^

Entertainment

Spock's ears: A pointy trademark for Leonard Nimoy

Derrik Lang - The Philippine Star
Leonard Nimoy, who died Friday at age 83, likely had the most famous lobes in Hollywood. As the logical half-human, half-alien Mr. Spock in "Star Trek," his pointy Vulcan appendages became a signature — and a nuisance — for the actor. Here are a few facts about those iconic ears:
 
 
AURAL HISTORY
 
"Trek" creator Gene Roddenberry was determined to have Nimoy don pointed ears as the Enterprise's chief science officer. It was easier said than done. Before the first episode was filmed, numerous designs of the ears' shape and size were created before he settled on the perfect ears.
 
 
EAR JOB
 
Roddenberry promised a reluctant Nimoy that if the pointy ears didn't appeal to the viewing public after the initial episodes of "Trek" that he'd arrange for Spock to undergo an "ear job" and they'd be removed. Instead, the character was a hit, and no such operation was needed.
 
 
NOW HEAR THIS
 
The early ears were made of foam rubber and had to be glued on every morning and removed every night. The process usually required Nimoy to be in the make-up chair for about 45 minutes each day. However, applying Spock's slanted eyebrows typically took twice as long.
 
 
LATER EARS
 
The process was eventually streamlined, and Spock's ears were made of latex and cranked out on an assembly line. Over the years, the lobes and their molds turned up in various celebrity auctions. A pair is on display at the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.

vuukle comment

EARS

GENE RODDENBERRY

LEONARD NIMOY

MR. SPOCK

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN HISTORY

NIMOY

SPOCK

  • Latest
  • Trending
Latest
Latest
abtest
Recommended
Are you sure you want to log out?
X
Login

Philstar.com is one of the most vibrant, opinionated, discerning communities of readers on cyberspace. With your meaningful insights, help shape the stories that can shape the country. Sign up now!

Get Updated:

Signup for the News Round now

FORGOT PASSWORD?
SIGN IN
or sign in with