LOS ANGELES (CelebrityAccess) — Actor Leonard Nimoy, best known for his portrayal of Mr. Spock on the television and movie series "Star Trek," has died. He was 83 at the time of his death.
According to USA Today, Nimoy died at his Bel Air home on Friday after a battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Nimoy began acting in the early 1950s, but mostly with small roles in movies such as the 1954 science fiction thriller "Them!" but had his first real breakthrough with "Star Trek." The cult-hit series had a short run on television, lasting only three years, but proved to be a cultural touchstone that would propel Nimoy into lasting celebrity.
Nimoy would later star in multiple movies and television shows tied to the Star Trek franchise, as well as other projects, including roles television series like "Mission: Impossible" and "In Search Of…"
Nimoy also took a turn behind the camera, directing films such as "Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986)" and "Three Men & A Baby."
In recent months, Nimoy had been reported to be in failing health, which he attributed to the effects of COPD.
"I smoked a lot of cigarettes. And all that ever came from it was to send some tobacco grower's kid through college and what I got was a pair of beat up lungs," he told Boston University students. "Respect your body." – Staff Writers
