BREAKING‘Star Trek’ Star Leonard Nimoy Has Died at Age 83

Leonard Nimoy, best known for portraying Commander Spock on Star Trek died in his home on the morning of Friday, Feb. 27. He was 83-years-old.

The actor’s wife, Susan Bay Nimoy, confirmed his passing and stated her husband’s cause of death was end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Leonard as Spock on ‘Star Trek’ in 1968.

Leonard previously announced via Twitter that he had been diagnosed with COPD, which he attributed to his past years of smoking. He had been hospitalized late last week with severe chest pains.

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The star’s film and television acting career began in 1951 when he landed the title role in the 1952 film ‘Kid Monk Baroni.’ In the years following, Leonard scored several supporting parts in movies and popular TV shows including ‘Perry Mason’ and ‘Dragnet.’

Leonard in May 2013.

In 1966, Leonard rose to stardom for his portrayal of the half-Vulcan, half-human Spock in the sci-fi series ‘Star Trek,’ alongside William Shatner. He earned three Emmy nominations for his performance on the show, which ran from 1966 until 1969.

Leonard additionally worked as a film director and directed two ‘Star Trek’ movies. When the ‘Star Trek’ film franchise was later revived in 2009, Mr. Nimoy made a cameo as an older version of his Spock character in the flick ‘Star Trek’ and the 2013 follow-up, ‘Star Trek Into Darkness.’

Our thoughts are with Leonard’s family and friends during this difficult time.

‘The New York Times‘ first reported this news.