"Spock" of Star Trek Lived Long and Prospered Till 83: Legendary Actor Leonard Nimoy Dies of Lung Disease

Leonard Nimoy, legendary actor known for playing the role of Spock on "Star Trek," has passed away at the age of 83.

Nimoy was reportedly taken to the hospital earlier this week to receive treatment for lung disease. The actor announced last year that despite quitting smoking 30 years ago, he suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

His death was confirmed by his granddaughter, Dani, via Twitter.

"He was an extraordinary man, husband, grandfather, brother, actor, author - the list goes on - and friend," she wrote.

Although Nimoy had several other roles in Hollywood, he will be most remembered as the half-human, half alien science officer for the Starship Enterprise who was second in command to Captain, James T. Kirk, who was played by William Shatner.

On the screen, Nimoy was able to create a strong character that quickly gained a cultural following. In 2009, The Times called him "the most iconic alien since Superman."

"Spock was a character whose time had come. He represented a practical, reasoning voice in a period of dissension and chaos," Nimoy later wrote.

"I loved him like a brother," Shatner said in a statement. "We will all miss his humor, his talent and his capacity to love."

Actor George Takei, who co-starred with Nimony, wrote "We return you now to the stars, Leonard. You taught us to 'Live Long And Prosper,' and you indeed did, friend."

NASA also shared its condolences, tweeting, "RIP Leonard Nimoy. So many of us at NASA were inspired by Star Trek."

Throughout his long career, Nimoy also worked in the theater, directed and published poetry and photography.

Nimoy's last tweet paid homage to Spock's famous saying as well.