Video není dostupné.
Omlouváme se.
Gene Roddenberry's FIRST CHOICE for Spock Will Blow Your Mind!
Vložit
- čas přidán 14. 08. 2024
- Simply put, you are NOT going to believe who Gene Roddenberry wanted to cast as Mr. Spock in the classic TV series "Star Trek"! Personally, I'm very glad that Leonard Nimoy ended up with the role.
Get Star Trek on DVD: amzn.to/3G4ZaM3
Watch Star Trek on MeTV here: try.frndlytv.c...
BE PART OF MY COMMUNITY!
FACEBOOK dsremembers
TWITTER / jdsundstrom
CZcams / jdsundstrom
Product and service links listed are affiliate links which support this channel help me continue to create content.
This video is not intended for children under the age of 14. Quite frankly, kids...I'm just some random old dude talking about nostalgic TV and movie stuff from a really long time ago and I highly doubt that it is going to interest you.
LIVE STREAM CONTEST RULES:
1. Contests (usually drawings/giveaways) sometimes take place during live streams.
2. Not every live stream will have a contest. Some will. Some won't.
3. Everyone can participate. Other than being on hand to enter the drawing, nothing else is required.
4. Everyone has the same chance of winning.
Any contest or drawing that is held during the live stream adheres to CZcams's community guidelines. www.youtube.co...
#classictv #thegoodstuff #davesundstrom
Leonard Nimoy's performance not only set the role for Mr. Spock, he defined the entire Vulcan race. Now, THAT’S acting!
Fact All the actors that played Vulcans were Jewish.
Hiring anyone other than Leonard Nimoy would have been " ILLOGICAL ". 🖖
.
Yes sir, Your illogical definition is totally logicall.
He's a terrible Half Vulcan Half Human. The best is the one in strange new worlds. He's believable as being mixed where as Nimoy was nearly always emotionless..way to reduce the human race to 2nd class.
Anyway, I like seeing Nimoy as Spock but that's just because he was Spock in the original series. Nimoy wouldn't be missed if someone else got the part.
There is NO Spock, without Leonard Nimoy!
Leonard Nimoy was the best choice for the role. Hands down.👍
Absolutely!
Spock was originally supposed to have been a red skinned Martian who consumed his food through a panel in his stomach.
🖖🏼
Considering how much the actors in TOS got to influence the characters they were portraying (e.g. the Vulcan nerve pinch was Nimoy's idea and he convinced Roddenberry and the authors to put in the scripts instead of a fist fight), I'm not sure the role existed when the actors were chosen - at least not the way we think of them. Had someone else gotten the part, Spock would be a very different character. And as much as I love the character we got, we cannot know whether or not a different Spock co-created by a different actor would have been better or worse. It would be fascinating to see what other actors would have made of the character in Nimoy's place. But since we cannot possibly learn that, it seems illogical to assume the version of the character we got is the best possible version.
❤❤🖖🖖❤❤🖖🖖❤❤
Martin Landau would have worked. But Nimoy was a force of nature. Love it Dave!
True! Thanks for your support Pat.
Landau made Space 1999 on British TV
I agree 100%!
Martin would have been a great choice. He dud win an Oscar for Bela Lugosi in Ed Wood though!
@@caeserromero3013And Nimoy stepped into Mission Impossible after Landau left because of contract and creative differences with the production company. 😊
We wouldn’t have the Vulcan greeting 🖖 if it weren’t for Nimoy.
The nanoo nanoo that Robin Williams did may have been a parody of the Vulcan Greeting. But I don't know for sure if it was.
Nor the Vulcan nerve pinch. I gather Mr. Nimoy also came up with that. He felt that Spock being a logical being would use a less aggressive method than a fist to render an adversary unconscious. Hence the Vulcan nerve pinch.
And finally the mind meld. 🖖
Ive heard of MANY things that Nimoy brought to Spock that wasnt written.
The Vulcan greeting is actually the Jewish symbol for “kohen”, the highest of the three tribes in Judaism (kohen, levite, yisrolite). Kohanim are the high priests. If your dad’s surname starts with a K, you’re a kohen. My dad’s tombstone has the hand symbol engraved on it.
I believe Leonard Nimoy was adopted by a Jewish family.
I've felt that Karl Urban has done a tremendous job as Dr. McCoy, he sounds so much like DeForest Kelly it's amazing. He has the voice, mannerisms, etc., all down very well but just enough of his own take on McCoy that it's not just direct imitation.
I wholeheartedly agree. At first, given his physique, I thought it was a weird casting choice (I was hoping for Gary Sinise), but he was by far the best actor in the new movies.
