Leonard Nimoy beams out of the acting business

Leonard Nimoy returned to his most famous role for a pivotal appearance as Spock in JJ Abrams’ STAR TREK reboot, but the actor is now prepared to put away the pointy-ear prosthetics, spread his fingers and say “Live long and smell ya later.”

The 79-year-old veteran now plans to retire from acting and focus on photography. As he tells the Toronto Sun, “I’ve been doing this professionally for 60 years. I love the idea of going out on a positive note. I’ve had a great, great time.”

This means he won’t be reprising his famous half-Vulcan in the impending TREK sequel. “I want to get off the stage. Also, I don’t think it would be fair to [new Spock] Zachary Quinto,” he says. “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.”

Nimoy is apparently also done playing scientist and parallel world traveler William Bell on Abrams’ series “Fringe”, and although he loves attending sci-fi conventions, he’s also considering giving that up as well.

So long, Leonard. Thanks for all the logic, arched brows and nerve pinches.