What's New April 2010

Twitter

In answer to a question on Twitter Mr. Nimoy wrote on April, 20th that he "flew a Piper Arrow and a Bellanca." You can see him leave in his plane in this interview.

 
 

Upload by ribbonrain, who also kindly provided a download link for the video.

Twitter (Updated Fri, 30th)

In case someone might still doubt TheRealNimoy is the real Nimoy, here is a pic he posted of himself "tweeting". He also shared a photo of his father at work, cutting hair, and one of him at the Calgary Comic Con, commenting to William Shatner in in another post:

Bill: Outgoing Mayor of Calgary said I should run for the office. Me as Mayor and Shatner as Governor General!!

Earlier he wrote:

@WilliamShatner Bill: You're being considered for Governor General of Canada. Do it !! Finally a chance to do something w/your life. llap

 

This Global news report about Mr. Nimoy visiting Vulcan also picked up on the story of the Shatner for Governor General story, thwarting hopes by relaying that while Mr. Shatner felt flattered he's not interested in the job.

 

Voices

Soup for Spock

; What does a Vulcan eat when he's in town?

By Julie Van Rosendaal, For The Calgary Herald April 28, 2010

Soup, as it turns out. And sandwiches. And Leonard Nimoy wasn't the only one. Try Malcolm McDowell, Sid Haig, Brent Spiner and Erin Gray, to boot.

(...)

It was so much fun that when I left on Saturday, I told the guys to give me a challenge -- if I was going to cook for them, it may as well be something beyond soup and sandwiches.

"Don't say that," said Sid Haig (you may recognize him from Rob Zombie movies), "or I'll ask you to cook Greek food."

And so I made slow cooked leg of lamb overnight Saturday night for their Sunday lunch. With a double batch of naan and tzatziki. They were thrilled.

But Leonard still wanted soup, so I made an old standby -- Spolumbo's Italian sausage with lentils and barley. This time, he made so many mmmmmm sounds, it made my 12-year-old niece, with me this time to help (and perhaps meet the guys from Twilight, methinks) giggle.

I was amazed when they told me how surprised and grateful they were to be fed food made from scratch, right there in the green room, according to their mood and dietary needs (several, including Brent Spiner, were vegetarians): they're more used to a platter of muffins and sandwiches or to fend for themselves at conventions and media events. Truly, it thrilled me that these simple dishes -- that you can easily make at home -- made a difference in their day.

More here or at her blog.

Charity

Leonard and Susan Nimoy are listed as benefactors for the organizastion. They visited in 2005.

KKC youth and staff with guests Susan and Leonard Nimoy, 2005.
Kulture Klub Collaborative is an independent nonprofit arts organization that brings together artists and homeless teens at YouthLink/Project OffStreets, a crisis drop-in center- located in downtown Minneapolis. Through workshops, open mics, cultural presentations, and "art views," homeless teens develop their creative expression, receive exposure to artistic excellence, and enter into a group of peers, supportive adults, and diverse social communities.

Calgary Comic Book Expo (Updated Fri, 30th)

Videos: Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8

Reports at The Gazette and CTV.

 

Leonard Nimoy Visits Vulcan, Canada (Updated Fri, 30th)

See the Trek Movie news roundup for more. At the Calgary Herald you can find another 10 min. video interview with Mr. Nimoy.

 

 

 

 

Press Conference National Space Symposium

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Events

The Getty Museum presents "Selected Shorts: A Celebration of the Short Story". On May 1st Leonard Nimoy will read Porte-Cochère by Peter Taylor. The motto for the evenings performance is "If The Walls Could Talk".

Voices

Zachary Quinto commented on NBC's Niteside on Mr. Nimoy's decision to retire once more:

"There's not even a script and Leonard just announced his retirement -- he's not going to do another movie," Quinto said during WET Production's "Stars Give Love" benefit performance of short plays last night at the Lower East Side's Angel Orensanz Foundation.

