Leonard Nimoy, best known for his iconic role of the half-Vulcan, half-Human Mr. Spock in the television and movie juggernaut “Star Trek,” died on Friday morning at his home in Los Angeles. He was 83 years old. His wife, Susan Bay Nimoy, confirmed his death, saying the cause was end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Nimoy announced last year that he had the disease, attributing it to years of smoking, a habit he had given up three decades prior. He had been hospitalized earlier in the week. Nimoy had minor success with bit parts in movies and television when he was cast in the original “Star Trek” television series in the mid-1960s. “Star Trek,” premiered on NBC on September 8, 1966, and made Nimoy an instant star. Spock’s Vulcan salute “Live long and prosper” became a recognized symbol of the show and was identified with him. Gene Roddenberry, the creator of the franchise, referred to him as “the conscience of ‘Star Trek.’ ” When “Star Trek” ended after three seasons on the air, 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 explain such mysteries as the legend of the Loch Ness Monster and the disappearance of aviator Amelia Earhart. He also made appearances in numerous other television shows, movies, and plays (including multiple big screen Star Trek movies and voice over work). He directed several films, including the hit comedy “Three Men and a Baby.” He also published books of poems, children’s stories and his own photographs. Besides his wife, son and daughter (from his first marriage), Nimoy is survived by his stepson, Aaron Bay Schuck. Services will be private.
