After being hospitalized earlier this week, Star Trek actor Leonard Nimoy passed away this morning at his home in L.A.
The 83-year-old actor announced on January 29th via Twitter that he had been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and urged fans to quit smoking, saying “I quit smoking 30 yrs ago. Not soon enough. I have COPD. Grandpa says, quit now!!”
Over the weekend the actor shared emotional messages with his fans, urging them, as always, to live long and prosper:
A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory. LLAP
— Leonard Nimoy (@TheRealNimoy) February 23, 2015
I will be sharing my poetry. Today’s is, “You and I have Learned,” which is in my book, These Words Are for You. LLAP pic.twitter.com/CsHAtmtDnz
— Leonard Nimoy (@TheRealNimoy) February 22, 2015
But the New York Times posted this afternoon of his passing, “His wife, Susan Bay Nimoy, confirmed his death, saying the cause was end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.”
Their obituary is a great look at the life and career of the man made famous to most of us for his work on Star Trek as the logical (and sometimes human) Mr. Spock. He was not just an actor but also a singer, a director, a poet, and a photographer.
Mr. Nimoy served in the Army for two years, rising to sergeant and spending 18 months at Fort McPherson in Georgia, where he presided over shows for the Army’s Special Services branch. He also directed and starred as Stanley in the Atlanta Theater Guild’s production of “A Streetcar Named Desire” before receiving his final discharge in November 1955.
He then returned to California, where he worked as a soda jerk, movie usher and cabdriver while studying acting at the Pasadena Playhouse. He achieved wide visibility in the late 1950s and early 1960s on television shows like “Wagon Train,” “Rawhide” and “Perry Mason.” Then came “Star Trek.”
Mr. Nimoy returned to college in his 40s and earned a master’s degree in Spanish from Antioch University Austin, an affiliate of Antioch College in Ohio, in 1978. Antioch College later awarded Mr. Nimoy an honorary doctorate.
NY Times says Nimoy is “survived by his children, Adam and Julie Nimoy; a stepson, Aaron Bay Schuck; and six grandchildren; one great-grandchild, and an older brother, Melvin.” His amazing career spanned decades and touched millions. We’ll miss you, Mr. Nimoy.
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