Tulsa Convention: ‘Star Trek’ lives long and prospers

RENEE LAWRENCE | Published: June 26, 2009 | Modified: June 26, 2009 at 3:24 pm

TULSA — As J.J. Abrams’ new "Star Trek” boldly goes where no "Star Trek” film has gone before (it’s nearing $250 million in domestic box office earnings), one of the film’s stars, Leonard Nimoy, will make a return journey to Trek Expo this weekend.

The three-day Tulsa sci-fi and fantasy convention is celebrating its 20th year. Nimoy is scheduled to speak on stage at 3:30 p.m. Saturday.

Nimoy, 78, is best known for his iconic "Star Trek” role as the highly logical, pointy-eared Vulcan science officer Mr. Spock.

Nimoy also directed two "Star Trek” movies: "The Search for Spock” and "The Voyage Home.”

The focus of his recent career had been photography until Abrams ("Lost,” "Alias,” "Fringe”) approached him about appearing in a big-screen reboot of "Star Trek.” Nimoy also made a recent guest appearance on Abrams’ television show "Fringe” and is scheduled for more appearances next season.

Because Nimoy was vacationing in Europe, he agreed to answer some questions by e-mail.

Q. In the new movie, mature Spock counsels young Spock as to the path he should take. If you as Leonard Nimoy had the same opportunity, to counsel a young Leonard Nimoy, what would you tell him?

A. I was blessed with a calling for a career in the arts at a very early age. If you have a calling, any calling, be persistent.

Q. In the new film, when you appear on screen, especially when we see your face for the first time, a noise goes up from the audience. Have you sat with an audience to watch the movie; if so, how gratifying was that experience and how do you interpret it?

A. Extremely gratifying. It’s an accumulation of emotion from a 44-year relationship with the audience. Especially pleasing since Spock was marginalized by the makers of the movies and series that followed the first six.

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