Lived Long and Prospered

Leonard Nimoy, well known for his role as Mr. Spock in the popular television show Star Trek, died Feburary 27. Long loved for his three year, 80 episode run in the original Star Trek, he inspired generations of people with a love for science fiction.
The character Spock is half human, half Vulcan, an alien characterized by pointed ears and exaggerated eyebrows. He is the first officer on the Starship Enterprise, and always provides (whether or not it is requested) the logical solution to many of the problems that the crew faces. Leonard Nimoy brought the character of Spock to life with his quick wit and stringent morals, audiences for generations have loved and connected with him, whether he was facing inner turmoil or facing off with Dr. McCoy.
Before the fame that his most popular role brought him, he showed his passion for acting in a wide array of parts, mostly as minor characters in various TV shows (such as Twilight Zone and General Hospital), from 1951 to 1965. From 1966 to 1969 he acted in Star Trek, which became wildly popular. Later on in his career. Spock also appeared in many Star Trek movies and spin-off shows, like Star Trek The Next Generation.
Other TV shows have featured his beloved character, including The Simpsons and Futurama. He continued to act, in and out of the Star Trek franchise, and went on to write books, direct movies, along with becoming a photographer, philanthropist, and singer. He even made a reappearance in the more recent Star Trek Into Darkness, reprising his role as Spock at the age of 82.
Many people know Spock’s famous hand symbol and quote, “Live Long and Prosper.” As a pop culture icon, he funtioned to show people that science fiction permeates our society, in television, literature, and movies. Leonard Nimoy not only gave us Spock, he also lit our passion for science fiction.
The character that Leonard Nimoy helped the science fiction community fall in love with had many impacts in popular culture. Spock became a foil to the human race, highlighting human passions and often illogical actions driven by emotion with his own stoicism. In addition, his character’s struggle with identity proved something many could relate to–not only those growing up in the mid-1960s, but also everyone who watches reruns of the grainy sci-fi show on late night TV or on the internet. The character of Spock reached through generations as a beacon, a cooler head that would always prevail at the end of a 50 minute episode. Leonard Nimoy brought to life someone who would inspire generations of people, someone who was, and always would be our friend, and though his life has ended, the memories and impact on culture that he left behind will not.