Leonard Nimoy Announces Retirement From Acting

Leonard Nimoy is ready to beam into retirement.

The 79-year-old actor, best known for his iconic performance as Spock on the original Star Trek, told the Toronto Sun he plans to retire from acting after his final appearance on Fringe later this season.

"I've been doing this professionally for 60 years," Nimoy told the paper. "I love the idea of going out on a positive note. I've had a great, great time."

Watch videos of Leonard Nimoy

Nimoy made an appearance in J.J. Abrams' Star Trek prequel last year, alongside the younger Spock, Heroes' Zachary Quinto. Over the years, Nimoy starred on the Star Trek TV series from 1966 to 1969 and also starred in seven Star Trek films.

"I want to get off the stage. Also, I don't think it would be fair to Zachary Quinto," Nimoy told the newspaper. "He's a terrific actor, he looks the part, and it's time to give him some space. And I'm very flattered the character will continue."

Watch full episodes of Fringe

Nimoy began recurring on Fringe (executive-produced by Abrams) at the end of Season 1 after a 12-year break from acting. (For scoop on Nimoy's next appearance on the sci-fi series, check out TVGuide.com's Mega Buzz column).

"Since J.J. Abrams revived the Star Trek franchise, I felt I owed him something," Nimoy told the Toronto Sun. "And I'm glad I did it because he promised me a good story, and it was."