Severe Chest Pains Send ‘Star Trek’ Actor Leonard Nimoy To The Hospital
Leonard Nimoy was rushed to UCLA Medical Center last Thursday, following a 911 call that reported severe chest pains on behalf of the famed Star Trek actor/director. Mr. Nimoy has been in and out of hospitals multiple times in recent months, so paramedics wasted no time in getting Leonard in front of a physician as soon as was possible, reported TMZ.
Mr. Nimoy blames decades of smoking for the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is now causing him respiratory and cardiac distress, according to Bustle. The revelation came after photos had surfaced of the Star Trek actor being escorted in a wheelchair, while using an oxygen mask and, as the circumstances were made public, Leonard used the opportunity to urge his fans, younger generations in particular, to kick the habit or to never begin smoking.
“I quit smoking 30 years ago. Not soon enough. I have COPD. Grandpa says, quit now!! LLAP [Live Long and Prosper].”
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is an obstructive lung disease, characterized by chronically poor airflow and difficulty breathing. Other symptoms include a persistent cough and the production of sputum. The condition worsens over time.
In spite of this latest emergency call, Mr. Nimoy was in good spirits over the weekend, reported Daily Mail. Leonard spent the time on Twitter, sending out tweets that included inspirational quotes and Mr. Nimoy’s own poetry.
“A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory. LLAP,” Nimoy tweeted on Sunday evening.
Leonard Nimoy hasn’t let his illness slow him down. Even at 83, Mr. Nimoy has kept busy with a variety of projects. In addition to reprising his role as Mr. Spock in the 2009 Star Trek reboot and in Star Trek Into Darkness (2013), Leonard also completed an 11-episode guest starring role as Dr. William Bell on the Sci-Fi series Fringe. Mr. Nimoy has remained faithful to the Sci-Fi genre through the years, drawing younger fans to Star Trek and to the genre in general.
In 2011, his illness did force him to retire from making personal appearances at Star Trek conventions, but he continues to support the events whenever the opportunity presents itself.
There’s no report that Leonard Nimoy will be appearing in the third installment of the Star Trek reboot, but filming is on schedule with a new director.
[Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images]