I agree.
Totally agree! I was prepared to hate the new Trek film on principle, but the casting was brilliant. The only misstep in my mind was Simon Pegg as Scotty. I'm a huge fan of Pegg. He gave solid performances, but he just didn't have Doohan's sly, crusty charm.
A personal wishlist item of mine, though, would be to see Urban cast as a younger, unredeemed William Money in an Unforgiven prequel. 😊
Agreed.👍
@@user-ol2so9ce2q I'm not so keen on the cast in general (Quinto was a disappointment as Spock), but I agree that Pegg was a bad choice. I was rooting for Paul McGillion, from "Stargate: Atlantis". I suspect he even auditioned for Scotty, as he got a very small role in the first movie.
😊I always appreciated DeForest Kelly for his portrayal of Dr. McCoy. His background in Westerners was the right mixture for his character being a Country Doctor.
A Southern County Doctor, it's quite clear McCoy heritage was United States Southern region. Especially when was emotional or relaxed mood the Georgia accent pushed through
I love Leonard Nimoy. He is my only Spock ♥️
Leonard was the best. No doubt about it!
“I am not Spock”
- Leonard Nimoy
“I am Spock”
- also Leonard Nimoy
100%
he is the guy go have us the hand sign with his fingers. and he got it when he was in temple with his dad and brother and he could not keep his eyes close when all the congregation were suppose to being young. and that is the hand signs that the people were doing doing a Jewish ceremony.
I think that not only did Leonard Nimoy play a great Mr. Spock, but he also added features to the character that were not in the original...like: the Vulcan hand grip and the Vulcan
hand sign. Also, over the years, I believed he pushed back on some of the dialogue which he felt was not in line with Vulcan logic, culture or philosophy.
His absence would have give us a completely different and (in my opinion) inferior Star Trek.
The Vulcan hand sign is actually a Jewish sign that he learned as a child in the synagogue.
@@leesher1845 But Leonard Nimoy was the one who introduced it to the character, and the world.
It's the Hebrew letter Shin. The One True Creator G_d encoded the Torah, the Hebrew letters, and the Hebrew language so there is much hidden in plain sight.
@@leesher1845 WOW, yes we know. Not all Goys are stupid.
@@terryulmer969 Your One True Creator 'god' does not exist.
I cant even imagine what Star Trek would have been like without Lenard Nimoy. My favorite character on my favorite show.
Though he didn't make the Spock cut, I loved Michael Dunn's guest appearance in "Plato's Stepchildren". Too bad Martin Landau hadn't done the same. He would made for a rather sharp-looking Vulcan.
Totally agree! I would have loved to have seen Landau play another Vulcan.
Am not sure Landau would've made a good Vulcan. He lumbered thru Space 1999!
In truth, yes, I think Martin Landau would've made a pretty good Spock. His voice, especially, would've suited Spock's logical demeanor, as long as he didn't play Spock too stiffly, the way Ethan Peck does in STD...er, sorry, Disco...er, sorry, ....(cringe) Star Trek Discovery, and (cringe again) Star Trek Strange New Worlds.
I do agree with you. I cannot see George Lindsay as Spock. Martin Landau also would made an interesting Romulan foil in a few episodes.
I’ve heard an interview with Landau in which he said he wouldn’t have been interested in the role. He couldn’t seem to wrap his head around playing an unemotional character. Gene got the right actor with Nimoy who not only created Spock but set the bar for all of the rest of the Vulcan characters who followed. He defined what a Vulcan was and the other actors had a basis of the mannerisms.
Martin Landau could have been Mr. Spock and played him just as skillfully as Leonard Nimoy. I thought he was great in the Mission Impossible TV series with Peter Graves. But, after Leonard Nimoy, I'm not sure if the fans would have been all that eager to accept a replacement Mr. Spock.
Thanks for sharing Donna G!
Ironically, Nimoy replaced Landau on “Mission: Impossible”.
@@13thwho I could totally see Martin Landau as Spock.
Pretty good in Hitchcocks,North by Northwest!
Agreed, but I sure would love to see a few test episodes featuring Gooberspock.
If the rumor of the casting of Michael Dunn is true then that means Roddenberry truly didn’t have a prejudice bone in his body. He was willing to cast anybody for any role. Truly a groundbreaking person.👍🏽
Considering Martin Landau would make sense since they both were on Mission Impossible and played non-reactionary characters, always in control of personal feelings. I think Nimoy managed to add some humanity and depth to his character over the years that others may not have done. Certainly his last 3 roles in the newer movies were both pivotal to the story and added some heart to the roles. The interchange with Zachary Quinto was warn and tearful at the same time.
