You may know Leonard Nimoy in front of the camera as the pointy-eared Vulcan, Spock, in the sci-fi television series 'Star Trek.' But since his teenage years, Leonard Nimoy, 72, has had a passion for being behind the camera. "Generally, the response I get is, `Oh, really,' " Leonard Nimoy told The New York Times. "I became an amateur photographer before I went into acting. Now, 80 percent of my creative energy goes into making images."
Last year, Nimoy published a collection of 55 haunting images he took that explore the meaning of Shekhina, a Jewish concept of the feminine aspect of God. In the introduction to ''Shekhina: Photographs by Leonard Nimoy'' (Umbrage Editions, Inc., $39.95), his first published book of photography, Nimoy explains how this mysterious concept has influenced him: "This work is my quest for insight, the exploration of my own spirituality, and, as such, has been a deeply moving and expanding process.''
Upon publication, the book created a stir in some Jewish circles, as it consists of black and whites of women sometimes nude or draped in traditional Jewish prayer articles. "It's a photographic essay on the subject of the Shekhina, which is the feminine presence of God, the feminine aspect of divinity," Nimoy says in The Seattle Times. "This is not some figure that is a foggy mist in a cloud somewhere. I have depicted her as being a flesh-and-blood woman." Nimoy's Shekhina work was shown throughout the country, and his talent is now being recognized in the photographic world: he is represented by several notable galleries, and several photos have been acquired The New Orleans Museum of Art and The Jewish Museum in Manhattan.
Prior to Nimoy refocusing his career on photography, he had a prolific working life starring in a plethora of television and stage productions and directing or producing a number of feature films. Nimoy's love of acting, like that of photography, began early. The second of three children of Max, a partner in a barbershop, and Dora, Nimoy grew up stage struck in Boston, Massachusetts. He was just 10 years old when he performed for Jewish audiences during World War II, to promote war bonds. He made his film debut in 1951, with a bit part in the movie "Queen for a Day.'' This was followed by a string of appearances during the late '50s and early '60s on top television shows including "Wagon Train," "Man from U.N.C.L.E.," "Rawhide," and "Perry Mason." When he was just 23, he married Sandra Zober, and they had two children, Julie and Adam; the couple divorced after over 30 years of marriage, and he currently lives in Los Angeles with his second wife, Susan Bay.
Nimoy earned worldwide fame when "Star Trek" aired in 1966. Spock became an icon over the years, earning Nimoy a cult following and three Emmy nominations. After Star Trek went off the air in 1969, Nimoy continued his life in Hollywood: roles have included starring in a remake of Invasion of the Body Snatchers, hosting the television documentary series In Search Of.... and starring in or directing the Star Trek feature films. He also directed 'Three Men and a Baby' with Tom Selleck and Ted Danson, and 'The Good Mother' with Diane Keaton. While he's also published two books of poetry, it is photographic images that have drawn Nimoy completely away from show biz. He worked on Shekhina some seven years, and he's continuing to devote his energies to photography rather than on acting or directing. "I'm withdrawn from both. I'm not accepting any acting or directing offers. I've had enough of that,'' Nimoy has said. "This is what I'm doing."
Lots of creativity. And I always thought he was soooo LOGICAL!
Posted by: Ed Welch Feb 14, 2007 @ 4:1 PM EST
I just watched a program with William Shatner interviewing Mr. Nimoy and in the chance he gets this, I would like to say that I respect him greatly. I was never a Star Trek (probably because I'm too young, 28) fan and did not know much about Leonard but I so admire the peace he is at and he seems as someone that would be a great person to seek wisdom. I have never done anything like this but I just felt like I should. Thank you.
Posted by: John Souza Feb 27, 2007 @ 11:7 PM EST
What does it take to be able to contact Leonard Nimoy? His father, Max, was
my barber, in Mattapan, Massachusetts, back in the 1950s. Also, Leonard,
Bill Shatner and I have the same month and year birthdays: March 1931! I
would like to contact Leonard in order to reminisce!
Posted by: Burt Tankel Jun 4, 2007 @ 12:54 AM EST
I, too, was one of Max Nimoy's customers in his barber shop. I believe there,, actually, were TWO Max's in that shop, and as I remember it, it was just a little ways up Blue Hill Avenue from the Olde Brown Jug at the corner of Morton Street, where I sold the old Boston Record and earned a penny a paper standing on the corner.
