Leonard Nimoy Beams Into CBS’ ‘The Big Bang Theory’

CBS’ The Big Bang Theory is getting much closer to bringing dream guest star Lenoard Nimoy onto the series.

The Star Trek icon — aka Sheldon’s (Jim Parsons) hero — has been tapped for a cameo on the comedy’s March 29 episode in which he’ll voice a role as Spock in the show’s March 29 episode, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.

As first reported by TV Line, Nimoy will speak to Sheldon during a dream sequence in the episode.

“For years, we thought it would be fantastic to have Leonard Nimoy appear on the show and we think we’ve found a really different and fun way to make that happen,” executive producer Steve Molaro tells THR. “As thrilled as we are he’s doing it, we’re even more thrilled just to get our pictures taken with him.”

Added executive producer Bill Prady in a statement released shortly afterward: “Leonard Nimoy’s first appearance on Big Bang was as DNA on a napkin. For this episode, we are delighted to hear his voice. We look forward to introducing Mr. Nimoy, body part by body part, over the course of many seasons to come.”

Nimoy has been at the top of the producers’ wish list for guest stars, as Sheldon’s obsession with Star Trek has been well documented on the series.

Co-creator Chuck Lorre told THR at Big Bang‘s 100th episode party last year that the episode in which Penny (Kaley Cuoco) gives Sheldon a Nimoy-signed napkin — complete with his DNA — stands as his favorite “nerd moment” on the long-running series.

“[Sheldon] was so overcome with affection for her, he physically hugged her, which he can’t do as a character,” he said at the time. “We all stood there on the stage and everybody got all fablungent and weepy. It was a moment that rose above the show and became something else.”

Added Cuoco: “He hugs her and it’s very special. I think that’s why we haven’t done a holiday episode since because they like to show that one because it’s such a sweet moment. He hasn’t hugged me since.”

The Big Bang guest gig is the latest in a string of voice-over roles for Nimoy, which have included Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon and Land of the Lost. He also had an on-screen cameo in as Spock Prime in J.J. Abrams Star Trek feature in 2009.

The Big Bang Theory airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. on CBS.

Email: Lesley.Goldberg@thr.com; Twitter: @Snoodit