By Rob Bricken in
Daily Lists, TV
Friday, Jul. 3 2009 @ 8:03AM
 |
By Chris Cummins
Photographer, poet, songbird,
Vulcan, TV salesman, Friend of Bigfoot. Leonard Nimoy is all of these things
and more. Working steadily as an actor, director and writer since the early
1950s, Nimoy has proven himself to be a true Hollywood renaissance man over the
years despite never truly being able to emerge from the shadow of Mr. Spock.
His ambivalent feelings over this matter are discussed at length in his memoirs
I Am Not Spock and I Am Spock, both of which should be required
reading for nerds everywhere (Zachary Quinto may want to check them out as
well). As you are doubtlessly aware, Mr. Nimoy recently emerged from a
self-imposed break from the entertainment industry to take high-profile roles
in J.J. Abrams' Star Trek and Fringe. In honor of Leonard Nimoy's
welcome return to the public eye, let us pay tribute to his greatest
achievements that didn't require the donning of rubber ears.
This spot was
originally going to be taken by Leonard Nimoy's 2007 photography book The
Full Body Project. Packed with artsy photos illustrating the unconventional
beauty of plus-sized women, the tome sadly does not feature robots. Therefore,
it had to go. In its place is this installment of The Outer Limits that
was based on Eando Binder's short story about an artificial being that learns
about prejudice following the accidental death of his creator. An obvious
influence on Isaac Asimov's short story collection of the same name, the tale
features themes were also explored in the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode
"The Measure of a Man." Nimoy's supporting role here--his second major sci-fi
appearance following a 1961 episode of The Twilight Zone--still draws
raves some 45 years later. When the episode was remade for the 1990s updating
of The Outer Limits, Nimoy appeared as pro-robot attorney Thurman
Cutler. The episode's director? His son, Adam. Fascinating.
9) Vincent
As Spock, Leonard
Nimoy would wrap up each day of shooting by removing his fake ears. As a
tortured genius, Vincent van Gogh cut off the lower part of his left earlobe.
So is it mere coincidence that Nimoy so fascinated by van Gogh? Um, yeah, it
probably is. Nevertheless, Nimoy's respect for the artist resulted in a
memorable episode of In Search Of... as well as this one-man play about
the correspondence between Vincent van Gogh and his brother Theo that Nimoy
directed and starred in. If you only know van Gogh as the dude who made that
poster with the stars you used to stare at while high in your college dorm, Vincent
is an essential primer to the post-impressionist's life.
8) Baffled!
Exclamation point
alert! In the 1973 TV pilot Baffled!, Leonard Nimoy stars as a race car
driver who crashes after he experiences a psychic vision. Teaming up with a
believer in the occult (Susan Hampshire as a proto-Mulder), he is thrust into a
satanic adventure that pushes his otherworldly abilities to their limits. The
above opening credits sequence gives you a taste of the television wonderment
that is Baffled! Admit it; you swooned a little bit when you saw the
Nimoy running in slow-mo. There's no shame in that. Baffled!
7) Transformers:
The Movie
When Orson Welles
went and died before Transformers: the Movie was released, his passing
took attention away from the fact that Leonard Nimoy fucks up all sorts of
Autobot shit as the voice of Galvatron. (Wasn't Citizen Kane enough PR
for Welles? Attention whore). No disrespect to Frank Welker's vocal work as
Megatron, but Nimoy portrays Galvatron with a menacing urgency that feels right
at home in a flick that revels in hardcore animated robot death.
6) The Three Men
and a Baby Ghost
As the director of Three
Men and a Baby, Leonard Nimoy is indirectly responsible for the classic
urban legend that the film features the ghost of a child who committed suicide.
It's a great story for sure, but it doesn't have a shred of truth to it. In the
heady days before you could debunk misinformation various blowhards in your
life spewed out by heading over to Snopes.com, this bit of bullshit spread like
wildfire. The above video meticulously analyzes the legend in more detail that
you would ever possibly want or need, but suffice to say people are stupid and
cardboard stand-ups of Ted Danson exist solely to fuck with you.
5) This Magnavox
Ad
A true product of
the MTV age, this ad from the early 1980s is lousy with shadows, quick cuts and
pseudo-symbolic imagery that probably seemed really deep to the commercial's
coked up director. But it also features Nimoy rocking a porn stache and
flashing a Spockesque raised eyebrow that will have you running to eBay in
search of a Magnavox Star System color TV. Salesman, thy name is Nimoy.