Thanks for sharing Jeff S!
Yes, I considered Zachary Quinto to be a good successor to the role of Spock, albeit a bit too emotional. But Quinto did play Spock less stiffly than the current actor on (cringe) Star Trek Strange New Worlds.
I, too, got a lump in my throat when I saw Kelvin Spock on screen with Spock Prime. Leonard Nimoy's delivery was as gold as ever.
Nimoy was (more or less) Landau's replacement on Mission Impossible.
Martin Landau would have made a real slick looking Vulcan. He had those classic features like Nimoy had.
@@martok2112 And Nimoy and the rest of us knew this was probably his last movie and he did this with his COPD advancing. I'm sure it was not easy to deliver the lines, but there is no noticeable signs on the screen.
The thing about Leanord Nimoy was that he brought the Vulcan culture to reality with using Hebrew symbolism such as the hand salute "Live Long and Prosper", 2 finger separated. He brought a sense of realism to the character. Had anyone else done that role I don't believe it would have been so real
Landau had a Method background and also might have used such things from his life.
@@johnminehan1148 Landau was also Jewish.
@@dalethelander3781 . . . and (as a Method actor) might also have brought things like that from his own life into the character (if not necessarily in the same way as Nimoy did).
Can you do the two fingers separately..... I can just barley do it
@@garycarpenter6433right hand no. Left hand yes. Of course Mark Lenard was the right choice for Sarak. In balance of terror we saw him as the romulian Commander, Vulcan and Romulus genetically similar.
Goober as Spock???? LMAO!! Star Trek wouldn't be Star Trek without Leonard Nimoy. The chemistry between Shatner, Nimoy & Kelley was pure gold & unique. It couldn't be replicated. Ever.
If Goober was Spock, I am afraid he would have turned the space galaxy upside down.
Martin Landau would have made an outstanding Spock. He has the smart, really intellectual look. It would’ve gone down well. Not that I’m dissing Leonard, I’m not.
@@thegreenbird795 Oh? How about Jerry Van Dyke as Spock? Or Roger C. Carmel? Or Van Williams? Or Victor Buono?
I agree.
@Account NumberEight Isn't he the fat man who used to do Batman?
Offering praise is not offering insult anywhere. Nor should it ever be thought to. You respecting my enemy does not disrespect me.
@@dalethelander3781 How about you growing up?
Dave I read your stuff everyday. It's always amazing but this one has to be one of the most mind-blowing ones you've shown us. Me being a huge Andy Griffith fan it just blows me away that goober could even be thought to play this role. I met him once in person in Tennessee and got his autograph. He was amazing
Thanks for sharing DT. I was shocked to find this one out as well. And...I thought I knew just about everything about George Lindsey that there was to know!
I also recall seeing George Lindsay on an episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents in a heavy dramatic role as a blackmailer long before he was on Andy Griffith. So it may not have been so far fetched
l know that show, and I still stand by my original comment, a hillbilly Vulcan is totally out of the question.
He also played a bad man on Rawhide. Very, very convincing.
@@buffalopatriot Problem is sometimes actors are typecast and cannot shake the role that made them famous. However, sometimes they can shake that role and go on to better things. Two good examples. Sally Field. From Gidget and The Flying Nun to Norma Rae Academy Award winner to other acting roles. More recently Hugh Jackman. From Wolverine to doing Professor Harold Hill in The Music Man on Broadway currently
@@jerrygillespie1214 You are correct. George had a wide range of talents, especially outside of acting. Athlete, restaurant chain owner, charity worker. I believe he could have pulled off a Spock character.
I met Martin Landau, towards the end of his life. He had a natural gravitas about him, similar to Mr. Nimoy, whom I also met briefly in his later years. (Thank you, DragonCon).
The Kirk-Spock-McCoy dynamic reminds me quite a bit of the Matt Dillon-Festus-Doc relationship on Gunsmoke from about the same TV time period. A totally different genre but #2 and the Doc were always going at it on that show also.
Great insight!
@@jdsundstrom Good insight; yes, but actually the Dr /Captain friendship seems to first be seen in the MR. Roberts and Ensign Pulver/Henry Fonda plays/movies prior to Gunsmoke
a lot of shows had that dynamic at the time. lennon mcartney harrison for exxample
I hope if Leonard McCoy ever appears in Strange New Worlds, they can get Karl Urban. He's been AWESOME in the Kelvin timeline movies. I think he actually channeled DeForest Kelly!
Actor Paul Fix played Dr Piper on the enterprise along with Captain Pike in the pilot episode of Star Trek. Kelly replaced Fix later on.
