Leonard Nimoy: Biography
Posted: Wednesday, January 27, 2010
by Carolyn Tytler
When the name, "Leonard Nimoy", is mentioned, you probably think immediately of the logical and emotionless Mr. Spock on the star-ship Enterprise, speeding through the galaxy, intent on overcoming the terrorists of the future. So well was he suited to the roll, and such was his acting ability that it is easy to forget that this was only one facet of his multi-talented personality.
His first stage appearance was in ``Hansel and Gretel`` at age 8. Until he was 18, he played in amateur shows in his home area. After a short sojourn at Boston College, he headed to California in search of an acting career.
His film debut was in the movie `` Queen for a Day`` in 1951, and the next year he landed the lead role in ``Kid Monk Baroni``.
From 1953 he served in the U.S. army in Georgia, rose to the rank of sergeant, and received an honorable discharge in 1955.
In 1954, Leonard Nimoy married Sandi Zober, an actress. The couple were married for 32 years and had two children, Adam and Julie. In 1988, after his divorce, he married Susan Bay Nimoy and acquired a stepson, Aaron. Presently, he has several grandchildren.
After his army service, Nimoy worked in television, feature films and the theater. During the `50s and 60`s he appeared in episodes of "Wagon Train", " Perry Mason", "The Man from U.N.C.L.E., and other popular series. However, his first major success came in 1966, when he appeared as the half-Vulcan, half-human character, Mr. Spock, in the science-fiction series, "Star Trek".
The show was an immediate success and soon became syndicated. It ran three years and more than 80 episodes were filmed. Because of his new-found popularity, Nimoy was able to win roles in several stage productions, among them: " Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" and "Visit to a Small Planet".
Another talent surfaced in 1967 when Leonard released his first record album, "Leonard Nimoy Presents Mr. Spock's Music from Outer Space". This was followed by 4 more musical albums and five narrative offerings.
When the TV version of "Star Trek" ended in 1969, Leonard joined the cast of "Mission Impossible", replacing Martin Landau. He remained with the series two years, then accepted a starring role in the stage production of "Fiddler on the Roof". This stint was followed by other performances in films and stage shows.
Nimoy has found time during his busy life to author many books and he is also a recognized poet. Several books of his poetry are illustrated with black and white photos he has taken himself.
His academic credits came rather later in life than usual, but are nonetheless outstanding. By 1977 he had earned a Masters Degree in Education from Antioch University and in September of 2000 he was awarded a Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters for his work in Holocaust Remembrance, the Arts and the Environment.
In 1979, the first of six "Star Trek" films was released, two of which were directed by Leonard Nimoy. Since then he has amassed other directing credits, among them "Three Men and a Baby" in 1987.
Now in his late 70s, Leonard spends most of his time writing, and taking black and white photographs, some of which serve as illustrations for his literary works.
Leonard Nimoy in real life is only slightly less amazing than his memorable alter-ego, Mr. Spock. He is an accomplished actor, director, vocalist, narrator, writer, poet, and photographer.
By his numerous and diverse occupations and activities he has enriched the lives and stirred the imaginations of a the generation which witnessed the first real-life journey of humankind into space. For this, his many fans send him gratitude and good wishes.
Leonard Nimoy, aka Mr. Spock, may you truly live long and prosper!
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)Very interesting article, Carolyn. I've always liked 'Mr Spock', but was unaware of his many accomplishments. Thanks for the information.
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