Leonard, May, 6th 2005

For the weekend people from all over Europe, America and other continents have been attending the Federation Convention in Bonn.

There was a lot of love already seen in the way the preparations and decorations were done, the crafts made by fans, the music videos, the performances and the receptions.

Leonard shared that he will be having an exhibition of his latest photography in 5 weeks about large body people and that he feels like "a grandfather" seeing all those various aliens around. He valued the work the talented actors and writers have done in the seasons following TOS. Talking about Susan he said that he knows her for 40 years by now and that he is very happy. 

On Friday Leonard has been busy all day, partaking in a press conference, in meetings, appointments and writing autographs for more than 600 fans before joining the opening ceremony in the evening. No doubt he is the person who made Star Trek what it is. By creating the Spock – character as a person who has got serenity and dignity and who is caring without showing off, Leonard upgraded the series with this precious cornerstone. All the people in the sold out hall celebrated his appearance tremendously and showed their appreciation with all their might.

Opening Ceremony

Leonard got a very long welcome and always a standing ovation whenever he entered or left the stage.  Promising us to tell us about Bill Shatner the next day and to discuss the color of his underwear (see: Saturday – in the end) he left to appear shortly afterwards with the other stars to open the convention together.

Getting the standing ovation	Promises for tomorrow

Opening

Leonard Nimoy (Mr. Spock / Star Trek TOS),
Brent Spinner (Data / TNG + Arik Soong / ST Enterprise),
Kevin Sorbo (Captain Dylan Hunt / Andromeda),
Dominic Keating (Malcolm Reed),
Andrew Robinson (Garak / DS9),
Stephen Furst (Vir Cotto / Babylon 5),
Gary Graham (Ambassador Soval / ST Enterprise),
Clare Kramer (Glory / Buffy),
Bobbi Sue Luther (slave girl / ST TOS),
Rick Searfoss (Space shuttle Pilot und NASA Astronaut),
J.F. Hertzler (Matok),
James Horan (Lt. Barnaby / TNG + Jo'Bril / ST DS9),
Leonard McLead (Produzent der Highlander Filme) and others

Saturday

Beginning his guest panel Leonard fulfilled his first promise: To talk about Bill Shatner. Bill always says: "I have to work, I have to work..!" Leonard explained why he works so hard (therefore Leonard mentions reality television, a series, commercials, and a lot while he seems to be proud of Bill Shatner) and he has got all the horses: "He's broke because of the horses!"

Then he answered questions. About De Kelly Leonard said that he has enjoyed working with him very much "We had a wonderful time together. He was the target of Mr. Spock's humor," and added: "Thank you for the question."

About Futurama: Leonard liked working with the series: "It was a fun job to do." Leonard said that he's willing to do more whenever they call him.

Remembering Star Trek, he recalled all the movies and was glad that he had had steady work since Star Trek and was grateful for it.

To everybody asking Leonard paid his full attention and tried to answer every question with care, humor (or depth) and serenity...

 

I know that it is common practice to ask sexual questions in America and MCs here think they need to tell us (Hooligans?) how to behave; - o. k., it's just to make sure no one might insult one of the guests. Well, Marc tried to present the rule to us in a "funny" way… only the example chosen ("Do not ask for the color of their underwear!") provoked Leonard to end his first guest panel by producing his underwear out of his pocket before he left the stage. Swinging it loosely over his shoulder and then carrying it in his hand while leaving the stage he said: "William Shatner would be very proud of me, today!"

Sunday

Just before the closing ceremony it was Leonard's turn. It is not possible to describe the long applause Leonard got when he came on stage. It is always a pleasure to come back here, Leonard said.

When asked about the development in the Middle East he shared that he is very sad about the death of people and of all the hardships and hoping for peace now.

Being asked about Shekhina, the "powerful" book which has also caused controversy, Leonard compared it with choosing a program in TV. Everybody is free not to buy it – nor to obtain it. We are all people with a free choice. When someone asked about the war, he stated the facts clearly showing that lies have been spread by purpose.

Talking about "A Woman Called Golda" he remembered that he first did not want to play the role. Only when he learned that he would be playing opposite Ingrid Bergman he got intrigued into getting deeper into the role of Morris Meyerson.

Someone at the microphone was quite excited. She said, she's shaking. Leonard asked her to take a deep breath. First she felt uncomfortable and did not dare or was unsure whether he meant it. Only when Leonard repeated his suggestion and took two deep breaths himself, she became more relaxed. Before she asked the question Leonard made her answer questions about where she was coming from and then she was gladly welcomed and felt better.

The next question was about rumors. "There is a rumor around that you are not coming back to Germany" someone said. "I wonder where these rumors come from," Leonard responded. He likes to come here and he hopes to come back as often as possible. This statement was answered by a big applause.

Learning about the Star Trek club in Hungary (there is a Hungarian Leonard Nimoy Club as well and a group "Leonard Nimoy The Great") Leonard asked what "Live Long and prosper" is in Hungarian. Anita answered: "Hosszú és eredményes életet". The question then was whether he still communicates with Spock. Leonard had a deliberately cute undertone in his words when saying he wanted to answer honestly: "Because it's true, it's true."

Being asked by a fan who's going to meet Bill Shatner, what kind of question he should ask him then, Leonard said: "Ask him what he is more envious of: My talent or my money."

Having finished his guest panel Leonard wanted to share the moment with Susan. Very happily both received a reception onstage I have never seen before. No one can imagine a longer or louder applause more than 5000 people can possibly give.