@@laff000Was Paul Fix Micah from the Rifleman?
Unfortunately, I think Urban may be too old for the rest of the cast by the time they get there, if they ever do. But agree entirely that he was a perfect Bones!
I knew about Landau being up for the part, but the other two? That’s wild! Nimoy, and Landau did remain friends, even after their time on Mission: Impossible. But Michael and George? That’s really something to think about! Proof that possibility can also be stranger ~and as interesting ~ as fiction!
So very true!
It would’ve been something to see Mr Spock doing a Cary Grant imitation,
“Judy! Judy! Judy.”🤣🤣🤣
I met George Lindsay many years ago. He confirmed this rumor. He was in his 70's at the time and could remember EVERYTHING. He was a very smart man and down to earth too.
And remember, George Lindsay is an actor, and wouldn't have been playing a variation of his Mayberry character. How well he would have done we don't know, you'd have to look at his other roles to get an idea.
It's like Brian Cranston, who played a Ranger on "Babylon5", to Hal on "Malcom in the Middle", and then on to hisclassic role in "Breaking Bad". Or for a "Star Trek" connection, look at Walter Koenig as Pavel Checkov, and then look at him as PsiCop Alfred Bester on "Babylon5".
Sometimes an actor turns out to be absolutely perfect for a role, and the actor and the role they played become inseparable. Such was the case with Leonard Nimoy/Mr. Spock. I have seen a lot of tv shows and movies where it was obvious that they cast the wrong actor.
That's a fascinating bit of trivia and I would love to see Lindsey and Landau in a screen test.
Okay, George Lindsey as Mr Spock is just pure madness.
Absolutely nutty!
LOL!! I know, right??? :) :)
George Lindsey as Mr.Spock , wearing his " Jughead " crown, and Vulcan hair style.
De forest Kelley almost got the Spock part as well.
@@johnbockelie3899 But I can see Kelley pulling it off, just barely. But George Lindsey? No.
A guy who looked a bit like Nimoy and could have made a convincing Spock was James Coburn. Check him out in his starring role in the movie In Like Flint. Note the similar facial features, hair, etc.
No doubt Nimoy is the quintessential Spock, he made the role his own. Of those you mentioned Martin Landau activated my imagination ..... he is a very underestimated acting talent especially when it comes to Sci-Fi as in his Outer Limits roles (especially “The Man who was never born “). Thank You for this enlightenment !! 🙏🏻
George Lindsey had acting range that arguably hasn’t really survived in the popular imagination. Mr. Lindsey had a medium-sized part in an absolutely chilling episode of The Alfred Hitchcock Hour. The episode is entitled The Jar, coincidentally starring another iconic rural character actor in Pat Buttram. In the AHH episode, George gives a vaguely frightening small speech about his changes in perception as he has aged. As it relates to Star Trek, of course Leonard Nimoy ended up giving one of the most iconic performances ever in science fiction as Mr. Spock. But, I believe if he had gotten the role, George Lindsey would have given his own iconic performance as Mr. Spock. As an actor, he probably would have loved having another major role so different from Goober.
Audiences type cast actors more than producers do.
Lindsay did several serious roles prior to 1965. However a lot of them were countryfolk roles.
His role as the happy to execute deputy in "I Am the Night, Color Me Black" was very convincing and gritty. In "The Jar" two mostly comedic actors gave great tragic performances, yet again in a hayseed play, but written by Ray Bradbury.
I saw The Jar when I was about 9 and it scared the absolute crap out of me.
@@kirnpu I saw The Jar when I was 42 or 43 and it scared me, too. One of the scariest TV episodes I have ever seen.
Definitely, I'm sure that having George Lindsey do the part wouldn't have been as bad as it sounds!
@@johnsavard7583 no, it would have been toss away. It would class the show with Daniel Boone and Wild Wild West. There already are many crosses there.
Hard to see Goober as Spock. Your info is always thought provoking. Thanks for interesting video!
Thanks for watching Jan!
Shatner, Nimoy and Kelly are the greatest team. George Lindsey is a stretch, but he has a lot of stager presence. Landau is one of my all-time favorites!! As far as the Kelvin Era the cast was spot on.
As someone else commented Martin Landau as Spock might have worked...up to a point. But no one could ever have played Spock as iconically as Leonard Nimoy. End of story. 👍
Martin Landau would have been outstanding as Spock. He was obviously down for a space-based role, as he took on Space 1999 about a decade later. Nimoy did a stellar job though. I loved the way he portrayed the character, and at this point can't see anyone else in that role.
