On the importance of Spock
A rare Friday edition, but this news is too important to not comment on.
As most of you know, Leonard Nimoy, known to many as Captain Spock, died today at the age of 83.
Nimoy did more than any other actor in advancing the popularity of science fiction in television and movies.
When he got the role of Spock in the original Star Trek series he could have approached it with disdain. After all, Nimoy was a classically trained actor who had appeared in several "series" movies and television programs before Star Trek. He could have played his role in an over-the-top manner. He could have phoned it in.
But he didn't.
Instead, Nimoy gave a nuanced and restrained performance that was the perfect counter-balance to Shatner's larger-than-life hero. Nimoy took the work seriously and he took the craft of acting seriously.
If that was his only contribution he would still be loved and celebrated, but the man did so much more.
He directed Star Trek III and Star Trek IV and was essential to the story ideas of both Star Trek IV and Star Trek VI. He directed for television and he also directed Three Men and a Baby.
Nimoy had a vision for science fiction being a vehicle for conversations about our place in the universe and the problems that faced mankind. He was as much of a visionary dreamer as Gene Roddenberry.
More than anything he was an ambassador to millions of fans from all around the world. Donating his time and kindness to the world he attended conventions, signed autographs, talked to fans and embraced his role in the wondrous worlds that these fans loved.
To say that his presence will be missed is an understatement. His place in science fiction will forever be etched in our memories and his influence will live on forever.
As most of you know, Leonard Nimoy, known to many as Captain Spock, died today at the age of 83.
Nimoy did more than any other actor in advancing the popularity of science fiction in television and movies.
When he got the role of Spock in the original Star Trek series he could have approached it with disdain. After all, Nimoy was a classically trained actor who had appeared in several "series" movies and television programs before Star Trek. He could have played his role in an over-the-top manner. He could have phoned it in.
But he didn't.
Instead, Nimoy gave a nuanced and restrained performance that was the perfect counter-balance to Shatner's larger-than-life hero. Nimoy took the work seriously and he took the craft of acting seriously.
If that was his only contribution he would still be loved and celebrated, but the man did so much more.
He directed Star Trek III and Star Trek IV and was essential to the story ideas of both Star Trek IV and Star Trek VI. He directed for television and he also directed Three Men and a Baby.
Nimoy had a vision for science fiction being a vehicle for conversations about our place in the universe and the problems that faced mankind. He was as much of a visionary dreamer as Gene Roddenberry.
More than anything he was an ambassador to millions of fans from all around the world. Donating his time and kindness to the world he attended conventions, signed autographs, talked to fans and embraced his role in the wondrous worlds that these fans loved.
To say that his presence will be missed is an understatement. His place in science fiction will forever be etched in our memories and his influence will live on forever.
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