Around the corner was Cutler's pool room where you could go and, illegally, bet the dog races at Wonderland.
Someday I would very much like to write leonard and talk with him about those days in Mattapan.
Posted by: Mike Allen Jun 26, 2007 @ 5:38 PM EST
Hello
I liked your photographies.. I loved to be a Photographer, Could you give me a wise advice?. I want to my dreams came true.
Thanks!!!
Posted by: juan pablo villegas Jul 30, 2007 @ 11:40 AM EST
Anyone know what kind of camera Leonard uses?
Posted by: Lisa Hamner Oct 7, 2007 @ 4:37 AM EST
My grandfather went to Max Nimoy's barber shop. My mother grew up on Woodrow Ave. in Mattapan.
I'm a photographer and I can't say I'm surprised Mr. Nimoy uses photography as an artistic outlet. He is a talented actor and fine human being.
Posted by: Leigh Musicof Oct 26, 2007 @ 5:21 PM EST
I need to speek to MR Nimoy, about a project I'm working on in memory of Gene.
Thank you very much
Kat
Posted by: Kat Pickler Mar 1, 2008 @ 9:31 AM EST
I enjoyed the article very much, it shows us a side of Mr. Nimoy that most people aren't aware of. I've followed his performances since I noticed him in a low budget movie from the 1950's. After seeing him as Mr. Spock in TOS of course. Happy Birthday ro Mr. Nimoy, and a belated happy birthday to Mr. William Shatner as well. Gentlemen, we miss you in front of the cameras in those roles you made immortal. I salute you, and your ability to perform your characters so well!
I'd like to see more about the stars of Star Trek, and what they do artistically behind their own cameras, and on their desks.
Michael Rickman
Kansas City.
Posted by: Michael Rickman Mar 26, 2008 @ 7:2 AM EST
I met Mr. Nimoy once. He is a very nice gentleman. I was in the Navy and fortunately was the first to greet him when he stepped out of one of the three limos that drove up to our ship to see if they could film the Star Trek 4 movie. We had no idea who it was. And the crew had no forewarning. I have never been a Trekkie so to speak . I mean I watched Star Trek off and on growing up, but really liked the movies best when they came out.
If you get a chance to read this Mr. Nimoy. Thank You for offering to let me be an extra in your movie. Even though I never took you up on it. I admire your work. While I love taking photographs and pictures I just don't like being in them.
I have studied photography for the better part of 25 years. Love your photos! Especially the light of the soul above. as I perceive it. I know you must have your own name for it. If you wished to contact me , that would be fun. I am sure the site would give you my email address. Your friend from the Navigation Dept. of the un-named warship.
Posted by: Robert Walker Apr 2, 2008 @ 8:2 PM EST
Dear Mr. Nimoy,
I have not found an address, where I can send you a letter. perhaps you can mail me a address. I love the original enterprise films. For years I have seen the new enterprise films with Bakula, Jolene Blalock, Connor Trinneer e.t.c. I love this series too. Last week I buy some of the dvd's and I feel the spirit again. It's not all succsesful in this TV-series. However the Beginning is hard. I think Gene Rodenberry has the same problems in the beginng of enterprise. And now all know his name, yours and William Shatner and all the others.
I am very sad, that I will never see again new seasons with Jolene Blalock and other. In season 3 I have seen last a picture with Jolene (as T'Pol) and see her tears. It's a film, ok, but it's hard for me to see her tears. In this moment I wood like to say her, all will going well, you are not alone. I would like to see more enterprise films with Jolene, Connor, Billingsley and all. I think they earn a chance. I think, they give their best. I think. all of them are very fine actors.
If you and William Shattner would say to the damned (sorry) Studio, make new filmswith Connor, Billingley and Jolene, I think they will do it. Today we need more than ever a little hope. and Enterprise is candle in the dark.
I hope, you will apologize my comment and my english. I'am german. I can better read english. I study physics.
Perhaps you can speak with some of the actors. If they like, they can send me a mail.
I wish you all the best.
with best regards
Jörg Brehe
P.S. The Startrek film with the whales was the best.
Posted by: Jörg Brehe Sep 3, 2008 @ 6:8 AM EST
Hallo,
please delete my last post. I like the pictures on this side. My last comment is nonsence. Ok, I like Star Trek Enterprise and the actors. And I hope, we will see one day more from Captian Archer and his crew.
