All The Cool Things Leonard Nimoy Did Beyond 'Star Trek'

Leonard Nimoy was best known to the world as Spock. Though, as the title of his first autobiography would suggest, he was much more than just a beloved Star Trek character. Nimoy was a man of many talents, with multiple credits to his name beyond just acting. On the morning of his passing, let's take a look at what other gifts Leonard Nimoy gave to the world.

Other TV Shows
Nimoy's television career started in 1954 with an appearance on one episode of Dragnet, and after Star Trek he played the magician The Great Paris on Mission: Impossible. More recently, he played Dr. William Bell on the Fox series Fringe, and even cameod in two episodes each of Matt Groening's Futurama and The Simpsons (including everyone's favorite episode, "Marge vs. the Monorail").

He also narrated two documentary series about the paranormal: In Search Of... and Ancient Mysteries. You can watch every episode of In Search Of... on YouTube.

Music
Much like his co-star and friend William Shatner, Nimoy did a little recording on the side and released five albums on Dot Records while still acting in Star Trek. Though he didn't have much of a voice, Nimoy sang songs in a straightforward manner unlike Shatner's spoken word approach. He performed many covers, including "Proud Mary" and "I Walk The Line", but is best remembered for "The Ballad Of Bilbo Baggins" and its accompanying video:

Film Directing
Post-Star Trek Nimoy directed a few episodes for other shows, including T.J. Hooker. Beginning with Star Trek III: The Search For Spock, Nimoy wound up directing six feature films, including the Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (the one with the whales) and the 1987 comedy hit Three Men And A Baby:

Photography
Nimoy possessed an interest in photography since childhood, building his first darkroom when he was 14. He studied the art at UCLA in the 1970s, after Star Trek and Mission: Impossible. His work hung in galleries, including the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, and often featured subjects that "subjects that don't frequently adorn gallery walls," according to the New York Times. His Full Body Project (link NSFW) featured full-bodied nude women posing in classically shot, black and white photographs.

Writing
Although his first autobiography, from 1975, was titled I Am Not Spock, he followed up with a second volume in 1995 titled I Am Spock. He was also a prolific poet, publishing several volumes, including You & I, We Are All Children Searching For Love, and Will I Think Of You?. Just a few days before his death, he shared his poem "These Words Are For You" on Twitter.

Thanks for all the gifts, Mr. Nimoy. LLAP.