Star Trek's Leonard Nimoy Retires from Acting

Leonard Nimoy is retiring from acting.

The 79-year-old star—who is most famous for the role of Spock in the Star Trek TV show and movies—says he will not appear in the next Star Trek movie and will take a back seat so Zachary Quinto, who took over the character in 2009, can continue in the role. “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. I want to get off the stage. Also, I don’t think it would be fair to Zachary Quinto. 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.”

Despite his retirement from acting, Nimoy admits he is grateful he got to revive the role of the Vulcan first officer in Star Trek. “Since J.J. Abrams revived the Star Trek franchise, I felt I owed him something,” Nimoy told the Toronto Sun. “And I’m glad I did it because he promised me a good story, and it was.”

Quinto recently promised he would attempt to get Nimoy to come back for a sequel. “I think I might have to ask him this time,” Quinto said.

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