“Long Live and Prosper.”
NASA and many Star Trek fans commemorate the passing of Star Trek actor, Leonard Nimoy. The beloved actor passed away at the age of 83 at his home in Bel Air, Los Angeles. The cause of death is listed as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which the actor previously attributed to his smoking habit, despite quitting three decades ago.
Nimoy was known for his remarkable roles in many movies and television series, as well as for giving voice to various animated characters and video game protagonists, though one can argue that he was most famous for his role as Mr. Spock in the Star Trek series. He started his acting career as early as the age of 8 and landed his first movie role in the films Queen for a Day and Rhubarb. He also directed Star Trek 3: The Search for Spock and Star Trek 4: The Voyage Home. Furthermore, he is the author of two autobiographies: I am not Spock, and I am Spock.
Aside from his role as Mr. Spock, however, Nimoy has also worked with NASA to promote its missions. He, along with other Star Trek cast members, was present for the unveiling of the shuttle Enterprise, which was named after the iconic spaceship commanded by the fictional Captain James Tiberius Kirk. He also lent his voice to NASA and narrated a video for the launch of the Dawn mission.
NASA, as well as NASA astronauts Scott Kelly and Sam Cristoforetti expressed their gratitude to the actor on Twitter. Charles Bolden, NASA administrator, conveyed his sentiments upon learning of the actor’s death saying: “Leonard Nimoy was an inspiration to multiple generations of engineers, scientists, astronauts, and other space explorers. As Mr. Spock, he made science and technology important to the story, while never failing to show, by example, that it is the people around us who matter most. NASA was fortunate to have him as a friend and a colleague. He was much more than the Science Officer for the USS Enterprise. Leonard was a talented actor, director, philanthropist, and a gracious man dedicated to art in many forms. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and the legions of Star Trek fans around the world.”
The President of the United States of America, Barack Obama, also released a statement regarding the passing of the actor. The President praised Leonard Nimoy for his works, his generosity, his passion for arts, his support of science and especially his character as Mr. Spock. “I love Spock,” were the President’s words that were also expressed in the White House’s official Twitter account.
Fans all around the world will surely miss the legendary Leonard Nimoy, but it goes to say that he will not be forgotten as he will “long live and prosper” in the hearts of many.
