Dedicated: Despite his struggle, the actor maintained his connected to his fans right up until his death, urging them to support the franchise
Past: In January he expressed his regret at smoking earlier on in life. He has blamed his illness on the habit
Influence: NASA led the tributes to the iconic actor, saying he 'inspired' many employees at the agency
Despite his struggle with COPD, the actor had kept himself busy with numerous work projects, and stays involved with the global Star Trek fanbase.
He retired from Star Trek conventions in 2011, but continued to urge fans to support the science-fiction franchise.
And in 2012, Leonard finished a successful stint playing the character Dr. William Bell on the hit science fiction thriller Fringe.
He continued to reach out to his fans right up until his death whenever he could, and made a cameo as the steadfastly logical Vulcan in the 2013 reboot sequel, Into Darkness. He attended the LA premiere the same year and gave the Vulcan gesture after saying he approved of the remake.
On Friday, after his passing was announced, NASA paid their respects to the late star, saying many staff at the space agency had been 'inspired' by Spock.
George Takei, who played the helmsman of the USS Enterprise during the original series, wrote on Facebook: 'Today, the world lost a great man, and I lost a great friend. We return you now to the stars, Leonard.
'You taught us to 'Live Long And Prosper,' and you indeed did, friend. I shall miss you in so many, many ways.'
Actor Zachary Quinto, who took over as Mr. Spock in the reboot and its sequel, told NPR in 2013 that Nimoy 'was very supportive from the beginning, and we became incredibly good friends.'
He posted a photo of the actor on Instagram on Friday after hearing news of his death alongside the message: 'My heart is broken. i love you profoundly my dear friend. and i will miss you everyday. may flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.'
Other celebrity fans including Larry King, former Star Trek star Will Wheaton, singer Boy George and Broke Girls actress Kat Denning also posted tribute messages.
In Hollywood, a wreath was laid up on his Walk of Fame star.
Support: Actor Zachary Quinto, who took over as Mr. Spock in the reboot and its sequel, said on Instagram: My heart is broken. I love you profoundly my dear friend'
Unmatched: Larry King said Nimoy created a role that 'nobody else could play'
'Thank you': Will Wheaton, who played Wesley Crusher in Star Trek, said there wouldn't have been a galaxy to explore with Nimoy being there
Iconic: Kat Dennings, who stars in the sitcom Broke Girls, said Nimoy will always be a 'beloved legend'
'Part of us all': Actress Alyssa Milano told Nimoy to 'rest with the angels' after hearing news of his death
'Beam me up': Boy George was one of the celebrities who took to social media to pay tribute to the actor
After serving in the Army in 1953 he made an appearance in the rejected Star Trek pilot 'The Cage' in 1965 and started when the full series began a year later.
He played Spock until 1969 then appeared in eight feature films and a number of spin-offs.
In 1967, the Vulcan salute appeared - consisting of a raised hand, palm forward with the fingers parted between the middle and ring finger - and stood for 'live long and prosper'.
Nimoy devised the gesture and made it popular around the world. It is now used by fans - sometimes known as 'Trekkies' - everywhere.
After Star Trek ended, the actor immediately joined the hit adventure series 'Mission Impossible' as Paris, the mission team's master of disguises.
From 1976 to 1982 he hosted the syndicated TV series 'In Search of ... ' which attempted to probe such mysteries as the legend of the Loch Ness Monster and the disappearance of aviator Amelia Earhart.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2965749/Leonard-Nimoy-dead-83.html#ixzz3SyqyOTRF
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