Tributes have been paid to the actor Leonard Nimoy, best known for playing Mr Spock in 'Star Trek', who has died at the age of 83.
The actor passed away at his home in Los Angeles. He had been suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
A statement from his family confirmed the news yesterday, saying he "passed away this morning at 8:40 from end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease."
"He was an extraordinary man, husband, grandfather, brother, actor, author-the list goes on- and friend. Thank you for the warm condolences. May you all LLAP".
'LLAP' refers to his character's famous phrase to 'live long and prosper'.
Terry Virts, an American astronaut who is part of the current expedition to the International Space Station, has tweeted a photographic tribute from the ISS:
— Terry W. Virts (@AstroTerry) February 28, 2015
Actor Zachary Quinto, who plays the Spock character in the new 'Star Trek' films, said: "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."
The two took part in a US advert for Audi in 2013, in a 'Spock vs Spock' scenario:
The US President Barack Obama said: "Long before being nerdy was cool, there was Leonard Nimoy. I loved Spock".
Mr Obama said that when he met Mr Nimoy back in 2005, "it was only logical to greet him with the Vulcan salute, the universal sign for "live long and prosper"'.
While fellow 'Star Trek' actor William Shatner said he "loved him like a brother".
Actor George Takei, who played Mr Sulu in the original series, said: "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 Jonathan Frakes, who played the character of Will Riker in 'Star Trek: The Next Generation' said: "RIP to the best First Officer."
While NASA also paid tribute, tweeting this photo from 1976 when the cast of 'Star Trek' met officials there.
Image: NASA
NASA added that the sci-fi classic "served as an inspiration for many at NASA over the years."
Mr Nimoy joined other cast members at special NASA events and worked to promote NASA missions, as in this 2007 video he narrated before the launch of the Dawn mission to the asteroid belt.
He was also present for the 1976 rollout of the shuttle Enterprise, named for the show's iconic spacecraft.
He appeared in this Hallmark advert in 1992, which poked some fun at his character.
While 'Family Guy' creator, Seth MacFarlane tweeted:
Leonard Nimoy brought us one of the greatest, noblest characters in the history of American storytelling. Someone find the Genesis planet.
— Seth MacFarlane (@SethMacFarlane) February 27, 2015
A reference to when his character died in 'Star Trek II', and was brought back to life in 'Star Trek III'.
This scene from the 1982 film depicted Spock's funeral:
While astronaut Chris Hadfield said: "Leonard, you lived long and prospered, and were an inspiration to me and to millions. Rest in peace."
Nimoy tweeted this photo of himself during his tour in the US army, with the caption: 'Call me Sarge'
In his final tweet dated February 23rd, he said:
A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory. LLAP
— Leonard Nimoy (@TheRealNimoy) February 23, 2015
Fans have also laid flowers around his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
