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Haben Sie mal ein Ohr für uns, Mr. Spock? - 2009,
May, 3rd
(Have you got an ear for us, Mr. Spock?)
By Stéphanie Grix for Bild am Sonntag Magazine in the Beverly Hills hotel Four Seasons.
Leonard Nimoy
talking about ST XI and his role in the movie: I am proud to experience the
rebirth of this figure.
79 times
Leonard Nimoy was the science officer on board of the space ship Enterprise of
which reruns are aired in more than 120 countries. From 1979 he played in 6 Star
Trek movies.
He had to
wear a wig to become grey haired because of his dark hair.
How did it
feel to go back to the old role?
LN: A
difficult question, a very difficult question. (laughing) Exciting. Nostalgic.
Appreciation. I experienced an appreciation which touched me, which was
heart-warming.
)
Nimoy has
played endless characters, he was a king, the husband of Golda Meir, he has
written books and poetry, recorded albums and filled two books of photography
with very artistic works, still he was only Mr. Spock for the most of his fans.
…
LN: Spock
could help many people in one or another way. Teenagers who feel alienated
because they are different to others, he gave power and dignity.
Did the
character make him a millionaire?
LN: Yes.
If he could
exchange one million for the image to be an actor with 1.000 faces instead of
one with pointed ears, would he go for the exchange?
Leonard
laughs out loud: No, I am happy with what I have. Spock was a very big and
important part of my life and my carrier.
Until I was 35 years I frequently had to work in jobs to feed my family. I worked in a pet shop, drove a taxi, sold vacuum cleaners and insurances, was a waiter. After Star Trek I never was without work, never again.
I was an
alcoholic, Leonard Nimoy admits: It began harmlessly with a couple of drinks
after work. First I drank little, then frequently and much. Then it was much
every day.
SG: Did he notice
that he needed help?
LN: One day I
noticed that I was not able to keep the promises I gave myself.
SG: For
example?
LN:
For example I said to myself on a Sunday without being on the set: Today I won’t
drink before dinner, to decide in the morning: I drink one beer – for lunch.
And then a Martini.
And then… That made me afraid.
My wife at
the time said: Maybe we should talk to somebody.
SG: And?
LN:
There were many talks – that was good. My last drink I had in Novermver 20 years
ago.
Leonard was
married for 33 years with his wife Sandy, has got one daughter, who is 54 today,
and one son, 52, - in 1987 the couple was divorced.
LN: I don’t
believe the marriage failed because of my alcohol problem. I rather began
drinking because it didn’t go well with Sandy.
One year
after the divorce Leonard Nimoy has married again. ….
LN about
Susan Bay: She is the motor of my life.
In 1961 we
met for the first time, lost contact of each other. After 25 years they met
again.
LN: Susan was
single, my marriage was finished.
….
Leonard shares that he quit acting.
He does not
need any more to sit in a narrow, dirty caravan [in a desert], surrounded by
flies while having achieved wealth and glory and owning two houses [and a
flat].
His
countdown-clock reminds him how many months, days, hours and seconds purely
statistically remain for him to live.
LN: The clock
made me aware that I will not be there for ever.
What are the
best moments for him?
Leonard Nimoy (does not need to think for a single moment): To wake up in the morning beside
Susan and to look forward to another day with her.