4) Seaman
Gamers who yearned
to spend hours raising a sarcastic fishy thing got their wish when Seaman was
released for the Sega Dreamcast in 1999. The virtual pet title gave players the
opportunity to oversee the complete life cycle of a carp/human hybrid that was
more than just a little reminiscent of the talking fish from Monty Python's
The Meaning of Life. Designed to be played for only minutes a day, the game
frustrated those expecting Tamagotchi-style instant gratification. Things got
even stranger once the Seaman began acting like an amateur psychologist and
bombarding players with personal questions that they were forced to answer via
the game's included microphone. If you survived the shame of discussing your
relationship (or lack thereof) with Seaman and then managed to avoid
accidentally killing him, he would reach his final stage of evolution and beg
you to release him into the wild. At the start of every Seaman session,
the voice of narrator Leonard Nimoy would update you on your creature's status.
Sometimes when I close my eyes I can still hear him telling me that "Gillman is
dead" without a hint of emotion. Damn you Nimoy, have you no compassion?
3) The Ballad of
Bilbo Baggins
William "Rocketman"
Shatner isn't the only Star Trek cast member with musical skeletons in
his closet. This tribute to "the bravest little Hobbit of them all" originally
appeared on the Two Sides of Leonard Nimoy LP. As this song proves, one
of those sides is clearly fucking insane. Nevertheless, the tune's Reese's
Peanut Butter Cup-style fusion of Trek appeal with Tolkien worship made "The
Ballad of Bilbo Baggins" a defining moment in nerd rock.
2) The Simpsons' "Marge vs. the
Monorail"
The Simpsons has been on the air now for what, 40 years?
Airing in the fourth season, Marge vs. the Monorail is arguably the
series' finest moment. Written by Conan O'Brien, the episode features conman
Lyle Lanley (voiced by Phil Hartman) convincing the residents of Springfield
that a city-wide Monorail system is the answer to their woes. From the song and
dance interlude straight out of The Music Man to an opossum named Bitey,
the laughs are unrelenting. In a bit of cartoon kismet, Nimoy's
self-deprecating cameo occurred only after transit advocate George Takei
decided not to participate in the episode. The cosmic ballet goes on...
1) In Search
Of...
The world is full of
mysterious shit, and there's no one better to help sort it all out than Leonard
Nimoy. From 1976 to 1982, he brought Bigfoot, Nessie, the Bermuda Triangle and
poltergeists aplenty into living rooms across the country. No matter how
ridiculous the topic at hand was (psychic plants anyone?), he treated each
subject with reverence. Almost 30
years after the show left the airwaves, the majority of questions raised by the
show remain unanswered. Not that it matters. Besides, what fun would living in
a world without the possibility of Sasquatches be?
52 comments
Comments
GalvaTRION said:
Whenever I read Galvatron in the comics, I'm imagining Leonard Nimoy's dulcet tones.
When I first heard of Baffled! I watched it five times in a row.
Also, the fat chicks photos are actually quite beautiful. I just wish deeply that he had called it "Fat chicks".
The episode of Raw Nerve with The Shat and The Spock was pretty hilarious.
Rush Shepard said:
ROCK PAPER SCISSORS LIZARD SPOCK
Strict said:
Too obvious but "Where No Fan Has Gone Before" was an awesome Nimoy moment - but I suppose that has to do with Trek too much. How about the first episode of Futurama? No mention of Trek but when Fry asks Nimoy to do the thing Nimoy cooly replies, "I don't do that any more." Funny on many levels not the least of which is that he's a head in a jar. Classic.
Hugo said:
Does anybody knows this?
http://www.amazon.com/Leonard-Nimoys-Primortals-Interactive-Refernce-Pc/dp/B000L2J04E
I never read it, but I remember seeing it in stores as a kid.
Also, he was born in march 26, and so did I. March 26 should be some sort of intergalactical holyday.
False Moustache said:
My roommates used to play Seaman, one of them killed their Gillman, and the other actually "won" the game. The rest of us just joked about the name, and the fact that a game called Seaman had a right hand as an icon.
Also, I personally would have included Invasion of the Body Snatchers, but otherwise nice list.
Preeeemo said:
No Civilization IV??
emerson999 said:
I'm still a little miffed at Nimoy for "in search of". I actually believed in a lot of the pure crap that show shoveled just because it was SPOCK who was telling me about it. In the end it was a good lesson about arguments from authority though.
Geoff said:
What, no love for his voice work in Civ IV?
I mean, sure, it has little to do with the game being awesome, but... Spock explaining new technologies is just so right.
