10 things you might not know about LEONARD NIMOY

Something different for this weeks Star Trek column, as Tom Pheby presents 10 things you might not know about Leonard Nimoy.

Leonard Nimoy will forever be associated with the character of Mr Spock, and whilst there are lots on record that we already know about this Star Trek legend, I thought I'd offer a few lesser known facts that might surprise you.

1. Confusingly Leonard Nimoy has written two autobiographies. One entitled I Am Not Spock, the other I Am Spock - make your mind up!

2. Nimoy has also had several books of poetry published, including the titles A Lifetime Of Love, Come Be With Me and We Are All Children Looking For Love.

3. Nimoy is an accomplished photographer, and has been interested in photography as an art form since the age of 13. In 2002 he published a book of photographs entitled The Shekhina Project, and his work has appeared at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art.

4. In 1963 Nimoy appeared in an episode of The Lieutenant written by none other than Gene Roddenberry. It also featured the writers future wife, and Nimoy's Star Trek co-star, Majel Barrett.

5. Leonard Nimoy had actually appeared on screen with William Shatner prior to Star Trek. Check out this clip from the 1964 episode of The Man From U.N.C.L.E. entitled The Project Strigas Affair...

6. Once during filming of Star Trek, Nimoy needed emergency dental treatment. He headed to the hastily arranged appointment in full costume including Spock's trademark ears.

7. In 1969 after Star Trek was cancelled Nimoy purchased a Pet Store! When asked why, he responded:

"Well, l've aIways had a thing for animals and I once worked in one to support myself between roles. And I like the kind of people that shop in pet stores."

8. In 2008 Nimoy donated $2300 to Barrack Obama's election campaign fund.

9. Nimoy is no stranger to the director's chair, as well as stepping behind the camera for both Star Trek III and IV, he also directed an episode of Shatner's small screen series T.J.Hooker and the 1987 hit comedy 3 Men and a Baby.