Well, since my original might be a tad overwhelming, I made made copies of my massive homage and divided it up into eight bite-size pieces so you can see everything a bit better! This way you won’t have to got to the DeviantArt link as much either! Enjoy, and check the list below for images you might have missed! 🙂
Detail #1 The Banner. Along the top I basically gave a Spock Timeline. Beginning with a concerned Sulu seeing Leonard in his tiny part from Them. Then Spock’s evolution from The Cage to The Corbomite Maneuver, with a nice fact-to-fiction composite of wee Leonard (age 10) learning water purification during WWII, and Spock fiddling with some chemistry hardware in a publicity still.* Then Spock plays a Vulcan harp and Leonard plays guitar while Flamenco Spock puppet-masters it over both! There’s Court Martial Spock through Hats and Bloopers (and laughing on Platonious) while Spock cuddles Isis. Publicity Profile of Spock and my profile portrait of Leonard in 2013. And to bookend Sulu’s screen, Nimoy’s Bookshelf! Detail #2 The Writers Corner. Where the collage began. I did not want to make this exclusively Spock, so I started on Leonard’s creative pursuits. Writings include his poetry and photography books, greeting cards and the full lyrics toMaiden Wine. Also a poster and scene from Never Forget, a beautiful, touching letter he wrote to a bi-racial teenager about how Spock manages in the world as an alien. A pink telegram to the White House; it reads “In the name of decency, don’t pollute with bombs” Posing with McGovern supporters and supporting the Writer’s Strike. Images from his photography books include Shekhina ‘linking arms’ with The Satyr from Secret Selves. A 1978 poster from his lecture series ‘Mr. Spock and I’ (where I first saw him), and a couple images from that event. A row of theater moments with himself as Theo from Vincent in the 70s, and my photos from 2013 at the Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theater in NYC discussing Vincent. (what a joy). As a toddler, a very early publicity photo, and performing at the Pasedena Playhouse. Further down left, Young Mr. Nimoy with his parents, in High School, his Wedding to Sandra Zober, in the Army, Publicity still and poster image from Zombies from the Stratosphire, and family life with lots of love and dogs (more of this later). Detail # 3 That Plaid Blazer and the Fan Girls. A cornerstone of Leonard’s wardrobe in the 70s was his beloved beige plaid blazer, worn here in everything from an early interview, through In Search of, Baffled!, public appearances and in The Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Pat Boone’s hat too! And even after Star Trek was canceled, Cleveland Amory’s article wondered why women were ‘spaced out’ over Leonard Nimoy. Nimoy modestly describes Spock as tall, dark, alien, and exotic, with a brilliant mind and “Oh, so cool!”. But we know better, right? He got lots of love from his fans too, (from beauty queens to Playboy Bunnies) and never denied them their chance to say hello or even a hug. I included my lucky self among the fan pictures, as well as Louise Stange (his fan club president) Theresa Victor (his ‘Girl Friday), and my friends Bobbie and Linda. 🙂 I wonder who the 8 Lucky Ladies were who got to have Breakfast with Mr. Spock? I like to think women drove Trek fandom in the first place (e.g. Bjo Trimble, and fanzines like Spock Enslaved. Some prime examples of Spock/Nimoy canoodling here!Detail #4 The Nimoy Kick Line. I had so many full length images of Leonard that it only seemed fair to give him a “Kick Line” (think Rockettes). The idea began with gun-belted Nimoy as a sheriff in The Virginian which naturally followed with Spock in a gun-belt in Spectre of the Gun. Three chilly Leonards in Patterns of Force, One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest and The Balcony, and so on with Spock, Paris, that amazing denim patchwork suit, bumping with Flip Wilson, Catlow, etc. You’ll see Dr. Mayfield giving Columbo a copy of I Am Not Spock and just above that, the same two actors in The Balcony.Detail #5 Westerns, Family, Community, and Pets. BeforeTrek, Leonard made much of his bread and butter with TV Westerns and I found seven samples of him as a Native American, plus