Lived long, and prospered.
February 27, 2015, 12:48 PM Leonard Nimoy dead at 83
Leonard Nimoy, probably best known as Mr. Spock on "Star Trek," has died. He was 83.
The actor died Friday morning at his Los Angeles home of end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
passed away this morning at 8:40 from end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He was an extraordinary man, husband, grandfather, brother, actor, author-the list goes on- and friend.
Thank you for the warm condolences. May you all LLAP.
Leonard Nimoy 1931-2015
Last year, Nimoy revealed that he has lung disease -- although he had stopped smoking 30 years ago.
"I quit smoking 30 yrs ago. Not soon enough. I have COPD. Grandpa says, quit now!! LLAP," the actor tweeted.
"LLAP" was Spock's best-known catch phrase: Live long and prosper. In Vulcan speak, that's "dif tor heh smusma."
Nimoy played half-human, half-Vulcan Mr. Spock on the original "Star Trek" series, which ran from 1966-69, and had stepped back into the role several times over the years -- from movies to cartoons and spin-offs.
Nimoy dabbled in photography, writing, music and more.
he starred in the series "Mission Impossible" as Paris. From 1976 to 1982 he hosted the syndicated "In Search of ... "
He also worked behind the camera, too, sitting in the director's chair for "3 Men and a Baby" (1987), which starred Tom Selleck, Ted Danson and Steve Guttenberg.
two autobiographies throughout his career, titled "I Am Not Spock" (1975) and "I Am Spock" (1995).
Born in Boston on March 26, 1931, Nimoy caught the acting bug at a young age, appearing in his first play when he was 8 years old. He acted throughout his teenage years at Boston's English High School and continued to pursue the craft while attending Boston College. He left college before graduating and moved to California where he studied acting at the Pasadena Playhouse.
Nimoy spent two years in the U.S. Army Reserve beginning in 1953 -- only to return to Hollywood, picking up odd jobs as as taxi driver and vacuum cleaner salesman.
In 2009, he returned as Mr. Spock in a big-screen adaptation of "Star Trek," with Zachary Quinto playing a younger version of Spock.
Nimoy wed Sandra Zober, a fellow student at the Pasadena Playhouse, in 1954. They had two children, Julie and Adam, before divorcing in 1987. Nimoy then married Susan Bay, a film production executive, the following year. He's survived by his two children, his stepson, Aaron Bay Schuck, and grandchildren.
Nimoy's Twitter account had remained active in recent weeks. His final two posts came this past week:
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
Tributes poured in Friday from friends and Hollywood stars. Fellow "Star Trek" cast member William Shatner said, "I loved him like a brother. We will all miss his humor, his talent, and his capacity to love."
A private memorial service is being planned by the family. © 2015 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright © 2015 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved.