Interviews
On Thursday, October 3, barnesandnoble.com welcomed Leonard Nimoy, author of I AM SPOCK.
Moderator: Welcome to Loci, Leonard! Thanks for joining us.
Q: While the era of transporters and warp drive is not yet upon us, your presence here tonight is due to a revolution in communications that was unforeseen as early as a few years ago. Now, I'm not asking for your email address (if you have one), but what is your take on the leaps technology has made since those early days on Trek?
Leonard Nimoy: It's about time!
Q: With the plethora of science fiction on the market today, including all the various modern Treks, what is your opinion on the future of Trek itself?
Leonard Nimoy: It will depend on the quality of work in the next year of Voyager, DS9, and the next Star Trek film.
Q: Did you ever take logic in college and, if so, how did you do? (I personally failed it).
Leonard Nimoy: I studied it in a number of courses at the Vulcan Institute of Technology.
Q: Mr.Nimoy, you have been a symbol of science fiction ever since you played the role of "Spock" many years ago. Your popularity is still strong and I am curious as to how people react when they come into contact with you in public! Do they jokingly call you Spock? Has the role of Spock become such a household figure that it drowns you in your quest of being Leonard Nimoy? Do you find yourself living two separate lives, one as Mr. Nimoy and one as Spock?
Leonard Nimoy: This i precisely the issue I'm dealing with in "I Am Spock". I am totally comfortable with the identity. In fact, always have been. The title of the previous book was a declaration of fact, not a protest.
Q: Were you somewhat forced into directing and writing because you became too typecast as an actor thanks to Spock? - Glenn, CA
Leonard Nimoy: Directing and writing Star Trek movies was a natural outgrowth with my association with Star Trek and Spock. I had strong feelings about the potential stories we could tell and Paramount gave me the chance to do it.
Q: What new projects are you currently working on?
Leonard Nimoy: PriMortals is doing well in the comic book stores and will be a hard cover novel within the next year. I'm developing another novel for publication in the near future.
Q: One thing I have noted about TREK is that the franchise is so large and beloved that there is a wide spectrum of opinions about it. Many people (including myself), consider ourselves Treksperts and can spout on and on about the subject. How does it feel to be near the center of a subject that so many people feel so emotionally about?
Leonard Nimoy: Star Trek has given me an excellent platform for expressing ideas in all media. The fact that it has endured for 30 years says something positive about the quality of the work.
Q: What new projects are you currently working on?
Leonard Nimoy: David Pearlman Pittsburgh What was your favorite episode of Star Trek and which Star Trek movie was your favorite?
David PEarlman Pittsburgh PA: Star Trek IV, The Voyage Home was my favorite Have you always been able to lift one eyebrow like that or did it take practice? I know of very few people who have mastered the art.
Leonard Nimoy: I practiced for years.
Q: Has there been any discussion about Spock being on "ST DS9" ?
Leonard Nimoy: I haven't heard any.
