‘The Big Bang Theory’s’ Leonard Nimoy tribute was in the cards

Leonard Nimoy only guest-starred on CBS’ hit sitcom “The Big Bang Theory” once, but his influence was felt in every single episode. So it’s not surprising that series executive producer Chuck Lorre used one of his highly noticed end-of-show vanity cards to pay tribute to the actor, who died last Friday at age 83.

While Lorre has sometimes written paragraphs of information in his vanity cards, weighing in on any number of topics including his feud with former “Two and a Half Men” star Charlie Sheen, this time it was just a black-and-white photo of Nimoy with the line, “The impact you had on our show and on our lives is everlasting.”

Sheldon, played by Emmy winner Jim Parsons, was a die-hard Trekkie and absolutely melted when he was given a napkin signed by Nimoy. But though many “Star Trek” cast members have guest-starred on the series, Nimoy only appeared as a voice in the Season 5 episode, “The Transporter Malfunction.”

In the episode, Nimoy provided the voice of a Mr. Spock action figure Sheldon had on his desk.

“Big Bang Theory” co-creator Bill Prady is also a lifelong “Star Trek” fan and was one of the writers of the 1996 TV special, “Star Trek: 30 Years and Beyond.”

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