He might not have been in the original running for Spock but I think Barry Atwater was an exceptionally convincing Vulcan in the Savage Curtain as Surak. The look, the voice, the manner. All very Vulcan. He might have made a good Spock and who knows what life experience he brought to the role that could have become part of the character!
@@InformationIsTheEdge He absolutely captured what it was to be Vulcan, but I think he might have been a bit too old for the role at that point. He did fantastic as Spock's father though.
@@RaymondBCrisp Mark Leonard is the fellow you mean, the actor that played Spock's father. Yes he was excellent too. I meant the fellow who played the founder of the Vulcan philosophy Spock follows. From the episode The Savage Curtain. Mark Leonard, as you rightly point out, was no joke! Everything I wrote about Barry Atwater goes for Mark as well!
It's bizarre to see Spock smile in the original pilot episode with Jeffrey Hunter as the captain. He was a superb Spock
Totally agree. Leonard was the best!
in the 40th anniversary novels "Crucible" Spock explains that at that time he was "mimicking" human behavior to make them feel more comfortable. . I am a day one Star Trek fan and never really got into any the novels, but the 40th's anniversary novels were quite good especially McCoys which devotes much on his time in the past after going through the guardian of forever.... after all he spent a life time there and changed the future until his friends retrieved him....it centers on his life in which they never made it....it's kind of hard to explain but it was the best of the three novels
@@jdsundstrom speaking about the pilot, why did Jeffrey Hunter get replaced?
@@WALTERBROADDUS Several sources state that his wife dissuaded him from accepting the series role because, according to her, he was a "movie star" and being on television would have been a step down.
@@WALTERBROADDUS Too cerebral, not enough action packed. Same reason Geneviève Bujold wasn't cast as Captain Janeway, too cerebral, not action-hero-like.
Wow. After more than 50 years of Leonard Nimoy's Spock, it's very hard to imagine anyone else playing that role, least of all Goober Pyle. I could see Martin Landau playing the role. He certainly had the serious face of a Vulcan, had Leonard not gotten the role.
A Michael Dunn casting would have completely altered the Vulcan Race I would think. There would probably never be a Kirk vs Spock battle during Pahn-Far, or the Vulcan Neck Pinch would have been a knee pinch instead. I loved Michael Dunn as Alexander in "Plato's Stepchildren" and as Dr Loveless in Wild Wild West. That said, I'm happy we got Leonard Nimoy.
Michael Dunn was awesome in Wild, Wild West.
In an alternate universe somewhere there are Martin Landau and Jack Lord playing Spock and Kirk.
Leonard Nimoy was perfect for that role, so much it became his trademark! No one could play him better than Nemoy. Star Trek Original Series was perfectly cast!
Nimoy was born to play Spock and was the right choice, but actually I could see Landau in the role also. The other two, though talented, would not have pulled it off.
I could see Landau as perhaps one of Spock's cousins or one of Sarek's brothers if aged only a little. He would have made a very handsome Vulcan.
@@EdiaStanfordBruce 😂🤣😂Landout !!!
Wow. Thanks, Dave! I literally had no idea about the casting choices for that role.
I must admit this one was a new one for me as well. You'd think I would have known this one since I'm such a big fan of both shows.
@@jdsundstrom 💛interesting
If you think about it both Martin Landau and Leonard Nimoy both had the same look, so Landau would have made a good Spock. Incidentally both had roles on Mission Impossible.
Yes. Nimoy replaced Landau.
I didn't know about George Lindsy, that to me is to weird. But as a fan of the original series I did know about Martin Landau, his daughter Juliet Landau follows me and I follow her on twitter. But you forgot another actor who was offered the role of Spock. Deforest Kelly was also offered the role as well. A lot of actors got their parts on Trek who Gene remembered as guest stars on another show he produced called The Lieutenant including Nichelle Nichols, LT. Uhura.
Thanks for sharing Larry!
I met Juliet once through her sister Susie who I went to college with. Both lovely women.
But, luckily for us, Martin got the lead role in Space:1999. Unfortunately, that series was ruined in its' 2nd season by Star Trek 3rd season showrunner Fred Freiberger.
@@dalethelander3781 I went to college with Martin & Barbara’s daughter Susie. She had wonderful stories about living in London during the production of SP: 1999.
Let us remember please that George Lindsey could act and made a fine villain. Nimoy was perfect, Landau would have been perfect. George Lindsey would have been good and it would have shown off his acting chops. We have to remember that in the '60s people hadn't been exposed to decades of reruns of Lindsey as Goober. He still wouldn't have been nearly as good as Nimoy. We also need to remember that the writers adjusted Spock's character to Nimoy's own sense of the character as they went along, so that HIS Spock was not exactly pre-filming Roddenberry's idea of Spock. It was better.
