He lived long, and prospered: Star Trek star Leonard 'Spock' Nimoy dead at 83

Nimoy announced last year that he had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which he attributed to years of smoking

Leonard Nimoy, the American actor who is best known for playing Spock in Star Trek, has died at the age of 83.

According to The New York Times, his wife, Susan Bay-Nimoy, confirmed his death, with end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease the cause.

Nimoy announced last year that he had the disease, which he attributed to years of smoking, a habit he had given up three decades earlier. Earlier this week, he had been hospitalised as his condition worsened.

In January, he had tweeted about how his habit had now come back at affect him.

Don't smoke. I did. Wish I never had. LLAP

— Leonard Nimoy (@TheRealNimoy) January 11, 2015

The actor's last tweet is particularly poignant.

A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory. LLAP

— Leonard Nimoy (@TheRealNimoy) February 23, 2015

While his creative range included poetry, photography and music in addition to acting, Nimoy was most known for his role as 'Mr Spock' in 'Star Trek' where he played a cool and calm counter to a hot headed and impulsive William Shatner as Captain Kirk. In addition to his split finger Vulcan salute, his line “Live long, and prosper” became iconic and synonymous with Star Trek.

As news of his passing spread, many took to Twitter to express their condolences and pay tribute.

Nasa said the Star Trek star had inspired them.

RIP Leonard Nimoy. So many of us at NASA were inspired by Star Trek. Boldly go... http://t.co/qpeH5BTzQc pic.twitter.com/nMmFMKYv1L

— NASA (@NASA) February 27, 2015

Nimoy's Star Trek co-stars George Takei and William Shatner too expressed their condolences.

William Shatner also tweeted following the death of his longtime friend and colleague.

"I loved him like a brother. We will all miss his humor, his talent, and his capacity to love."

-William Shatner http://t.co/U8ZN98tVYp

— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) February 27, 2015

The Simpsons, where Nimoy had made a guest appearance, too tweeted about how he would be missed.

Goodbye, Leonard. You will be greatly missed. #LLAP pic.twitter.com/AcdglYh2by

— The Simpsons (@TheSimpsons) February 27, 2015

Statement from Nimoy's grandson

Later, Nimoy’s grandson Dani released a statement on the actor's death.

Leonard Nimoy 1931-2015

Read: http://t.co/pw7zYRRlts

— Leonard Nimoy (@TheRealNimoy) February 27, 2015

“Hi all, as you all know, my Grandpa 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. – Dani,” said the statement.