J.H. said:
I was disappointed that his TV movie "Never Forget" wasn't on the list. It is based on a true story about a Holocaust survivor and his attempts to debunk the Holocaust nay-sayers. It was really movie I rally enjoyed when I saw it,butthen ahain I'm all for Leonard Nimoy telling Holocaust nay-sayers to shove it (maybe me being Jewish has something ot d owith that).
Tonberry2k said:
No Invasion of the Body Snatchers?
'Stater Nuts said:
My favorite Nimoy appearance on the Simpsons is the episode where Homer sees an alien. Besides narrating the beginning of the episode, he has one great scene that I'll never forget.
Lisa: Mr. Nimoy what are you doing here?
Nimoy: Wherever there is mystery, cosmic forces will draw me near.
Vendor: Hey, Spock, what do you want on your hotdog?
Nimoy: Surprise me!
The vendor then slaps on bowlfull of relish.
Dr. McNasty said:
I thought Nimoy's role in the Simpsons episode "The Springfield Files" was funnier than "Marge & The Monorail", but that's probably just me.
Dorkus Malorkus said:
He was also in the Simpsons episode "The Springfield Files."
'Stater Nuts said:
@Dorkus Malorkus
That's it. That's the episode I quoted.
oldjacket said:
His "photo-poetry" should deserve a spot because of it's hilariousness.
It's full of things like a close up of an Azalea with the caption "You are here."
Zortt1 said:
Pimple faced Kid: Uh, Mister Nimoy, We have ten mintues left.
Nimoy: Oh. Well...let me, uh, get something out of my car.
*comically runs away to his car and drives away. Kid walks on stage*
Pimple faced Kid: I don't think he's coming back.
That was the best part of him in "The Springfield Files."
The best part with him in "Marge and the Monorail" is when he says the monorail could go at least Warp 5 and there is light laughing and then Quimby mistakes Nimoy for the little rascals and Nimoy says, "Do you even know who I am?" That always makes me laugh really hard.
And I thought it was fitting that he was the leader of the dystopic society in the made for TV movie of Aldo Huxley's "Brave New World."
Whowhatwhere said:
Wow.... I've heard that bilbo song several times (gotta love Dr. Demento's 20th anniversary collection. Greatest 2 hour car ride cd) never had a clue it was Nimoy singing it the whole time.
Templar said:
Besides, what fun would living in a world without the possibility of Sasquatches be?
Indeed, sir. Indeed...
Bill Binder said:
"Leonard Nimoy Demonstrates the Magnovox Laservision Player" is the industrial film that went along with that ad. It's among my prized posessions. Side one was played in stores demonstrating how you could play ABBA videos hosted by Nimoy and a glowing talking rock. Side B was an in-store demo on how to properly sell the unit with a mustachioed Nimoy scolding bad salesmen. It's a little slice of Heaven I will never part with.
Bill Binder said:
Sorry, double post. I once met Nimoy out and about and I didn't want to be lame and ask for an autograph, so I asked him to say something into my Yak-Bak. He grabbed it and said "Hello. Live Long and Prosper." Nimoy f'ing said Live Long and Prosper into my Yak-Bak.
sweetestsadist said:
I checked this just to see if Seaman was included. He was. Good job, Chris, you're good people.
The Lithumbian said:
I can't believe that I know the writer of this article spent many a day talking to to his Seaman. It's even worse now that I've seen it. As for Spock, I'm glad for pointy ears, but I wish he'd put down the camera and stick to acting.
shoopdawoop said:
YES. "In Search Of" as #1 is right on! Go Nimoy! And go Sasquatch!
JesseMXGangl said:
1970s America: The Ugliest Decade Anywhere, Ever.
Strangeman said:
Did you know he also put out a book of erotic religious-based photography? True story!
The Great A'Tuin said:
The Monorail episode should be #1, "In Search Of..." should be #2.
I've said "Well, it put Brockway, Ogdenville, and North Haverbrook on the map!", but I've never quoted "In Search Of..."
YMMV
Bill said:
Transformers should have been #1! Well.....ok, Bigfoot #1 and Transformers #2! I used to believe all that "In Search Of" crap just because I figured Spock wouldn't lie about anything.
Galvatron whacking Starscream is a CLASSIC moment from my entire childhood!
Scortia said:
Holy crap I saw "Vincent" back in high school... I had no idea that Nimoy created and starred in that play. That's a LOT of lines for one man to carry. The entire play is Theo and no one else.
chad said:
surprised i robot was not hire on the list like in the top five and also the simpons episode where homer sees an alien not on the list.though in search of this is the second time ints been on a list featuring lenord and every time i remember transformers the movie i remember his voice as galavatron and starscream's death scene
Skemono said:
Oh good, the Ballad of Bilbo Baggins is on here. Whew! The list would clearly be inadequate without it.
