I’m gonna say it: Khhhhhhaaaaaaannnnnnnnnn! Who else could we possibly blame for Leonard Nimoy’s recent admission that he plans to retire?
That’s right: The man formerly known as Spock intends to step down from his acting career after finishing his arc as Dr. William Bell on Fringe. That means no more Bell, and no more Spock — even when it comes to Star Trek‘s 2012 sequel. Says Nimoy to the Toronto Sun: “I want to get off the stage. Also, I don’t think it would be fair to [Star Trek's 2009 Spock] Zachary Quinto…He’s a terrific actor, he looks the part, and it’s time to give him some space.” (Ha. Space. Was the pun intended? I’d like think so.)
And get this: He might even retire from sci-fi conventions. Gah! I don’t know, PopWatchers. I loved Zachary Quinto in last year’s film, but are we ready for Leonard Nimoy to disappear from our lives like a red shirt? Do you think he’ll at least perform a follow-up to “Ballad of Bilbo Baggins” for us?
Either way, live long and prosper, my friend. Because I’m sure you haven’t heard that enough.
I realized not too long ago that I’m always a little surprised (and selfishly annoyed) when an actor retires. (I’ve especially missed Gene Hackman and Sean Connery in recent years.) I guess part of it is, “You guys are movie stars, why would you ever want to stop?!”
Then I thought about it some more, and why WOULDN’T they want to retire someday. Most people who work a 9-5 are out by age 65. Professional athletes have a finite amount of time that they can do their thing. Just because artists’ can probably ply their trade longer than most people doesn’t mean they don’t get worn down by their work and crave a relatively peaceful retirement. (Then again, star like Nimoy can always come back if they feel like it.)
Agreed. I become selfishly annoyed when I hear news like this, which is ridiculous; actors have just as much right to retire as anyone else. It’s really a compliment; we’re that upset that we won’t be seeing new work from amazing actors.
He should star in LEGEND OF THE SEEKER and then as that will be the crown jewel of his career, he can then reitre in peace.
ENOUGH ALREADY ZEDDICUS!
Is Legend of the Seeker a screen play you’re trying to get produced or something? I would say change the title, it sounds a little gayish.
Cellabos ~
You made a very thoughtful statement. I am purely selfish in saying I don’t want him to retire. He has been a part of our lives for quite a few years playing a pivotal role in the development of the Star Trek genre. Luckily we have him and the show on DVD to watch.
btw: could they have picked a worse picture of him.
Can’t say I blame him and while I would love to see him in Star Trek 2 I think it is best that he isn’t since they did already have a passing of the torch moment
So you would go get popcorn while the next trek movie opens with this scene ? ? ? Older Kirk bursts out from a nova star system in a ship seeking older Spock, runs into the new version of Enterprise and gets directions to new Vulcan from young Kirk. Enterprise takes him there and we watch as old Kirk reunites with old spock, “Hello, old friend…” Then the scene shifts skyward to the Enterprise leaving on a new adventure and we go with it. end of scene, run opening title and credits sequence… Shatner gets his due like Nimoy did, Nimoy comes out of retirement for one day and we all get final closure with the old movies and original series.
That would be awesome!!
Sounds great except the future has already been changed by the events in the first movie. Old Kirk would not be the same man we remember since the adventures we saw never happened in the new reality.
No Big Bang Theory guest shot?
Oh well, he’s earned his retirement.
I don’t blame him for wanting to retire, but it would be cool if he could stop by TBBT on his way out.
I will gladly say nary a discouraging word about him as long as he has at least 1 appearance on Big Bang.
I know, right? My family and I were wondering if he would retire before doing TBBT, and dearly, dearly hoping he wouldn’t. Now that he’s announced his retirement, Sheldon could violate his restraining order to express his heartache. It would be fantastic!
Needs to stop by the set of big bang theory ….. totally !!
I don’t blame him. He’s had good career. But seriously, a little part of me just died today.
I couldn’t agree more. Joint cry on the WA thread.
It’s probably a good idea that he retires. I don’t mean to sound harsh, but in his appearances on “Fringe,” he hasn’t looked well at all. His voice is very weak, and it’s becoming difficult to see him getting old and frail.
Of course, appearances can be deceiving–Nimoy might be in fine health for his age–but I’d rather not watch him in a scene if I’m distracted by the fear that he might collapse halfway through it.
Dude is coming up on 80 years old. I think he’s earned a relaxing retirement. Live long and prosper Leonard.
Well put.
I don’t know..didn’t he retire once already and then come back?
Yeah, he did. He retired about 10 years ago to go full time into his photography projects. But he changed his mind once, so I hold out hope.
Quinto already says he intends to do whatever he can to get Nimoy to appear in Trek XII. And, with the new time line, no reason Kirk had to die when he did in the old timeline… they can run into old Kirk! Shatner won’t retire until they drag him into the grave and stand on his cold dead body!
Have older Kirk burst out from a nova star system seeking older spock and getting directions to new vulcan. Enterprise takes him there and as we watch kirk reunite with old spock, the scene shifts to the enterprise leaving on a new adventure and we go with it. end of scene, run title sequence…
Nooo I need him on Fringe. No more Star Trek is good though
Say it isn’t so, Spock! He’s the reason I’m hooked on Fringe!
Wow, I’m saddened to hear he might give up conventions, too. Last year, at Atlanta’s Dragon*Con during Labor Day weekend, he appeared in a panel with William Shatner, and later, Patrick Stewart joined them. It was amazing to have all three icons at the con, available for autographs and photo ops, along with speaking at panels, taking questions from the audience. Live long, Mr. Nimoy.
Okay, I want to see him one final time on Big Bang Theory before he hangs up his pointy ears.
I think the guy deserves a break….. good for him
Sheldon awaits…
…but are we ready for Leonard Nimoy to disappear from our lives like a red shirt?
Now THAT was funny!
Can we blame Wil Wheaton for this?
Yes, let’s crush Wheaton.
Somehow, yes.