"Frankly, Leonard has got a mind of his own and he's going to do what he wants regardless of what other people tell him. I'm just glad that he's my friend."

 

Twitter

Though Leonard Nimoy is not going to return for the next Star Trek film, it seems he's found something to admire about it...

Zoe Saldana...where were you when I was doing the series ??

 

Interviews

Yes, in the eyes of many, Nimoy will always be Mr. Spock. But the actor says he is comfortable that the franchise is far from over with the new cast.

"I think the fans have been very receptive," he says. "I think the fans get it, that this could mean future Star Trek (films). Look, Jimmy Doohan (the original Scotty) is gone, DeForest Kelley (the original Dr. McCoy) is gone, Bill Shatner and I are in our late 70s. It's time. If we want Star Trek to continue, I think this is a great way for it to happen."

More at the Calgary Herald

Interviews

Just when he thinks he’s out, they beam him back in.

How else to describe Leonard Nimoy’s enduring, at times conflicted relationship with Star Trek, the franchise that’s defined his career for more than four decades — regardless of how many times he swore it off or believed it was finished?

“Countless times, I thought it was done,” he admits on the phone from Los Angeles.

But this time, says the 79-year-old actor-director-photographer, there are no more possibilities. Spock, his pointy-eared alter-ego, will live long and prosper. But it will be without Nimoy.

“I want to get off the stage. Also, I don’t think it would be fair to Zachary Quinto,” he says, referring to the actor who portrayed a youthful Spock in last summer’s smash Star Trek relaunch. “He’s a terrific actor, he looks the part, and it’s time to give him some space. And I’m very flattered the character will continue.”

In other words, don’t expect to see Nimoy in the next Trek sequel, scheduled for 2012. And don’t expect to see him anywhere else, either. Having just shot what will be his final appearance as enigmatic genius Dr. William Bell in TV’s Fringe, he says he’s retiring from acting altogether.

“I’ve been doing this professionally for 60 years,” he says with a laugh. “I love the idea of going out on a positive note. I’ve had a great, great time.”

More at the Toronto Sun

Interviews

Editorial Rant

One of the reasons I started this page was that I felt there was something missing from the spectrum of pages devoted to Mr. Nimoy available on the web. Today I probably would have started a blog, since I'd be saved from learning about html, css, and php. (But then I can put that in my resume, not totally bad either.) As a fan I started out at a time where much of what was available about Star Trek was produced by the fans. That way I learned about fan clubs and newsletters and became an editor for one in the nineties. I was responsible for the news section. (I guess that still shows in What's New being the most active part of my page.) Those newsletters and zines were still printed on paper and mailed through the post office. When a new one arrived, it was a special occasion, especially, when it was one from the Official Leonard Nimoy Clubs. (Yes, there were still two then, in Britain and the U.S.) While operating in a new medium, it is the spirit of those old but loved zines and newsletters that I wanted to draw my inspiration from. (I am in no way affiliated with Mr. Nimoy, on ways to contact him please see the page of his British fan club.) I'd like to give an example here of what those looked like. For reasons of privacy, I have crossed out the last names or addresses of contributors, since none of them could have known there would be this very popular thing called the internet one day, where it all might show up again outside of the protected circulation of the publications within fan circles. (Not to mention that people drop out of a fandom or totally loose interest in an actor or series and might not want to see themselves connected to it anymore.) Those newsletters and zines, especially from no longer active fan clubs, are part of our fan culture history and it would hurt my heart to see them wither away in my cupboards. I will try to make them available, but please be patient, as other things take up time or divert my interests momentarily. In the spirit of those that have come before me, I intend my voice not to be the only one on this page and my thanks go to those who have written reviews, or contributed in other ways. Now, on to The Leonard Nimoy Fanclub '84 Yearbook. (more/close)

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Honors/Awards Updated

Leonard Nimoy spoke at the 26th National Space Symposium, where he was given the 2010 Douglas S. Morrow Public Outreach Award.

Nimoy said he didn't feel qualified to speak to the merits of the president's new plan for space, but that it sounded like a positive direction.

