LOS ANGELES (PIX11) - Beloved 'Star Trek' actor Leonard Nimoy, who played Spock, died at his Bel Air home at the age of 83 Friday morning.

Nimoy who was suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, was rushed to the hospital a week ago after complaining of severe chest pain. Although he gave up smoking three decades ago, last year Nimoy announced that he had the disease, which he attributed to his years of smoking. He is survived by his wife, Susan Bay Nimoy, who confirmed her husband's death to the New York Times.

Nimoy became internationally-beloved as the logical human-alien Spock on the 'Star Trek' television show and movies. The show premiered on Sept. 8, 1966 on NBC, also featuring William Shatner as Captain Kirk, DeForest Kelley as Dr. McCoy, George Takei as Sulu, James Doohan as Scott, Nichelle Nichols as Uhura and Walter Koenig as Chekov. The show became a cult classic despite being canceled after just three seasons.

A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory. LLAP — Leonard Nimoy (@TheRealNimoy) February 23, 2015

The show's first run on television lasted only three seasons before it was canceled due to a lack of viewership. Nimoy made just $1,250 per episode during the first season of the show, according to the Internet Movie Database. His character worried network executives at first -- the point ears seemed devilish, and his logical, detached nature seemed to clash with Shatner's gregarious Captain Kirk.

After years of spin off shows, movies and an animated series, however, the show developed a massive cult following. 'Star Trek' inspired a loyal following, including a community of self-described Trekkies, or Trekkers. Now, Spock's Vulcan split-fingered salute, pointed ears and catch phrase, "Live long and prosper," are well-known even among those who weren't fans of the show.

"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

Nimoy's fame as Spock would overshadow the rest of his long acting career, something that inspired him to title his 1975 autobiography "I am not Spock." The book was fiercely criticized by many die-hard fans who disliked the title. Nimoy had always been proud of his iconic role, and after the reaction to his autobiography he decided to come out with a second volume 20 years later, "I Am Spock."

Leonard Nimoy was born on March 26, 1931 in Boston -- just four days after 'Star Trek' co-star William Shatner, who was born in Montreal. He got his start in acting after graduating high school and moving to the West Coast. He worked with the Pasadena Playhouse for several years, but became disenchanted and began doing other things between roles -- joining the military and taking different jobs, even driving a cab. He continued to act, however, and soon he was appearing in "Bonanza," "The Twilight Zone" and "Dragnet."