Entertainment

President Obama Gives Heartfelt 'Goodbye' To Leonard Nimoy And Spock

by Emily Arata
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The passing of "Star Trek" star Leonard Nimoy earlier today brought heartfelt emotion from a generation of men and women who grew up with the television show.

While many shared their memories through social media, President Barack Obama took a moment to release a press statement marking the event.

In it, he admitted his lifelong admiration for Nimoy's support of both arts and beauty.

It's only fitting for a man who was once the subject of an Slate article titled, "How Obama Is Like Spock."

Obama's statement conveyed his immense admiration for the late 83-year-old actor, saying:

"Long before being nerdy was cool, there was Leonard Nimoy." —President Obama #RIPLeonardNimoy #LLAP pic.twitter.com/sX6yvK5eLA — The White House (@WhiteHouse) February 27, 2015
Long before being nerdy was cool, there was Leonard Nimoy. Leonard was a lifelong lover of the arts and humanities, a supporter of the sciences, generous with his talent and his time. And of course, Leonard was Spock. Cool, logical, big-eared and level-headed, the center of Star Trek’s optimistic, inclusive vision of humanity’s future. I loved Spock. In 2007, I had the chance to meet Leonard in person. It was only logical to greet him with the Vulcan salute, the universal sign for 'Live long and prosper.' And after 83 years on this planet – and on his visits to many others – it’s clear Leonard Nimoy did just that. Michelle and I join his family, friends, and countless fans who miss him so dearly today.