Yep. They are still my three favorite actors of any TV series also. STAR TREK is still my favorite TV show of all time too.🖖
I think Leonard Nimoy defined that role so totally that he ruined the chances that anyone else could ever be Spock again. Spock was one of my childhood role models when I was struggling to control my emotions and I'm forever grateful for that character 🖖.
Well said!
Wow, Goober as Spock! If I didn't know better I'd think it was April 1st! :) But hey, Dave, you delineated the appeal of Star Trek via the Kirk/Spock/McCoy relationship so well. Man, it took me right back to the summer before 8th grade when I overdosed on Star Trek reruns (as well as potato chips and Pepsi). Absolutely classic show that can NEVER be equaled.
Well, think about Lloyd Bridges or Jack Lord as Kirk. both of which were considered.
Check out babylon 5
@@elizabethjansen2684 oh I loved B5, believe me.
Nimoy said Roddenberry choose him for the role of Spock because Nimoy was a guest star on "The Lieutenant" which was a Roddenberry TV show just prior to Star Trek. This is when Roddenberry decided on Nimoy for the role of Spock.
A fine video. We should all remember that the Speck we got was NOT Gene Roddenberry’s original concept for the Enterprise’s “First Officer”/“Science Officer”. That character (as we all know) was supposed to be A FEMALE, imposing and highly intelligent, played by his future wife, Majel Barrett. We got too see what MIGHT HAVE BEEN in “The Menagerie”/“The Cage”.
Martin Landau would have been the only other suitable choice to give us the Spock the show needed. But Leonard Nimoy TRULY made the character his own, and literally developed Spock “on the fly”. It’s all amazing, in hindsight.
"... you know, the good stuff" I like your tagline... Future nostalgia!
I wold have assumed Landau and Nimoy to have been Brothers. Both insanely handsome 😍 men with pretty much similar facial structures and expression types. I even remember having a crush on either one back in the early 1970s at a mere five (5) years of age watching Mission Impossible, Space 1999 and Star Trek (Nimoy was in M:I and S.T., Landau M:I and S1999).
Mr. Nimoy made the character iconic. The absolute best choice.
LN is the best choice since we’ve had the advantage of actually seeing him in the role; Landau could’ve possibly pulled it off due to his onscreen persona also. Dunn.. maybe, his height would’ve been an added novelty and quite believable for the quirky role.
Most fans know that Martin Landau was approached to play the role of Spock. Landau said the role wouldn't have been a good fit for him. I agree, because Nimoy completely owned the role of Spock. Landau would go on to be Commander Koenig in Gerry Anderson's Space: 1999.
Gene Rodenberry was known for having some off the wall not to well thought out ideas. However Martin Landau would have been an excellent Spock! Too bad he wasn't more successful as Commander John Koenig, another fine role and character. Think you should investigate what became of Rodenberry's attempt to recruit Landau.
“Goober” as Mr. Spock …very interesting, as is Michael Dunn. Agreed, Martin Landau would have been a very good choice , however I believe we all agree on who become this all time iconic character was the best choice made.
😲 Ooo-K...? My brain jammed a little when you said THE "Goober Pyle" actor, George Lindsey, was on the short list to play Spock.
Martin Landau was offered the role but had already been approached to do Mission Impossible but suggested Roddenberry talk to his friend & I believe room mate at the time, Leonard Nimoy. This is the first I've heard of George Lindsey being considered for the role!😳. I cannot imagine that ... I'm afraid that may have done the show in within a few first episodes.
In a different universe, there is a version of Star Trek starring Jeffery Hunter, George Lindsey and Paul Fix… though in every universe we still get James Doohan.
😁
Who may have gained fame playing a Russian Chief Engineering Officer . . . .
Landau would have been a much more intense Spock, but so many of the Vulcan cultural traits and behaviors came from Nimoy. We got the right guy, no doubt, but it would have been fun if the Mirror Universe had an entirely alternate cast, and Landau vs Nimoy there would have been memorable!
He was Landout...😂
That blows my mind, Dave. I don't think I'll ever be the same. Thanks
Anytime my friend! 🙂
I saw George Lindsey play a cop in an old episode of "Banacek" once. Without the Mayberry accent and hat, I didn't know it was him at first. Eventually, I recognized him from the cover of his book "I am not Goober."
If he wore the Mayberry hat than I'm in full favor of him replacing Nimoy! LOL "Fascinating"
Totally agree! The hat would have been a uniform requirement.
