Leonard Nimoy plans to live long and prosper — in retirement.
The longtime “Star Trek” actor, who originated the iconic role of Mr. Spock in the ‘60s TV series and the film franchise that followed, told The Toronto Sun he wants to “get off the stage.”
“I don’t think it would be fair to Zachary Quinto,” he said of his successor, who played a younger version of Spock in last year’s “Star Trek” reboot. “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.”
Leonard, 79, isn’t just done “Trekking” — he told the paper that his role on TV’s “Fringe” is finished as well.
“I was away from acting for 12 years, so I guess I was seducible,” he said of his part as Dr. William Bell on the FOX show. “But since [producer] J.J. Abrams revived the ‘Star Trek’ franchise, I felt I owed him something. And I’m glad I did it because he promised me a good story, and it was.”
Now, he said, he’s ready to step away from acting entirely.
“I’ve been doing this professionally for 60 years,” he said. “I love the idea of going out on a positive note. I’ve had a great, great time.”
Beyond his sci-fi fame on the big and small screens, the star has found fame behind the camera as well, having directed the third and fourth “Star Trek” films, as well as other movies such as the 1987 comedy “3 Men and a Baby.”
With film behind him, though, he said he’ll continue to pursue his passion for photography.
“I’ve built credibility now in the art world,” he said.
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