StarTrek shares behind-the-scenes photos of Leonard Nimoy as Spock for the last time

Leonard Nimoy wore his Spock ears for the final time in Star Trek Into Darkness.

Star Trek Into Darkness premiered in 2013. At the time, no one knew that it would be Leonard Nimoy’s last time appearing as the Vulcan he made famous in 1966’s Star Trek: The Original Series as well as his final film role. Nimoy passed away in February 2015 before filming began on Star Trek: Beyond.

In Star Trek: Beyond, when Spock (Zachary Quinto) learns of Ambassador Spock’s death, he intends to quit Starfleet to continue Spock’s work on New Vulcan. But at the end of the movie, he received some of the Ambassador’s personal effects, which included a photograph of the crew from The Original Series, and he decides to remain in service. It was a beautiful tribute to the character Nimoy played so well for forty-seven years. And, in case you missed them when they were originally shared, you can check out some behind-the-scenes photos of Leonard Nimoy getting prepped as Spock from Startrek.com.

Leonard Nimoy was practically joyous while he was getting made up as Spock.

Nimoy appeared to be more than happy to be returning to the role that made him famous even though it was an arduous process. On the Blu-ray extra for Star Trek Into Darkness, Nimoy said it wasn’t as easy as just putting the make-up and ears on. But he was excited with the end product.

"“Getting the look right is a task. It’s not as easy as just putting it on. The ears have to be shaped a certain way… and the eyebrows. What was great for me as an actor was sitting in the chair and watching the face take hold. To see the character growing in the mirror… it’s exciting.”"

To see Nimoy so happy at appearing once again as Ambassador Spock is heartwarming. It’s clear he loved the character, and though it’s been nine years since we’ve seen him onscreen as the beloved Spock, we will always remember him as the logical Vulcan who helped make Star Trek a household name.