Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Fascinating... Five facts you may not have known about Spock's ears (yes, just his ears)

Star Trek producers promised Leonard Nimoy that if the pointy ears didn’t appeal to the viewing public, Spock could undergo an in-series “ear job”.

LEONARD NIMOY, who died on 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’s a few facts about those iconic ears:

spock1 Star Trek / CBS Star Trek / CBS / CBS

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.

guttural truth / YouTube

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 “ear job” and they’d be removed.

Instead, the character was a hit, and no such operation was needed.

evils Star Trek / CBS Star Trek / CBS / CBS

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.

TheAmazingSkipper / YouTube

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.

WGBH News / YouTube

A pair is on display at the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.

Read: Leonard Nimoy, who played Spock in Star Trek, dies at 83

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
14 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sandra Turner
    Favourite Sandra Turner
    Report
    Jun 4th 2017, 7:49 PM

    We both work so qualify for nothing. If one of us didn’t work we would qualify but we wouldn’t need childcare as one of us would be at home with the kids.

    287
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Suzie Sunshine
    Favourite Suzie Sunshine
    Report
    Jun 4th 2017, 8:25 PM

    @Sandra Turner: the system is all twisted .. no help out there for those couples who are working and trying to keep afloat. . The cost for child care is crazy and is taking a big chunk out of peoples income and yet those on social can ..

    169
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Eyepopper
    Favourite Eyepopper
    Report
    Jun 4th 2017, 10:53 PM

    If you dont have a job why the hell cant you look after your kids during the day? Again another ar5e about face policy. Working people, struggling to pay for childcare, see their taxes go to pay for childcare for people who dont work.

    111
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Suzie Sunshine
    Favourite Suzie Sunshine
    Report
    Jun 4th 2017, 8:02 PM

    So if you’re on the social , you can avail of the €145 to put your kids into a creche after school and have the day to yourself .. .. makes sense ..

    255
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute ⚡ Seánie ⚡
    Favourite ⚡ Seánie ⚡
    Report
    Jun 4th 2017, 7:25 PM

    €80 a month… that should cover a weeks worth of lunches anyway.

    57
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute pat seery
    Favourite pat seery
    Report
    Jun 4th 2017, 7:27 PM

    Tulsa are unable to look after Children at present and the Minister is giving them more children Minister are you giving Tulsa more staff if not this is a joke

    52
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds