The world has lost an icon.
Actor, singer, director, poet, photographer, author, and teacher Leonard Nimoy passed from this life today. He was eighty-three.
Although he’s primarily known for his contributions to the sci-fi genre, most particularly, of course, Star Trek, he’s earned mention here at the ‘Corpse for two reasons:
First and foremost, let’s face it; most of us Fellow Fans are somewhat of a nerdy bunch. Almost everyone I know that’s into horror can also quote to you, chapter and verse, Star Trek, Star Wars, comic book minutiae, and Lord of the Rings lore, not to forget Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, and innumerable other pantheons of geek-ism. In fact, most horror fans I know are pretty well-versed in all of the above. I myself am proud of the fact that I’m one such person, and considering Star Trek has been a part of my life as long (perhaps longer) than my beloved horror, the loss of Mr. Nimoy is poignantly felt.
Leonard Nimoy in THEM! – 1954
Secondly, while it may come as a surprise to some, Leonard Nimoy gave us performances in a couple of the most iconic horror films of the last sixty years: He appeared in an uncredited role in the classic 1954 “big bug” epic Them!, and also in the acclaimed Philip Kaufman adaptation of Invasion of the Body Snatchers in 1978. Add to this his hosting of the late ’70s paranormal show In Search Of… (which readers of my work will know was an important part of my childhood memories), and it’s easy to see why the gentleman is remembered and mourned by folks like us.
You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone out of junior high school that couldn’t immediately recognize the stern yet thoughtful countenance of the beloved “Mr. Spock”; those of us that are older remember his music, writings, and photography, as well as his wise and philosophical views on life, never losing his sense of humor or humility. Though he has left this world, his wisdom, wit, and legacy will continue to inspire for generations to come.
I’d like to close with a quote from Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, after Charles Dickens:
“It’s a far better thing I do than I have ever done…a far better resting place that I go to than I have ever known.”
Leonard Nimoy
1931 – 2015
Godspeed, Leonard Nimoy. You will continue to live long in our memories, and always inspire us to prosper.
Andrew Thompson