"All-in-all I'm looking forward," he said. "I hope it's going to work out for the best."
Nimoy said he has followed space exploration throughout his career, and remembers driving to work on the set of Star Trek when he heard the news of the Challenger accident.

"Those pictures will never go away," he said of his memories of the explosion replays.

It's just beginning to sink in that the space shuttle era is ending, Nimoy said.

"I think people will be grieving," he said. "I will. I'll be sad to see it go. It's been a very important part of our image of NASA and space for the last number of years."

More at SPACE.com

On the Note of Obama being a Star Trek Fan

This Croatian website has a photo (click "Galerija") of Leonard Nimoy probably on his way to a Obama fundraiser? Maybe even the infamous one in Chicago where Obama flashed him the Vulcan salute that is talked about in the article above, and demonstrated by Obama, at the 2009 Radio and TV Correspondents' Dinner?

 

Leonard Nimoy Demonstrates the Magnavision Videodisc Player

This is a much better quality copy of the video than was available on YouTube before, and TheAisleSeatCom has uploaded a new, second part with selling tips for Magnavision salespeople that Mr. Nimoy did the introduction for.

 

 
 
 
 

 

Twitter

Looks like Mr. Nimoy makes good use of his Twitter account already by promoting the sale of "Secret Selves" T-shirts by offering personalized autographs to the first ten shoppers, pointing to where to find an explanation for the theme, giving updates on his schedule, Fringe, and communicating with William Shatner and Zachary Quinto.

ATTENTION: Buy a shirt 1st 10 buyers will receive a personalized autograph photo of me as SPOCK. Here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/SecretSelves
@WilliamShatner Hey Bill. Coming to my house is a good idea. The food is great, the company is wonderful, and it's all free! LLAP
@ZacharyQuinto Zachary, you are so Spock! LLAP
Home for two days. Next, Colorado Springs and then VULCAN and Calgary !!
Finishing work on Fringe today. Really good experience. The two parter will air in May.

 

Charity/Narrator

Leonard Nimoy narrates a video for the Everychild Foundation that his wife Susan supports.

 

Events

Famous psychologist C.G. Jung's long unpublished "Red Book" will be on display at the Hammer Museum. Accompanying the exhibition is a series of nine public conversations, as the Los Angeles Times reports, between "a highly regarded Jungian analyst and a well-known artist, writer or thinker":

Leonard Nimoy, whose immensely popular portrayal of "Star Trek's" Mr. Spock can be considered an archetype in its own right, will be participating in a discussion with analyst Beverly Zabriskie to speak both about "The Red Book" and a recent body of portraits he has created of volunteers costumed as their "secret selves."

 

Events

"America: Now and Here is an invitation to join artists on a journey across the country as they engage the public in a dynamic dialogue about America. Conceived by the preeminent artist Eric Fischl in response to the aftermath of 9/11, artists created work that explores America’s people, places and ideas. The resulting exhibition and programs offer an unprecedented collection of contemporary art, poetry, film, plays and music."

Leonard & Susan Nimoy, Zachary Quinto and J.J. Abrams at America: Now and Here - Los Angeles Salon. More photos here at Flicker.

 

TheRealNimoy on Twitter

As TrekMovie reports Mr. Nimoy is now "the latest Star Trek celebrity to join Twitter, giving fans a new way to keep in touch. And Nimoy is already giving Fringe updates and Twitter-bantering with William Shatner and Zachary Quinto."

On the Set of Fringe II

Behind the scenes photos can be found here and here on Flicker.

All Ears...

Make-up artist Scott Gamble talked about sculpting the pointed ears for Abram's Star Trek and what was new about the way they did it for the movie:

Gamble was responsible for molding the ears, the Romulan foreheads, and other prosthetic pieces.