@@jdsundstrom Maybe Paramount will do a Trek remastered version with him in the future!
I can imagine Gomer fixing the engines of the Enterprise like at the gas station and in walks Vulcan Goober as he puts on that crazy cap of his. LOLLL!
Hard as it may be to imagine, Michael Dunn would have been just as, if not more, intense than Nimoy.
Landau and Nimoy both had regular gigs as members of the IM team on Mission: Impossible.
Nimoy was and is the archetype, but yes, Martin Landau would have made sense. It would have also Increased the strength of the Canadian faction in Starfleet!
GREAT factoid Dave! I'm SO glad Mr. Nimoy got the role! But having seen Mr. Lindsey do dramatic roles on other shows, I can at least see why he was considered!
Thanks for pointing that out TP!
Even in more dramatic episodes of Any Griffith, Lindsay had obvious talent (the one where Goober meets an old friend from his training as a mechanic, who he believes has been more successful, comes to mind, especially where Goober realizes the guy has not been and Goober does not bust his chops. Great use of facial expressions on his part.).
It's an interesting possibility, but like you I'm glad it didn't happen. It's now hard to imagine any other actors for the roles.
I also think that what made the series so great for me as a teenager was the interplay and relationship created between Kirk, Spock and McCoy.
Thanks
I can just see George doing his "Judy, Judy, Judy!" line with pointy ears.
I could totally see Landau in the role.
The casting turned out perfect, because the actors made the characters come to life. They made the characters who we witnessed on-screen; and they seemed to be organically natural, not contrived. Gene may well have conceived the characters differently in his mind, but under his direction, the actors carved the image magnificently in theirs.
I agree that the original Trek cast was perfect. 🙂
"Live long and prosper, y'all!" 😄
I am surprised about the actors that were considered for Dr. Spock. You do great research Dave!
Bones will always be my favorite! DeForest was epic! I'm so glad that Carl Urban is doing him justice! ❤❤❤
That’s a crazy thought don’t think he would have been taken seriously and show would have been a flop if George Lindsay was considered. As for crazy possible miscastings I heard Jimmy Stewart was considered to play James Bond before Connery got the role. That would have been hilarious
Stewart as Bond? Yikes! Another near miss!
Wow, can't imagine anybody else playing him
Me neither Tammy!
Martin Landau could have worked as Spock as he has a stoic seriousness to him and was great in Space 1999. However, Leonard Nimoy nailed it as the perfect Vulcan, with brilliant subtlety and mannerisms of acting.
Another vote for Leonard Nimoy , he was so good RIP , having said that , i think Zachary Quinto did an excellent job of portraying spock in the newer star treks , he got his mannerisms down so well .
It's hard to imagine anyone other than Leonard Nimoy as Spock, but Martin Landau would probably have done a great job as well.
I was aware of Lindsey being considered as Spock but not Landau or Dunn. I remember reading somewhere that Roddenberry also wanted Lloyd Bridges to play Kirk.
Gene talked about Lloyd in his autobiography. His first choice was Jack Lord but he demanded 50% ownership of the show so Gene quickly skipped Jack.
@@JohnFourtyTwo that's crazy, 50%? On a brand new show and untried concept? That's EGO, with a dash of insanity for good measure.
@@JohnFourtyTwo
Thanks, I also recall that GR had named the ship Yorktown in his 1st rough draft.
@@williamhaynes4800 Yes he did. 👍
I'd like to see an AI version of Star Trek with Spock played by Frank Nelson, the "Ye-es?" comic.
The Spock characteristic that Leonard Nimoy brought out was visually displaying constant and serious impartial analysis of everything. Nimoy was able to express that Spock was taking it all in, and maintaining (or correcting) course in real time, and without moving more than an eyebrow, his thoughts were written all over his stoneface. As a result, Spock became what Nimoy successfully portrayed, and out of costume, Nimoy had to say, endlessly, “I am not Spock.”
Any other actor would have done Spock differently, and the writers would have had to work with that (not against that). A different Spock might have still carried the series just as far, or might have been written out after 1 or 2 seasons. We’ll never know for sure, but I’m very glad Nimoy got to bring us the Spock we believed really existed.
Michael Dunn with a small stature, yet a vast mind, indispensable to the Captain, would have made a wonderful plotline that would have seemed too bold to attempt. It might have been glorious.
Maybe but a short Vulcan.....nah I don't think so
@@garycarpenter6433 The idea of a Vulcan kept changing. There was the red face, a possible tail, and even a metal plate in the belly to absorb energy. Fortunately, better ideas were used.
