Leonard Nimoy taught acting for five years before he filmed the first Star Trek pilot
Have you ever wondered what your favorite actors did years before playing the role that changed their careers? Some were on stage or taking background/non-speaking roles in TV/films. Others worked regular jobs to pay their bills while following their dreams.
Star Trek's Leonard Nimoy taught acting for five years before filming the first Star Trek pilot. According to his book, I Am Not Spock, he was a student before being asked to teach for the man who taught him.
"When I was called to meet Gene Roddenberry, I assumed I was to be auditioned. I didn't quite know how to react when I discovered that I was being 'sold' the role," he said. "I was teaching acting classes for five years before the first Star Trek pilot was filmed. In 1960, having been a student in his classes for two years, Jeff Corey asked me to teach for him. I did for two years and then opened up my own studio where I taught for three years more."
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Nimoy's approach to acting is why his Star Trek character, Spock, became a fan favorite. Spock was smart, but Leonard Nimoy made the character feel real. "I am very much affected by the clothes I wear. Putting on a cape can make me feel quite dashing and romantic. An old work jacket, work boots, and an old dirty cap can make me feel quite seedy," he added.
He also revealed that various other elements led him to the core of a character, "but the externals to me are very helpful."