“The process for the way we made our prosthetics was different than in the old days, on the original series,” he said. “Back then, Leonard Nimoy's ears were made out of foam latex, like the ape muzzles in the Planet of the Apes films. The industry has evolved and the prosthetics are now often made from a silicone material that is plasticized in such a way that looks and compresses like real skin. If you poke it, it feels like a cheek.”

J.J. Abrams, the director of the film, wanted the ears to be flawless on tight close-ups which created a challenge for Gamble and the prosthetics team.

“Previously, there was a front, a back and an inner core to the molds,” said Gamble. “There would be a seam line that would run up the front and back edges of the ear that had to be erased. Often, on some later episodes of the original series of Star Trek, you can actually see the mold seam going up Leonard Nimoy’s ear that didn't get camouflaged properly. J.J. was adamant that he didn't want to see that. They look more realistic as a result. Star Trek 2009 was the first time this sort of thing had been done with silicone prosthetics and was an innovation for the industry.”

More here. You can find a high resolution picture of this photo in part 1and more of Leonard Nimoy in part 2 at SciFi Now as part of their The Secrets of Star Trek article on the make-up department.

Voices

Zachary Quinto is more than a little bummed that Leonard Nimoy won't be returning to the "Star Trek" franchise.

The newest "Spock" told us that it took a personal plea from J.J. Abrams to get Nimoy out of retirement the first time - and Quinto admits that he thinks it would take a lot more for a repeat.

"I think I might have to ask him this time," the actor joked at the N.Y.C. premiere of "Breaking Upwards" at the IFC Film Center on Thursday night.

Source: NY Daily News

Fringe

While everyone on set maintained an impressive spoiler-free stance regarding whatever Bell has been up to on the other side, Nimoy did give TV Guide Magazine a tease to hold us over until his May appearances. “I think the most important thing is that Walter and William will have their confrontation,” he admits. “That is what the audience has been waiting for.”

Primortals: # 6 - #10

# 6 Day of Descent: The FBI locks Stewart and Jess up at a hotel with room service and cable TV for three days. Their torture ends when they're taken to the President to help prepare him for the first meeting with the alien. They're promised that the charges against them are dropped when they cooperate.

On his ship Primaster wallows in self-recrimination because his errors in judgment have caused lives. Prisar points out that he couldn't have known that Zeerus was a throwback to his ancestors predatory ways when he appointed him Governor of Archernar.

On Earth the warning about Zeerus falls on deaf ears with the political establishment. They think it's a hoax by a rival government, because the message is broadcast in Earth languages and from a satellite in orbit, to elicit an inappropriate response from the U.S. And indeed, someone is hatching a plan... A gang of mercenaries prepares to snatch the visitor from space while New York prepares for the big moment with 'NYC loves Zeerus' banners. (more)

Leroy? Lemon? Leonoid? Nimsy? Niman?

You wouldn't believe the name being so difficult, would you? But the trouble Mr. Leonard Nimoy's name has given people over time has even inspired a chapter in his son Adam's book called "A Toast to Leroy". (More about Adam Nimoy at the website for the book.)

 

 

Games

Leonard Nimoy not in Transformer game? It seems ausgamers was a bit fast in reporting voice actors and their characters. The page Transformers received a note of correction from the game's publisher:

Activision Publishing has just sent us a note letting us know that the news that surfaced today regarding Leonard Nimoy and other voice actors being cast in the Transformers: War for Cybertron video game is fake. "We just wanted to let you know that the rumor you posted regarding the voice actors...is false."

They have (unsurprisingly) confirmed Peter Cullen as Optimus Prime, but are not ready to reveal any other voice actors. " We will be providing additional information on voice actors soon," they tell us.

This does not specifically mean that Mr. Nimoy, Doug Parker, and James Remar have not been cast for the game, but the information about which characters they are voicing might be incorrect.

The full statement below was sent to us by Activision, Inc.:


We just wanted to let you know that the rumor you posted regarding the voice actors in Transformers: War for Cybertron is false. We will be providing additional information on voice actors soon. The only confirmed voice actor is Peter Cullen at this time.

 

February 2010 May 2010