Culture

Leonard Nimoy, who played Mr. Spock on ‘Star Trek,’ dies at 83

Iconic actor suffered from a chronic lung disease.

27.02.2015 - Update : 27.02.2015
Leonard Nimoy, who played Mr. Spock on ‘Star Trek,’ dies at 83

By Mustafa Caglayan

NEW YORK 

Leonard Nimoy, best known for his portrayal of the stoic, pointy-eared Mr. Spock in the “Star Trek,” died Friday at his home in Los Angeles. He was 83.

His granddaughter, Dani, said via Twitter that his death was due to an end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Although his career spanned five decades as an actor and director, Nimoy's name became almost synonymous with the Mr. Spock character he played in the cult science fiction television and film franchise.

Last year, the actor announced he was suffering from a chronic lung disease.

"Just can't walk distances. Love my life, family, friends and followers," he wrote on Twitter on Feb. 6, a week after announcing his diagnosis.

"Smokers, please understand. If you quit after you're diagnosed with lung damage it's too late. Grandpa says learn my lesson. Quit now," he tweeted. He stopped smoking more than 20 years ago.

President Barack Obama said in a statement that he "loved Spock," and during a 2007 meeting with Nimoy greeted him with the Vulcan salute - "the universal sign for 'Live long and prosper.'"  

"After 83 years on this planet – and on his visits to many others – it’s clear Leonard Nimoy did just that," he said.   

Nimoy publicly voiced resentment for being perceived as Mr. Spock and nothing else. The name of one of his many written works was "I Am Not Spock."

His portrayal of the half-human, half-alien, cerebral science officer, and later commander of the USS Enterprise spacecraft struck a chord with viewers, and the character's fame rivaled that of the show’s star Capt. James T. Kirk, played by William Shatner.

Local media reported Feb. 19 that Nimoy had been taken to hospital after suffering from severe chest pains.

His last tweet, posted Feb. 23, read, "A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory."

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