Earlier in the week, George Takai posted that Leonard Nimoy, the actor made most famous as Spock on Star Trek, had been taken to the hospital with what was reported to be serious chest pains. Sadly, Nimoy died today, at his home in Bel-Air, at the age of 83. The cause of death was battles with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a common lung disease that makes it hard to breathe.
Of course, fans will always remember Leonard Nimoy from his role as Spock on the original Star Trek television series, the original cast movies, and later as the sole returning cast member when J.J. Abram rebooted the franchise. While William Shatner likes to entertain fans as the face of the Star Trek franchise, Nimoy was just as important to the success of the series.
However, Star Trek wasn’t the only think fans should remember Leonard Nimoy for. He had quite a prosperous career before Star Trek ever debuted, including a 49-episode run on the Mission: Impossible television series. He played an important role in the very good Invasion of the Body Snatchers remake. More recently, television fans enjoyed his career resurgence on the excellent sci-fi series Fringe.
While there are a lot of words to describe my admiration for Leonard Nimoy, it might be better to let you read what people who knew him said at the time of his passing.
“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
God Bless You, Leonard Nimoy… May Angels guide thee to thy rest! #agoodman #talented #funny #awesome
— LeVar Burton (@levarburton) February 27, 2015
Sad to lose old friend #LeonardNimoy. When I met him he had just written “I Am Not Spock” but later embraced the role. A real mensch LL&P
— Stuart Gordon (@OfficialSGordon) February 27, 2015
. @TheRealNimoy I have been, and always shall be, your fan. Thank you.
— Nathan Fillion (@NathanFillion) February 27, 2015
“Of all the souls I have encountered in my travels, his was the most… Human.” Farewell, Leonard Nimoy – Actor, Director, Pop culture icon.
— KevinSmith (@ThatKevinSmith) February 27, 2015
Also, I want to take a chance to share the final tweet that Leonard Nimoy ever sent out. It is poetry he wrote, and it really sums up his life brilliantly.
A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory. LLAP
— Leonard Nimoy (@TheRealNimoy) February 23, 2015
Yes, Mr. Spock. Live Long and Prosper.
http://youtu.be/dhcR-w-56tA