Though George Lindsey wasn't chosen as Mr. Spock there is no question in my mind he could have acted the part.
George is remembered as a 'comedian,' from Andy Griffith.
However, I have seen his performing ability in more serious roles.
And remember, 'we' didn't see George's audition. Gene did! And Gene felt he could fit the role...it didn't happen so 'we' will never know...
I don't think Goober would be a great Vulcan,he doesn't look the scientific part..... only as a comedian
It's my understanding that when Roddenberry cast Deforest Kelley he ask Kelley which part he would like to play. He had the option of the captain.
Can't even wrap my brain around that... 🖖🏻
And it's still the worst casting idea I ever heard 😂😂😂😂
Now I'm imagining the Star Trek/Mayberry crossover that could have been...
Yep. We eventually got an episode where Floyd's Barbershop makes an appearance!
Funny you posted this, was just watching the original series this afternoon.
GOOBER PYLE? ... Chief Science Officer? ... No bloody way in hell! ... that's hilarious!
Awesome Dave I silent know they had somewhat else in mind to play Spock or had other casting options for the role of Spock this did blow my mind I'm sorry but I cannot see goober playing Spock glad they chose Leonard nimoy to play Spock he was meant for the role Dave Leonard is Spock thanks Dave
Thanks for sharing Cade!
Your welcome happy to be sharing Dave
I’ve only seen George in the Griffith and Gomer shows so I don’t know about him playing Spock but the way Hollywood typecast people it’s possible he would be good for the role.
Leonard Nimoy was definitely the best choice for Spock...the chemistry between him, Deforest Kelley and William Shatner was absolutely epic.....love your channel.....
Thanks Christine!
At some point Roddenberry said to DeForest Kelley (they were already familiar from a previous project) if he would like to play Spock or the doctor. He said he'd take High Noon (what he called McCoy). Best decision he ever made 😏
I think Landau would have been a good and bad choice. Landau is a good physical choice to ware the ears, but his other character work always leaned toward the action roles. I do not know if he could have played the cold logical vulcan. I just cannot picture Goober with vulcan ears. I loved the Andy Griffith show and Goober was a very special part of it. But I think George Lindsey was already pigeon holed by his work on the Andy Griffith show and would probably not have been well received as "Spock". Michael Dunn is an excellent actor and I loved him in Plato's Children. But I think his work is too full of emotion and I doubt he could have pulled off the character either. Leonard Nimoy has always played cool calm confident characters. I think Roddenberry ultimately picked the right actor for the part.
I could see Martin Landau playing a member of the Vulcan High Council in an episode of Star Trek.
Martin Landau was considered for the role but apparently, turned it down. Before Shatner was cast as Kirk, they had also considered Jack Lord who made unreasonable demands.
Jack Lord?!!? I hadn't heard that one!
That woulda been ah kinda cool.
He probably wanted it shot in Hawaii. heehee
@@debbralehrman5957 He wanted part ownership of the show so he could receive royalties.
@@jdsundstrom Lord wanted a percentage of the gross from the show. Roddenberry, wasn't willing to agree to that. Understandable as it might have put him into the red.
2:33 Martin Landow as Mr. Spock, with William Shatner would have been two Canadian actors as part of the main cast. 🤯
Thanks for this. I think this underscores the idea that Roddenberry himself did not quite "get" Vulcans. In their earliest conception, Roddenberry wanted Vulcans to be a kind of running gag, a constant proof that you can't put all your trust in logic. The Vulcans we know today grew out of Nimoy's constant tweaking. Neck pinch? Mind meld? Salute? These touches came from Nimoy's stubbornness, backed by his weird overnight star power in the role. He wanted Vulcans to be dignified and respectable, in a way we hadn't seen in an advanced alien since Michael Rennie played Klaatu in The Day the Earth Stood Still. Landau or Dunn would have done what they could, but it was Nimoy's contrariness that proved crucial. I worry a little about modern science fiction, because I feel that we could use a next Klaatu or a next Spock. I hope one is coming.
Great comments WBH! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Spock was changed considerably between the two pilots. He bellowed in the first one, smiled broadly at the singing plants. Seemed overly excited in reaction to the various crises. He was almost eager to see Lt. Gary Mitchell killed by Capt Kirk.
@@JW...-oj5iw I think back then they may have still been trying to figure out if Spock was -- yes -- a Martian.
Babylon 5
@@elizabethjansen2684 Kosh? I liked Kosh, but I'm not sure he caught on.
GOOBER!?, Goober?, Goober Pyle?
If anyone else but Nimoy had played Spock there would have never been the "Live long and prosper" hand gesture. Unthinkable!