The famous actor, director, poet, and photographer, Leonard Nimoy, turns 81 years old today!

Netting his biggest success and three Emmy nominations for his portrayal as the logical Vulcan Mr. Spock on television’s Star Trek, the role also served as a springboard for Nimoy to have a career which is as diverse as the man himself. Following Star Trek, he appeared on TV’s Mission: Impossible for two years and then made appearances on Columbo and even voiced Spock on the animated version of Star Trek, along with most of the original TV cast.

Nimoy also lent his rich deep baritone voice to narrating In Search Of, which explored many myths and truths about paranormal and controversial events and themes in world history. The Star Trek series was revived as a movie franchise in 1979, and Nimoy resurrected his Spock character and reunited with most of the original cast again to much success, appearing in seven theatrical Star Trek releases (including the 2009 JJ Abrams reboot) and even directed the third and fourth installments.

Nimoy keeps himself active currently as well, as he lends his voice to various video games, is a reader of “Selected Shorts” for public radio, and will even make an appearance on CBS-TV’s popular sitcom “The Big Bang Theory” this Thursday night.

So let’s all toast big birthday wishes to Leonard Nimoy, who continues to live long and prosper.

Video