Leonard Nimoy, also known as Star Trek's incomparable Mr. Spock, always did have a presence on The Big Bang Theory, even when he only ever appeared on the show as a voice in Sheldon's head.
It could be argued that Sheldon Cooper wouldn't be Sheldon Cooper without Spock's influence, given the fact that Sheldon related to him more than anyone else. Sheldon dressed up as Spock, he wrote plays about Spock, and once, Nimoy appeared in Sheldon's dream as the voice of a Spock action figure that Sheldon had accidentally broken.
Tonight, the series paid tribute to Nimoy with creator Chuck Lorre's vanity card, usually famously reserved for rambling bits of advice or jokes. The image following the end of tonight's episode featured a picture of Nimoy and the words, "The impact you had on our show and on our lives is everlasting."
After news of Nimoy's death spread on Friday, some of the Big Bang Theory cast also tweeted their respects.
Live long and prosper. #RIP
? Kunal Nayyar (@kunalnayyar) February 28, 2015
RIP Leonard Nimoy http://t.co/nt0TwG41rP
? Melissa Rauch (@MelissaRauch) February 27, 2015
Today, we salute the legendary Leonard Nimoy #LiveLongAndProsper http://t.co/nA0tG8C61g pic.twitter.com/7N3NlDX7vf
? The Big Bang Theory (@BigBang_CBS) February 27, 2015
Nimoy died on the morning of Friday, March 5. He was 83.