He is an accomplished, writer, director, poet, singer and photographer but for many Leonard Nimoy will always be remembered for his acclaimed role of Mr Spock in Star Trek: The Original Series. His portrayal of the half Vulcan, half Human, made such a cultural impact that today, some 46 years since he first appeared, Spock is one of the most recognisable and best loved characters in the annals of TV history. This is mainly due to the way Nimoy gave this intricate alien so many believable qualities that every scene in which he appears is simply mesmerising.

Leonard was born in Boston in 1931 and has been acting since he was 8 years old starting off in school and college productions, eventually making appearances in early 1950s movies such as Queen For A Day and Rhubarb both in 1951 and the classic sci-fi chiller Them! in 1954. His career began to take hold after he had a stint in the army and appeared in the classic serials Dragnet, Bonanza, Wagon Train, Rawhide and The Twilight Zone.

But it's Star Trek for which he is most famous and from 1966 - 1969 Leonard helped to make Spock a household name. Did you know that Leonard, like Spock is a vegetarian, received three Emmy nominations for his role of Spock and that the famous Vulcan death grip was improvised by Leonard?

After the series ended Leonard joined hit series Mission: Impossible and rekindled his love of the stage. He has returned to the role of Spock many times appearing in the celebrated cartoon series, the first 6 Star Trek movies, two episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation and the latest Star Trek movie from 2009.

Leonard has proven he is a multi-talented guy; as a director he helmed the box-office hit 3 Men And A Baby, an episode of T.J. Hooker as well as two of the most successful Star Trek movies. He has also recorded five albums one of which included the single The Ballad Of Bilbo Baggins, and now is making a name for himself in the world of photography.

Though he has retired from the convention circuit and devotes most of his time to the art of photography, Nimoy recently gave CBS Action an audience and the questions we asked have been posted on our Facebook feed.

Live long and prosper, Mr Nimoy.

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