a couple of cowboys as well as all types of bad guys. But it all supported his family which made it all worth it. In this time his love of photography flourished, as well as pets. (Brunsie, Max, more) You see Adam and Julie grow from little ones to caring adults. And you see ‘Poppi’ with his grand and great-grandkids, as well as with everyday folk at telethons,political events, reading programs and ALS benefits. As Leonard wrote, “The miracle is this; the more we share, the more we have.”Detail #6 We’ll Always Have Paris and Who’s in that Limo? Beyond Star Trek, Leonard found successful work on Mission: Impossible and so much more. I’d say that of all the Trek ensemble in the 70’s, Leonard was the most active. You can see him here with the cast of M:I and some prime Paris moments. He did Game and Variety shows. Yet through the rest of his life, Spock was never far behind, like those guys in the backseat of the Bangles limo here. Despite some initial trepidation, he embraced Spock and was grateful how that character led him to his dreams of photography and directing. From In Search Of to Three Men and a Baby, he kept on going, making many friends along the way. Detail # 7 Golden Throat. Leonard engaging in his recording days, hence the Golden Throat. and animated Spock comforts crying Spock: “Hey, the albums weren’t that bad…” I threw a lot of similar themed pictures here, both as Spock and in real life. It wasn’t always easy, I’m sure it got tiring. But you could see the love in all he did. See several images of Nimoy just looking great, and four images of Leonard all looking up to their left. Bottom right Dr. McCoy and Spock with dear friends De Kelley and Leonard in front of them. Detail #8 He Lived Long and Prospered in Life’s Garden. What better way to make a ‘finale’ to this piece than with a forest of “Live Long and Prospers”? The now iconic trademark gesture reminds us all to live our best lives, in the moment, in the world, with each other (it even helps us greet friends in the pandemic!) You’ll see Leonard with his sweet Buick Riviera, with his Piper airplane, with his wife Susan Bay and his Star Trek Friends. He passes the Vulcan greeting with grace and love for over 4 decades, beginning with its first appearance in Amok Time, to endless personal appearances, the double blessings at Conventions and in synagogue. In the center above his famous final quote, Leonard sends out a big hug. Near Leonard’s grave plaque, you see Spock nearing his death, but the memories and spirit go on. You can see an artist’s conception of the Live Long and Prosper statue that is being planned for the Boston Museum of Science.
Bonus Pop Culture and Silly Details: Spock and Nimoy inspired a LOT of pop culture. See if you can find all of these:
Funko Spock Figure in original uniform
Funko Spock holding Isis the Cat
Funko Dorbz Spock
Four Al Hirshfeld drawings featuring Leonard as Spock and himself. (Colorized by me!)
A “Trekkie on Board” sign
Animated Leonard with Spock Ears on Animaniacs
Leonard, in a Spock uniform fighting Bender on Futurama
Real life Leonard holding animated Leonard’s ‘head’ from Futurama
Leonard on The Simpsons
Working Daze cartoon featuring a tribute to Leonard shortly after he died.
The Nimoy Boar from Battle Cats
Mego Spock Doll
Mego Mirror Mirror Spock Doll
Mattel Spock Doll
Yellow Spock Stamp
A Spock Nutcracker
Calvin and Hobbes dressed as Kirk and Spock
Family Guy Spock
Squidward as Spock (aka Spockward, by Therese Bohn, 2012)
Mad Magazine, The Mad Star Trek Musical
A Dachshund figure dressed like Spock with “Live Really Long and Prosper” on its uniform shirt
Hi Everyone! I know I promised this last week, but life happens (I had a nasty fall last week, but I’m fine now) and I finally finished this today. (Working on a belated Nimoy 90th tribute too)
Happy Belated 90th Birthday to Bill Shatner – what a life! I think I’ve captured a moment from all nine decades you’ve been around. If you look closely, you’ll see pictures with a few couplings of Bill with actors he worked with more than once, dappled with some memorable Kirk moments as well as LOTS of humor. I especially like all the “Bills” having a group ‘hug’ at the bottom. Even Spock is having a laugh! So be sure to zoom in to see all the details!
I hope we can all be as sharp and active as The Shat Man is when we hit 90! Best wishes Always, Therese.
Taking a moment to cherish and enjoy the love and happiness of all our Moms, now living and forever in our hearts. Thank you Mom, I love you forever ❤ (Also very thankful that I’m a Mom of two beautiful sons 🙂 )
(Sorry I’m so late today — had a busy day between work and errands!)
Well, after all these years, I haven’t figured out how 3-D chess works, but it’s nice to know that Mr. Nimoy enjoyed an occasional game of chess like I do!
When’s the last time anyone here has played chess? I love playing it with my sons — dig out the board sometime and see if you still got your winning moves!
Leonard with great grandson Charlie Pearson in 2011. (Aww!)
I loved this photo of Mr. Nimoy (in 2011) with his great grandson Charlie Pearson that was featured People.com when Nimoy died. But what struck me the most was how much this little guy resembles his Great ‘Poppi’ as a child! (the eyes, the ears, the smile!) Charlie is Adam’s grandson and truly that apple didn’t fall far from the tree! Sweet little fellow!
Hi All! Hope all my followers in the U.S. had a lovely Thanksgiving yesterday! For all the rest of the world, I hope you take a little moment every day to count all our blessings. So many little things to be thankful for; love of family and friends, a hot meal, and just a few minutes to b-r-e-a-t-h-e.
And now that the Christmas Shopping has officially begun, just remember that the greatest gift you can give is your time and friendship. The best things in life are truly free! ❤
Just a quick little memory today of my Dad, Bill, who would have been 95 today :-). Dad passed in 1974 at the age of only 56, he was a loving and hard working Dad to all 8 of us and he adored my Mom, Anna. This occasion is both happy and sad, happy because we love and remember him fondly, sad, of course because my parents are no longer here. But this year, my Mom happily joined him in Heaven for this special occasion, and I know they are together at last.
(btw, Dad liked watching Star Trek with us and thought Lt. Uhura was adorable!)
Dear Friends, I probably won’t be posting for a while, at least this week. My darling 93-year old Mom (Anna) suffered a bad fall yesterday (Memorial Day) which resulted in 6 broken ribs and a very tiny tear in her heart. Fortunately the tear was not a big as originally thought, and she is resting comfortably in the ICU. These next 36 hours are critical to my Mom’s mortality, but we are hopeful that the tear will gently heal itself. We’re not quite out of the woods yet, but your prayers and thoughts will be greatly appreciated these next few days. Thank you for understanding, Therese
Me, (right) with Mom, Anna, on April 30, Therese’s birthday) Please keep Mom in your prayers to heal from her bad fall. Thanks.
This was the first time I saw a picture of Mr. Nimoy and his family – son Adam, daughter Julie, and (later ex-) wife Sandy. This was definitely Nimoy’s ascot era. I treasured the picture so much I ‘laminated’ it with that new ‘invisible’ tape, (not realizing that it would make the paper yellow even faster!) and the lines fall practically across Nimoy’s eyes. Sorry about that. Then a TV Guide blurb about one of Nimoy’s 1st post-Mission Impossible stints, an anthology of love stories by famous authors Somerset Maugham, Daphne Du Marier, and Kurt Vonnegut. Nimoy played opposite Juliet Mills (from Nanny and the Professor) in “Kiss Me Again Stranger” which I referred to here.
Another photo of Leonard and Sandy at at art exhibit in 1974, note how he whipped off his glasses for this one. And then a photo of Mr. Shatner with his new (second) bride, the lovely Marcy Lafferty. I remember really digging her earrings and wondering why a young woman of 27 would marry an old man of 43? I wonder if Ms. Lafferty would have reconsidered if she knew she’d be only the second of his four wives?