Star Trek's Leonard Nimoy dies at 83
Actor Leonard Nimoy has died due to complications fromend-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He was 83.
A working actor since the early 1950s, Nimoy turned in performances in everything from Mission: Impossible to Fringe. But his defining role was Spock, the ultra-logical half human, half Vulcan first introduced on the original Star Trek series in 1966. With his pointy ears, jet-black bowl cut, and unforgettable catchphrase "Live long and prosper," Spock was the rare character to eclipse the series that spawned him, becoming an independent pop-culture icon in his own right.
Nimoy spent much of his career playing Spock, reprising the beloved character in seven consecutive Star Trek movies, and gamely spoofing his own persona in TV shows like The Simpsons, Futurama, and The Big Bang Theory. Nimoy's performance as Spock was so iconic that director J.J. Abrams brought him in to play "Spock Prime" in his 2009 Star Trek reboot, in time-warp encounters with the younger James Kirk (Chris Pine) and the younger Spock (Zachary Quinto). Nimoy's final film was 2013's Star Trek Into Darkness, where he reprised the beloved character for the last time. —Scott Meslow
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Scott Meslow is the entertainment editor for TheWeek.com. He has written about film and television at publications including The Atlantic, POLITICO Magazine, and Vulture.
-
Today's political cartoons - November 23, 2024
Cartoons Saturday's cartoons - qualifications, tax cuts, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Long summer days in Iceland's highlands
The Week Recommends While many parts of this volcanic island are barren, there is a 'desolate beauty' to be found in every corner
By The Week UK Published
-
The Democrats: time for wholesale reform?
Talking Point In the 'wreckage' of the election, the party must decide how to rebuild
By The Week UK Published
-
Jussie Smollet conviction overturned on appeal
Speed Read The Illinois Supreme Court overturned the actor's conviction on charges of staging a racist and homophobic attack against himself in 2019
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Quincy Jones, music icon, is dead at 91
Speed Read The legendary producer is perhaps best known as the architect behind Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Kris Kristofferson, singer-songwriter, is dead at 88
Speed Read The musician wrote hit songs for Janis Joplin and Johnny Cash before starring in Hollywood movies
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Shannen Doherty, star of '90210,' dies at 53
Speed Read The 'Charmed' actress was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
OJ Simpson, star athlete tried for murder, dead at 76
Speed Read The former football hero and murder suspect lost his battle with cancer
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproar
Speed Read The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Kevin Hart awarded Mark Twain Prize
Speed Read He is the 25th recipient of the prestigious comedy prize
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is Downton Abbey set to return for a final film?
Speed Read Imelda Staunton reveals that a third movie may be in the pipeline
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published