leonard nimoy

The actress who played Lt. Uhura died on July 31.

When he passed away last week at the age of 83, Leonard Nimoy was mourned by actors, artists, politicians, scientists, engineers, astronauts and even the President of the United States. That should tell you something. Few characters have had such a seismic impact on popular culture as Star Trek’s Spock and countless people all over the world felt like they had lost a friend. Amidst the countless tributes, there is now one that stands out: a brief but powerful remembrance from Zachary Quinto, who picked up the Spock mantle in 2009’s Star Trek and its sequel, Star Trek Into Darkness.

The late, great Leonard Nimoy, who died earlier today at the age of 83, will always be Mr. Spock, second-in-command of the USS Enterprise under Captain James T. Kirk. For a long time, Nimoy was not okay with this. And then, over the years, he embraced the character that defined his career and inspired an entire generation of fans (many of whom became scientists, engineers, and astronauts). But Nimoy didn't just sit back and rest on his Vulcan laurels. When he wasn't wearing those pointy ears, Nimoy was acting, directing, writing, singing, and lending his likeness and distinctive voice to commercials and TV specials. He was a real Hollywood renaissance man, dabbling in high art, low art, and everything in-between.

Leonard Nimoy was best known for playing Spock on the 1960s "Star Trek" TV series, but he was also an accomplished actor. Despite his other accolades, I think many people didn't just think of him as Spock -- they honestly believed he was Spock. He owned that role. When an opportunity came to show his other talents, his genius flourished.

Today (July 30) in the world of Twitter, celebrities asked for favors, gave advice -- to us and each other -- and got lost in the wilderness, never to be seen again. Unless someone can figure out Russell Crowe's whereabouts and get him a helicopter, that is.

These days, you can get plastic surgery on just about anything. Want a million-dollar caboose a la Kim Kardashian? Done. Don't like the shape of your chin? Not a problem. Want to channel Dr. Spock via elf-shaped ears? Err -- yeah, at least one surgeon in Tempe, AZ, has got the 'Star Trek' department covered now.