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Leonard Nimoy’s memory will live long and prosper

Leonard Nimoy, 'Star Trek's' transcendent alien Mr. Spock, dies at 83

 

Paige Sheffield, Staff Writer
Photo credit: 
MCT Campus

“Loss of life is to be mourned, but only if the life was wasted.” –Spock

If the statement is true, then the death of Leonard Nimoy is not one to be mourned.

Leonard Nimoy, although well versed in his directing and acting career, was best known as the character Spock from the original Star Trek TV Series and movies. His character was wise and logical, and Spock instantly became a favorite character among viewers as Nimoy simultaneously became a beloved actor.

However, to the dismay of many fans and “Trekkies” (trekdoc.com),  Nimoy’s career ended when he passed away on February 27, 2015  at the age of 83.

My father, Malcolm Sheffield, is a Star Trek fan. When I asked him if he knew Nimoy passed away his response was, “Yes, I know. I’m in mourning.”

Star Trek has made a lasting impression on my dad throughout the years – he enjoys watching both the TV series and the original movies (over and over again). The characters are familiar to him and the actors respected by him.

When he discovered that Leonard Nimoy passed away, my dad instantly felt sad for two reasons: the first because a Star Trek legend and icon  was lost, and the second because “he practiced the Jewish faith which meant he was not a Christian and therefore died without knowing Jesus Christ.”

Sheffield does point out though, that Star Trek as a franchise overlooks the boundaries society sets for individuals based on looks and beliefs.

“Star Trek brought together a world where people of all nationalities and cultures could work and live together and overlook their individual problems, for the greater good.”

The character Spock embodied this “greater good” ideal and Nimoy’s portrayal of this iconic sci-fi character has allowed other actors to mimic his styles and mature within the film industry.

“There will be others to portray Spock in the future, but Nimoy laid the ground work for who and what the character is,” Sheffield said.

Leonard Nimoy will be a greatly missed actor and director by his colleagues and fans, and even though Spock did come back to life once before in Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, his actor, Nimoy does not have that luxury. However, his portrayal of Spock and the personal impact he left on many lives will undoubtedly ‘live long and prosper’.