Zachary Quinto And President Obama Remember Leonard Nimoy, An Icon For Two Generations

The first series of Star Trek, now referred to as The Original Series, ran in 1966 on NBC. With James T. Kirk at the helm of the starship Enterprise, Star Trek went where no man had gone before, embarking on several interstellar adventures throughout the United Federation of Planets

Leonard Nimoy’s (1931–2015) character, Spock, gained popularity as the lieutenant commander, first officer, and science officer to Captain James T. Kirk.

Leonard Nimoy’s character quickly became synonymous with all that is Star Trek and went on to be emulated for almost two centuries by fans who offer the Vulcan salute at every opportunity.

Leonard Nimoy’s own life mirrored on some level the character of Spock, with a calm and centered presence and deep intellect. He was respected and loved by the people he worked with and made time to support philanthropic ventures with a love of the arts.

Leonard was a director and producer in his own right who did indeed live long and prosper. He wrote avidly with a love of poetry and verse. In the day before his death, he was still publishing his latest work on Twitter.

I will be sharing my poetry. Today’s is, “You and I have Learned,” which is in my book, These Words Are for You. LLAP pic.twitter.com/CsHAtmtDnz

— Leonard Nimoy (@TheRealNimoy) February 22, 2015

It is not until someone passes that the measure of their character and the life they have lived is fully acknowledged. Leonard Nimoy was an icon in life as Spock, and will go on to be remembered as an icon in death for the person he was and the impact he had on the people in his life.

Here’s what President Obama had to say about the actor shortly after his passing.

“Long before being nerdy was cool, there was Leonard Nimoy. Leonard was a lifelong lover of the arts and humanities, a supporter of the sciences, generous with his talent and his time. And of course, Leonard was Spock. Cool, logical, big-eared and level-headed, the center of Star Trek’s optimistic, inclusive vision of humanity’s future.

“I loved Spock.

“In 2007, I had the chance to meet Leonard in person. It was only logical to greet him with the Vulcan salute, the universal sign for “Live long and prosper.” And after 83 years on this planet – and on his visits to many others – it’s clear Leonard Nimoy did just that. Michelle and I join his family, friends, and countless fans who miss him so dearly today.”

A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory. LLAP

— Leonard Nimoy (@TheRealNimoy) February 23, 2015

Leonard Nimoy died at his home in Los Angeles on February 27, 2015 at the age of 83. Even during his last hours, Leonard Nimoy demonstrated his love for the written word when he wrote his last tweet. LLAP.

[Photography/Hulton Archive/Getty Images]