Contributing Editor based in New York City who has been writing blog posts for over a decade. She also enjoys making jewelry, playing guitar, taking photos and mixing craft cocktails.