Leonard Nimoy, famous for his role as Spock in Star Trek, died at his home on Friday the age of 83. His wife Susan confirmed his death , stating that the cause was end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He was hospitalized earlier this week because of severe chest pains. Nimoy had 134 acting credits to his name, but was also a movie director, producer, and writer.

Leonard Nimoy, the man who brought Spock to life on Star Trek, died on Friday. His wife Susan confirmed his death to the New York Times, explaining that end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was the cause.

The debilitating disease, which affects lung capacity, was attributed to Nimoy days as a smoker. Nimoy himself has voiced his regret over the habit and urged people to avoid smoking:

Don't smoke. I did. Wish I never had. LLAP — Leonard Nimoy (@TheRealNimoy) January 11, 2015

While he has directing and writing credits to his name, Nimoy is most famous for bringing Spock to life on Star Trek. Though Spock is half-Vulcan, an alien race governed by logic rather than emotion, Nimoy brought a humanity to the character who often played the straight man to Captain Kirk and Dr. McCoy. And Spock's presence on the show explored issues of what it means to be human— something people could really relate to.

Nimoy was hospitalized earlier this week with reports of chest pains. Nimoy, according to the New York Times, is survived by his two children, stepson, six grandchildren, one great grandchild, and his older brother Melvin.



