This one really, really hurts. The wonderful Leonard Nimoy had recently been hospitalized for severe chest pains resulting from COPD. Nimoy blamed many years of smoking for his current state of health, despite quitting 30 years ago. TMZ is reporting he passed away this morning in his home in Bel Air after battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Perhaps best known as the logical Mr. Spock on STAR TREK which began in 1966, Leonard was the son of Ukrainian Jewish immigrants and began acting in theater at a young age. Other memorable performances include the original MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE television series, and movies like INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS (1978) and TRANSFORMERS: THE MOVIE (1986). He also became an accomplished director, even helming STAR TREK III: THE SEARCH FOR SPOCK and STAR TREK IV: THE VOYAGE HOME, and the comedy hit 3 MEN AND A BABY. Nimoy was also a heralded author, penning the book “I Am Not Spock” and eventually “I Am Spock”, both of which are worth a read. In 2009 he returned to the role of Spock in J.J. Abrams STAR TREK reboot film, the only original series actor to appear with the new cast. In 2011 Nimoy retired from the Sci-Fi convention circuit, where he had frequently made time to meet admiring fans. He was one month away from his birthday, passing away at the age of 83.

One of the earliest experiences meeting the man was (of course) as a Sci-Fi convention in Tulsa, Oklahoma. My good friend John Harper (who ran that show) would let me help out with security for various guests, and at this particular show I ended up helping looking after Leonard as things were wrapping up. He had been appearing with William Shatner, who was leaving a little early, though Nimoy was to head back to his hotel to relax until time for him to give a late presentation on his photography. I stood with him backstage waiting for his car. He said goodbye to Shatner, then Bill jumped in a limo and was rushed away. The driver, another buddy of mine named Joe Bob, told us he would come right back for Leonard. So it was just me and Mr. Spock standing there, no one else around, making casual conversation. Despite being understandably tired from a long day of signing and shaking hands, Nimoy was very kind and chatted with me about photography and other things, taking an interest in my origins and what Dallas was like. We eventually ran out of stuff to talk about, and it turned into a sort of extended awkward pause. I wasn’t about to bring up TREK with him, but was sweating not being able to think of something else to say… perhaps a little starstruck too. Finally, Janice (who ran the green room) came through a door and in her lovable Southern accent said “Okay, I just talked to Joe Bob and he’s heading back right now, said he’d be here in two shakes of a lamb’s tail!” Now being from Texas, I had actually heard that expression before. Leonard had not. He smiled and said “Two shakes of a lamb’s tail, eh?” I chuckled realizing he was taking that phrase in with all of its glory. Janice walked off and once again it was just Spock and I, so we chatted a little more, and then officially ran out of conversation. He was beat, I was too from working the show, and it was just two dudes waiting for Joe Bob to finally return. After a minute or two of more awkward silence, Nimoy looked up at me and said, “That is one fucking slow lamb.” We both burst into laughter, it was hilarious. As we laughed, Joe Bob drove in and off they went.

Some years later I saw Leonard again at the same event, and even helped work his signing line. I won’t pretend he remembered me, but we did seem to have an instant comfort around each other. We chatted a lot at that show, and he even agreed to record a promo liner for my website. I was a little nervous asking him to do it, but I had this fun idea where I would hold up my hand doing the Vulcan symbol, and then say “May the Force be with you!” like an idiot.  I asked him if he would chase that with “God you’re a jackass.” This was a perfect David Letterman-esque bit, and Leonard ‘got’ it… so we filmed it, and with the exception of the guy who held the camera not catching the Vulcan hand in frame, it’s perfect.

Then finally, in 2011, Leonard was our Guest of Honor at the very first Dallas Comic Con held at the Irving Convention Center. This was announced as one of his final convention appearances as he was retiring from the con circuit. I was able to introduce him for his special panel, that was not a traditional Q&A but rather a unique look at his personal life through photos and stories… it was amazing. As we started, I asked the audience to snap their photos early and get it out of their system so as not to be distracting, then someone asked if they could shoot video. I guessed it was okay, and said I just hoped Leonard wouldn’t “slap me” if I was wrong. As he walked up and took the mic, he announced “I don’t slap, I pinch!” When Nimoy finished for the day, I did a quick little exit interview with him, which you can see below. He was excited as he was about to be heard once again as a Transformer in Michael Bay’s TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON.

One thing I can say about Leonard that’s not always true with other celebrities is that he was always, always nice and generous with his time. I never saw him talk down to anyone, give someone a hard time, or try to use his status to get something he didn’t deserve. He was a gentleman and the kind of person you felt better just for being around. I feel lucky to have met him on the multiple occasions I did, and luckier for having the memories I have. Live long and prosper in the next life, good sir. The legacy you leave behind will never die.

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