Trekkies Pause to Remember Leonard Nimoy 1931-2015
Trekkies and sci-fi fans around the world are mourning the passing of Leonard Nimoy (1931-2015), also known as the beloved pointy-eared half-Vulcan character named Spock. Nimoy’s wife, Susan, confirmed that the actor passed away Friday, February 27 after a long battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the New York Times reported.
Nimoy, who enjoyed a long-running career as the Starship Enterprise’s first officer on Star Trek, was also passionate about poetry, music, and photography. Despite breaking into Hollywood on Star Trek, Nimoy maintained a profitable career with the show’s animated spin-off and feature films. Unknown to casual sci-fi fans, Leonard remained active on television as well, often doing voiceovers for popular shows like The Simpsons and Futurama.
Just a few short days after the Inquisitr reported the actor was recovering following a hospitalization, Nimoy was confirmed deceased in California. Despite his struggles with pulmonary illness, Leonard actively engaged with fans on Twitter in the days preceding his death by sharing original poetry and words of wisdom from a man whose life was well-lived.
Followers and fans of Nimoy took to social media after the news broke of Nimoy’s passing to send words of hope, admiration, and thanks into the universe. Actor Seth Green expressed his appreciation for Leonard’s contribution to the acting community and sci-fi as a genre while star Elijah Wood bid Nimoy a fond farewell with, “Live long and prosper. So long, Mr. Nimoy,” on Twitter.
Leonard’s grandchild, Dani, posted a thank you note to Twitter fans following the announcement of Mr. Nimoy’s passing. In a post-script to readers, Dani confirmed that the special remembrance T-shirts will be posted on ShopLLAP.com with all profits being donated to the COPD Foundation in Nimoy’s memory.
Afflicted with end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Nimoy’s last couple years had been difficult for him and his family as the illness sapped much of his energy. Characterized by severe damage to the lungs, COPD can lead to chronic respiratory infections and decreased lung capacity, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Less than a month before his 84th birthday, Leonard passed away at his home in Los Angeles, California. Nimoy (1931-2015) will undoubtedly be remembered for his for his often stone-faced hand gesture and greeting, “Live long and prosper,” which became a familiar phrase in 20th-century America. Seemingly following his own command, Nimoy enjoyed a full life with friends and loved ones well into his retirement years.