Incidentally, I love the short clip of Baffled! starting around 1:43. Nimoy has his fists raised and is advancing on some woman. "Is Leonard Nimoy gonna have to choke a bitch?"
Anonymous said:
I thought that Nimoy's role as The Great Paris in several season Mission: Impossible was also totally awesome. Not to mention his voice works in Civ-IV.
Snoodle said:
This is an absolutely glorious list. Everything about it.
A+
Kid Nicky said:
Leonard Nimoy's best work is the intro movie they play at the IMAX theater in the Mueseum of Science in Boston.
"The essance of New England...is in the way we think."
Biggie said:
But isn't he also Michael Bay's cousin?
Why Leonard Why?
Mullon said:
I have to add my vote to the Civ IV dialogue. There is something creepy about Nimoy introducing facism by saying "I am the law."
Scott said:
You forgot the narration he did for Civilization 4. His voice is great. He should go the Morgan Freeman route.
Ashley said:
That "Gillman is dead" comment had me exploding with laughter. I'm still recovering a bit actually, but thanks for the laugh! That game seems utterly ridiculous.
oh, and this was a great collection of Nimoy's "awesomest" works. I've been curious about the Vincent one for a while, but seeing that clip here has motivated me to go ahead and watch all of it very soon.
magicBC said:
I truly enjoyed him in the Columbo episode, "Columbo: A Stitch in Crime". He played a surgeon who uses medical knowledge to murder two people. Hmmmm. Very unspock like.
Borg-Cylon love child said:
Nimoy in Invasion of the body snatchers.... scared me good as a ten year old.
varrior said:
Shit I forgot completely about Galvatron! Ace.
Wallopin' Websnapper said:
Let's not forget all the good Mr. Nimoy accomplished for the animal community when he owned "Leonard Nimoy's Pet Pad" in Chatsworth, CA. in the early 70's.
seth said:
What happened to being Paris on Mission Impossible people
Alexandra said:
What - no mission impossible? he was awesome in that! Of course it was early seasons before the space 1999 couple entered the series.
Michael said:
This isn't a pop culture thing, but I think it's pretty awesome he donated $1 million for the renovation and expansion of the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles. It looks great now, and they named a theatre after him and his wife...
Exurban Mom said:
He put out a book of poetry, too....
olnfc said:
NEVER FORGET...
tigerstripes said:
* * * TOTAL 'FRINGE' SPOILER * * *
* I MEAN IT! SEASON ONE SPOILER! STOP READING ALREADY! *
I don't know which took my breath away more in the last few seconds of Fringe's season ender: the N.Y. skyline with Twin Towers intact, or Leonard Nimoy beaming that lovely warm smile of his. Even after forty years to try to get used to it, it still takes me by surprise.
Vince said:
Hey Chris, this is an excellent top ten list. All I have to say is "Monorail monorail, monorail." What a talented actor and artist Nimoy is, finally getting some long overdue credit, nice job. You can cross-post this to our site http://www.toptentopten.com/ and link back to your site. We are trying to create a directory for top ten lists where people can find your site. The coolest feature is you can let other people vote on the rankings of your list.
Joe B said:
It's hard to name only ten. Consider the video for the Bangles' "Going Down to Liverpool". I have no idea why he is in it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DutRPFmrlXE
Beth Kellner said:
Cummins, you sly nerdy devil. Fabulous, and well done!! Thanks for the Magnavox commercial; haven't seen that one before, and I loved it--especially that porn stache. Funny, I just recently came upon "Baffled" and hence received it for my birthday, as per request, the day before you posted this. I have the theme song as my current ring tone.
Above all, I ask you this: when are we going to have a meeting of nerd minds and go get a beer? I think it's necessary at this point, and most...logical.
RobP said:
Little late in the game, again, so I'm not going to read all of these. It's possible someone else mentioned this, but... Nimoy had another fascinating Simpsons cameo a few years later in the "cross-over" with the X-Files episode. He served as the narrator until he got fed up with the story at the end and the Pimply-Faced Teen took over. In this episode, he uttered another immortal line:
"The story you are about to hear is true, and by true, I mean, it is full of lies. But isn't that, in the end, the real truth? The answer, is no."
P.S. - Nimoy is going to be at Dragon*Con in Atlanta on Labor Day weekend.
tasmanian devil said:
Nimoy also guest starred as a KAOS hitman in a very early, first season episode of Get Smart.
