He was cast in the original “Star Trek” sci-fi TV series in the mid-1960 for the role of Spock, which will eventually become the role that he’s most remembered for. In fact, it’s undisputed that Leonard Nimoy was a “Star Trek” legend as he made an entire career out of playing Spock.
He did once write a book titled, “I Am Not Spock”, hinting at his frustrations from being tied to his character too much. But his role provided him the iconic stature in which he relished in until his final days, on top of riches that it has provided i.e. several notable award nominations as well as wins.
Source: NY Times
He once said of being part of the “Star Trek” cast:
For the first time I had a job that lasted longer than two weeks and a dressing room with my name painted on the door and not chalked on.
Last year, he revealed that he was suffering chronic lung disease COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), caused by years of smoking. Ironically, it’s a bad habit that he had given up 30 years ago.
Earlier this week, he was taken to the hospital after suffering from chest pains. Leonard Nimoy passed away on Friday (27th Feb) morning at his home in the Bel Air section of Los Angeles.
Source: fanpop
His wife, Susan Bay Nimoy, confirmed his death. He was 83 years old.
Needless to say, news of his passing sent shockwaves around the globe. Many have taken to Twitter to express their sadness as well as to share torrents of tributes. William Shatner, who as Captain Kirk acted alongside Leonard Nimoy for years in “Star Trek”, said he loved the actor “like a brother”. NASA, on the other hand, credited Leonard and “Star Trek” as an inspiration.
Check out some of these extremely touching tweets:
Leonard, you lived long and prospered, and were an inspiration to me and to millions. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/NESJKvTepm
— Chris Hadfield (@Cmdr_Hadfield) February 27, 2015
my heart is broken. i love you profoundly my dear friend. and i will miss you everyday. may flights… https://t.co/WPJmt1X4ox — Zachary Quinto (@ZacharyQuinto) February 27, 2015
#LLAP RIP to the best First Officer. @TheRealNimoy
— Jonathan Frakes (@jonathansfrakes) February 27, 2015
We love you @TheRealNimoy — Bruno Mars (@BrunoMars) February 28, 2015
“Long before being nerdy was cool, there was Leonard Nimoy.” —President Obama #LLAP — Barack Obama (@BarackObama) February 27, 2015
LLAP — Ben Stiller (@RedHourBen) February 27, 2015
It is with sadness that I heard of Leonard Nimoy’s death. I was lucky to spend many happy, inspiring hours with him. He won’t be forgotten. — Patrick Stewart (@SirPatStew) February 27, 2015
Rest in peace with the stars, my dear friend. pic.twitter.com/D2dVG6I9Xi
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) February 27, 2015
“The more we share, the more we have” – Leonard Nimoy . Rest In Peace http://t.co/XLI6YGrAG5 — JJ Red fm (@JJ_on_air) February 28, 2015
RIP Leonard Nimoy. Thank you for your contributions to television, film and the arts. #LeonardNimoy pic.twitter.com/WwjgAIColV — Warner Bros. TV (@warnerbrostv) February 27, 2015
RIP legendary actor and sci-fi icon, #LeonardNimoy. #invasionofthebodysnatchers pic.twitter.com/sT5LKgL1c0
Leonard Nimoy! You will forever be part of us all! Rest. Rest with the angels. — Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) February 27, 2015
RIP Leonard Nimoy pic.twitter.com/uIcnvI8wNN — J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) February 27, 2015
He created a role that nobody else could play. Multitalented writer,actor,director. A terrific&sweet man. RIP Leonard Nimoy #Spock #StarTrek — Larry King (@kingsthings) February 27, 2015
Beam me up! R.I.P Leonard Nimoy. — Boy George (@BoyGeorge) February 27, 2015
Live long and prosper. So long, Mr. Nimoy.
— Elijah Wood (@woodelijah) February 27, 2015
Well done, sir. Many thanks for all you gave us. You’ll be greatly missed & forever remembered. https://t.co/YsDKpxtAfJ — Seth Green (@SethGreen) February 27, 2015
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
“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
Leonard Nimoy, thank you, for being such an inspiration.
For making being geeky okay and so damn cool. You will never be forgotten.
Rest in peace.