Leonard Nimoy, Spock Of ‘Star Trek’ Dead At 83 [Breaking]
Our beloved Spock is gone. Leonard Nimoy, who portrayed Spock in the first Star Trek television series and on the silver screen in motion pictures, is dead at 83, and Trekkies across the globe are crying.
Leonard Nimoy won over science fiction fans and television viewers fans alike as Mr. Spock in Star Trek. Nimoy was the half-Human, half-Vulcan first officer of the Starship Enterprise on a show that, despite being cancelled after three seasons, would go on to win the hearts of millions worldwide.
His wife, Susan Bay Nimoy, confirmed his passing earlier, stating that the cause was end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Earlier this week, Nimoy had been rushed to the hospital following complaints of severe chest pain.
For some time now, Nimoy has been telling his fans that if they smoked, they should quit to spare themselves what he was going through. He was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in 2014. On Twitter, he mentioned that he quit smoking 30 years ago, but it still caught up with him. He advocated a healthy lifestyle and talked frequently of his health concerns after his diagnosis.
“I quit smoking 30 years ago. Not soon enough. I have COPD. Grandpa says, quit now!! LLAP”
It was not long ago that photos of Nimoy in a wheelchair with an oxygen tank were taken at a New York airport. The actor looked frail, and many fans expressed concern. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease limits patients breathing as their airways narrow, causing frequent chest infections, difficulty breathing without assistance, and persistent coughing.
Nimoy officially retired from show business in 2010, but had a small recurring role in Fringe as Dr. William Bell in 2012. He also held Skype sessions with his adoring fans all over the world at conventions, allowing him the opportunity to see them from his home and answer the questions that they wanted to ask the legendary actor.
Nimoy, an avid photographer and lover of poetry, shared two Tweets just days ago following his stay in UCLA Medical Center.
I will be sharing my poetry. Today’s is, “You and I have Learned,” which is in my book, These Words Are for You. LLAP pic.twitter.com/CsHAtmtDnz
— Leonard Nimoy (@TheRealNimoy) February 22, 2015
A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory. LLAP
— Leonard Nimoy (@TheRealNimoy) February 23, 2015
For the legions of fans of Leonard Nimoy across the world, his performances will live on in the media he created during his career, and he will always be fondly remembered as the first, beloved Mr. Spock.
May we meet again, dear friend, when we too go boldly where no man or woman has gone before and continue the journey of our soul. Meanwhile, as we live our busy lives and think about our friend who has gone on before us, we are sure Spock would tell us to “Dif-tor heh smusma” in Vulcan or in English, Live long and prosper.
[Image via CBS / Paramount]
