Star Trek actor Leonard Nimoy has passed away today at the age of 83 from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The actor’s wife, Susan Bay Nimoy, confirmed his death this morning.
Nimoy was best known for his iconic role as Mr. Spock, the coldly logical first officer of the Starship Enterprise, in the original Star Trek TV series, which ran from 1966 to 1969. He would go on to reprise the role in a number of subsequent Star Trek films as well, including 2009’s reboot of the franchise and its sequel, Star Trek Into Darkness. Nimoy also tried his hand at directing several times throughout his career, including on Star Trek entries Star Trek III: The Search for Spock and Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home.
Though the actor/director flirted with singing, songwriting and even some stage work, too, it’s the role of Spock that Nimoy will forever be remembered for. The sci-fi hero is one of the most beloved characters of all time across cinema and television, and the actor’s portrayal of the half-human, half-Vulcan will always be cherished by Trekkies.
RIP, Leonard Nimoy, you will be missed.
