Leonard ‘Spock’ Nimoy dies at 83

Leonard Nimoy whose portrayal of the the Vulcan Dr. Spock on the popular TV series Star Trek has died. He was 83.

Nimoy’s wife, Susan Bay Nimoy, confirmed his death to the New York Times. His wife said Nimoy, although he quit smoking three decades ago,  was suffering from of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease..

The  actor and artist who liked poetry, photography and music became the face of the original “Star Trek” cast television series in the mid 1960s.

The series ended after three seasons due to low ratings. However, the Star Trek culture that held costume-conferences, continued to “Live long and prosper.”

Director J.J. Abrams recreated the Star Trek series that appeared in movie “Star Trek Into Darkness” in 2013. Nimoy appeared in the movie and met with the all new cast including Zachary Quinto who starred as Spock.

Social media quickly filled with tribute to Nimoy after news of his death broke.

Besides acting, Nimoy also directed and helped to write two of the Star Trek Movies, “Star Trek III:The Search for Spock,” in 1984 and “Star Trek IV:The Voyage Home,” in 1986. Additionally he was the executive producer and a writer for “Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country.”

During his streak, Nimoy also produced “Three Men and a Baby,” in 1987. Though he never won, he was nominated for four Emmy nominations.

He was the voice of the king in a Disney animated movie “Atlantis: The Lost Empire,” in 2001.

Rory Carroll for The Guardian reports, Nimoy also narrated the History’s channel’s Ancient Mysteries.

Nimoy published a Jewish themed photography book named “Shekhina,” and illustrated his books of poetry. Most recently he appeared as the voice of Spock in the sitcom “The Big Bang Theory.”

The Telegraph reports, Nimoy is survived by his older brother Melvin, wife Susam Bay, ex- wife Sandi Zober, children Adam Nimoy, Julie Nimoy and his stepson Aaron Bay Schuck and six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

(With files from Reuters)