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Nimoy's 'Wagon Train' Western Roots
10 Oct
Summary
- Nimoy guest-starred on 'Wagon Train' multiple times.
- He played his first role as a sheep-herder named Bernabe Zamora.
- Susan Oliver, who acted with Nimoy, later joined Star Trek.
Before Gene Roddenberry coined "Wagon Train to the stars" for "Star Trek," Leonard Nimoy had already walked the Western frontier on "Wagon Train" itself. Nimoy made several guest appearances on the popular series. His debut in "The Esteban Zamora Story" in 1959 saw him play a sheep-herder, a role he found particularly memorable due to Ernest Borgnine portraying his father and offering guidance.
During his time on "Wagon Train" in the same season, Nimoy also took on the role of a Cherokee named Ned. This period saw Nimoy frequently cast in Native American roles. He later reunited with Susan Oliver, his "Wagon Train" co-star, who had appeared in the same episode. Oliver would later play Vina in the original "Star Trek" pilot, "The Cage."
Nimoy's "Wagon Train" appearances continued, including a role as the bandit Joaquin Delgado, complete with a Stetson and bandoliers. His final appearance in the long-running Western series was as Emeterio Vasquez during its fifth season, showcasing his versatility before reaching interstellar fame.
