Adam Nimoy On ‘The Big Bang Theory’: Leonard Nimoy’s Son Boldly Goes In Search Of Documentary Footage

Star Trek fans were devastated when, earlier this year, Leonard Nimoy — the man behind the series’ beloved Vulcan Spock — passed away from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Fans of the man have known for some time that his son, Adam Nimoy — a director in his own right — has been crafting a documentary to honor his father, and with that in mind, Entertainment Weekly reports that Nimoy is set to appear on The Big Bang Theory with recurring guest star Wil Wheaton.

While almost nothing is known as to Wheaton’s role in the November 5 episode featuring the younger Nimoy on The Big Bang Theory, it is certain that, as usual, his character will irritate Sheldon (Jim Parsons) endlessly. Nimoy, however, is appearing on The Big Bang Theory under the guise that he is interviewing Sheldon for the documentary about his late father. The episode, titled “The Spock Resonance,” will also see Sheldon struggling to contain his emotions about his recent split with Amy Farrah Fowler during the interview, although he is terribly excited to be interviewed for the documentary.

News that Adam Nimoy was appearing on the Big Bang Theory set fans of Spock and Nimoy’s documentary in the making buzzing on social media.

@LoveOfSpock @adam_nimoy @BigBang_CBS This makes my ? happy! ? #LLAP #BigBangTheory

— ?Lindsey? (@Lindz_Jay) October 28, 2015

It seems that Nimoy was also excited about his appearance on The Big Bang Theory. He commented that he’d had an opportunity to interview Bill Prady, one of the producers on The Big Bang Theory, for the documentary via social media.

Had a blast interviewing producer @billprady about his #LoveOfSpock while taping @BigBang_CBS! Tune in Nov 5th @ 8/7 https://t.co/DGfytYi2mD

— The Spock Doc (@LoveOfSpock) October 27, 2015

Adam Nimoy also said in a tongue-in-cheek post that he was fortunate that showrunners allowed him to play himself during his appearance on The Big Bang Theory. Of course, fans of Star Trek and Spock alike are quite familiar with the number of references to the beloved Vulcan character that have appeared throughout the show’s history. In one episode, entitled “The Transporter Malfunction,” Leonard Nimoy voiced a Spock action figure that haunted Sheldon throughout the episode.

While Leonard Nimoy never made an in-person appearance on The Big Bang Theory, there are several references to Star Trek and Nimoy’s character throughout the series’ history. The Big Bang Theory also took the time to salute the elder Nimoy’s indelible influence throughout his career on television and the entertainment industry in general. Movie Pilot reports that in a post-credit shot, the show noted Leonard Nimoy’s influence on The Big Bang Theory shortly after news of the actor’s death broke, saying, “The impact you had on our show and on our lives is everlasting.”

The Spock documentary, entitled For the Love of Spock, also had Leonard Nimoy’s seal of approval; Adam Nimoy approached his father with the idea for the documentary well before his death and discussed the project with him. Now, however, the documentary has taken on the tone of being a chronicle of the late actor’s life and a tribute following his death. Funding for the project went through Kickstarter and garnered the support of Nimoy’s friends, fans, and family. Adam Nimoy hopes to see the project hit screens next year.

Nimoy’s appearance on The Big Bang Theory, however, is one that fans of the show are anticipating eagerly. Not only does the show mark a tribute to one of the most iconic figures in the science fiction universe, it will reunite another Star Trek alumnus with the show, as actor Wil Wheaton returns in his role as Sheldon’s arch nemesis. Although Leonard Nimoy may have trekked to the final frontier, one thing remains clear: His son, Adam Nimoy, in his appearance on The Big Bang Theory, will ensure his father continues to be honored by fans everywhere.

[Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures]