Tag Archives: Mission Impossible

A Closer Look: Details from my Humongous Nimoy Collage! (Gallery)

Hi Everyone!

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 to Maiden 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. Before Trek, 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
  • A real Dog dressed like Spock
  • Spock as a Cat by artist Jenny Parks
  • Gold Key Comics Spock
  • Color Block painting of Spock (Artist Unknown)
  • Article -The Primitive Sex Appeal of Mr. Spock (Color corrected and reversed from original by me)
  • The Only appearance by Leonard as Spock in a 1960s Parade!
  • Leonard as Spock on The Carol Burnett Show
  • Leonard on The Beautiful Phyllis Diller Show
  • Leonard wearing a black eye-mask.
  • De, Bill, and Leonard ‘shaving’ with their phasers
  • Leonard on What’s My Line?
  • Leonard in The Alpha Caper
  • Two images of Leonard getting an honorary degree
  • Leonard with Gene Wilder
  • Leonard with Bernie Taupin (Elton John’s Lyricist)
  • Leonard with Arlo Guthrie and Michael Dukakis
  • Polaroid of Nimoy and Majel Barret in early makeup test
  • 3D Spock Animation (LLAP)
  • Spock with his tunic unzipped
  • Leonard in a bathtub in Catlow
  • Leonard in the plays Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, The King and I, Equus, and Sherlock Holmes
  • Spock and Kirk as Muppets!
  • LLAP Emoji
  • Shatner as T.J. Hooker! (2)
  • Spock as a ‘Hood Ornament’!
  • Leonard ‘pinching’ Spock’s behind!

*Thanks to Bobbie for pointing this out 🙂

Another Rare Nimoy Interview! (Mission: Impossible) 1970

Just came across another rare interview with Leonard! This time he’s promoting his second season of Mission: Impossible! (@1970) Although he seems delighted at the how his second season will explore the backgrounds of the MI characters, including Paris, we all know this was his last season with it.

He also discusses his pet shop, Pottery, Assault on The Wayne, and mentions his trip to Europe with Sandy.

https://www.10tv.com/embeds/video/530-580f1183-570e-40ed-a9ef-cadfec631a2b/iframe

Remembering Leonard Today (pics)

Three years have flown by, but I often think how lucky we were to live in the same time as Leonard?  The smile, the eyes, the voice, the laugh. Very lucky indeed!  What a wonderful man; rest in peace ❤

My Weekly Spock – April in Paris a Little Early

Well it’s been a very blue winter (in so many ways) and  to shake my winter blues I think of Spring, and when I think of Spring, I think of April, and when I think of April I think of April in Paris…or rather April with Paris!

So here’s a ‘spring’ preview with our favorite spy… 🙂  Ah, Paris! ❤

takeover the-controllers-pt-1 the-controllers-pt-2 the-field the-merchant

 

 

My Weekly Spock: Rare Head Shot Restored

This week I’m featuring a rare head shot of Leonard that I bought from Historic Images.  I’ve seen a similar version from this session where he has a full smile, but in this one the smile is a little less broad.  These head shots were often used for reference in AP articles.  Historic Images also send a newspaper clipping of this practice in action; in this case, a  celebrity horoscope from 1972.  ( btw, the image of Nimoy was taken in 1969!)

I show first the original, which was quite grubby as it was probably stored in the bottom of a filing case for reference.  It had a lot of yellowing and a bit filmy. (looks like someone scratched his name into the film!)  I’m including both here so you can see the restoration I applied.  Enjoy!

Historic Images 01

Original glossy: The full caption probably reads: (ADVANCE FOR WEEKEND EDITIONS OF OCT, 4. STORY…(NY5-Sept.30) –CHANGE IN STARS IN ‘MISSION IMPOSSIBLE’ Leonard Nimoy steps into role this television season of Martin Landau’s character in ‘Mission: Impossible”. (AP Wirephoto) …1969

Historic Images 02

Here’s the little clipping attached to the back of the glossy; if features a celebrity horoscope suggesting that Aries Leonard will become enamored of physic phenomena this week! (hmm.. precursor to “In Search Of?”)

Nimoy 69 restoration w-drop shadow

My cleaned up restoration. 🙂

My Weekly Spock: Leonard Nimoy on the Carol Burnett Show in 1970.

Hi Everybody!   For Christmas last month,  I was delighted to receive the DVD set of The Carol Burnett Show, The Lost Episodes.  I was excited to know I’d be seeing the episodes from 1967-72 that never made it to syndication!  I was especially hoping to see the skit that went along with this famous still from Episode 12, Dec 4,1967 of Carol looking shocked as Leonard Nimoy (as Mr. Spock) appears in ‘Mrs. Invisible Man5oibo1.jpg.397c9a30c48867fae58c83484e55c8ab

 

 

 

 

 

Turns out, although the DVD set has many episodes, it is not a compilation of the 1st 5 seasons.  Instead are episodes hand-picked by Carol, packaged by TimeLife.com and issued piecemeal.   I only received the first 6- disc collection, and this episode alas, was not there. (Nor is it within the second ‘lost episode’ set).

However, there is a silver lining in this set! Leonard Nimoy does appear!  On the final disc, (Episode 316 from January 19, 1970) Nimoy appears as Paris from Mission: Impossible with Peter Graves, Greg Morris, and Peter Lupus in a surprise appearance at the end of a satirical Mission: Impossible skit!  I’ve included screencaps here for your viewing pleasure!  Carol gushes about M:I and gives a kiss to Peter Graves, and Leonard plants a sweet kiss on Carol too as he is clearly delighted to be there!  They all crack up as guest star Flip Wilson (as Geraldine Jones), cozies up to Greg Morris! Nimoy would later appear on Flip Wilson’s variety show.

Here’s hoping Carol will release the Spock episode too (but not holding my breath for it!)

Lyle Waggoner, Flip Wilson, Carol Burnet, and Harvey Korman skewer Mission: Impossible on one of the 'lost' episodes of The Carol Burnett Show.

Lyle Waggoner, Flip Wilson, Carol Burnet, and Harvey Korman skewer Mission: Impossible on one of the ‘lost’ episodes of The Carol Burnett Show.

 

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My Weekly Spock: In a Wavy Trance

Just came across these on Facebook — (Thanks Lynett Ann Toole!)   My goodness; wavy hair and entrancing poses!  Welcome back to My Weekly Drool  Spock!

wavy 2_n

In spy mode…

Put a spell on you...

Put a spell on you…

Remember when men wore  watches that were just... watches? Simpler days...

Leonard Nimoy for Timex…Remember when men wore watches that were just… watches? Ah, simpler days…

My Weekly Spock: Paris Profile

I used this picture in a memorial birthday collage for Leonard in March, but I’ve been meaning to use it here too –Just a lovely profile 🙂

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My Weekly Spock: April with Paris…

It’s late April already! (and almost my birthday) so I better post my annual “April with Paris” edition of Weekly Spock and get some desperately needed Paris time!

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Wideo Wednesday Leonard Nimoy “LaLa”

Some pure Nimoy Awesomeness in this video by  Laurie Shae !

 

— I’ll be recovering from my surgery when this posts– I  think watching this will definitely help my recuperation!   🙂