Leonard Nimoy is saying that he’s finished playing our favorite Vulcan:
Leonard Nimoy, the actor who has famously portrayed “Star Trek’s” original alien Spock for over 40 years, has announced he’s officially hanging up the pointy Vulcan ears for good.
Nimoy, 79, plans to retire shortly from show business and the “Star Trek” convention circuit, according to the Canadian newspaper Toronto Sun.
The actor, director and photographer will be attending the Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo this weekend, and told the paper that beyond this event he only has a few more public appearances scheduled.
Nimoy also currently guest stars on the television show “Fringe,” produced by J.J, Abrams who directed last summer’s re-launched “Star Trek” film franchise chronicling a younger original series cast on their first mission on the starship Enterprise.
The retirement announcement all but guarantees that an elder, “from-the-future” Spock (at least played by Nimoy) will not make an appearance in the next “Star Trek” movie.
“I want to get off the stage. Also, I don’t think it would be fair to Zachary Quinto,” Nimoy told the Toronto Sun, referring to the actor who portrays young Spock in the new Trek film. “He’s a terrific actor, he looks the part, and it’s time to give him some space. And I’m very flattered the character will continue.”
Here’s a great interview with Nimoy from 2009 talking about the role he made famous:
By the way, if you’re on Twitter, so is Leonard Nimoy.
Lord this makes me feel old…and just a wee bit sad. Doesn’t Nimoy realize he belongs to all of us and has no right to just walk away?
Best wishes Mr. Nimoy, and thank you.