Actor, artist and philanthropist Leonard Nimoy dies at 83

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 27 (UPI) -- Leonard Nimoy, most known for his iconic role as Spock in the Star Trek television series and subsequent film franchise, died in Los Angeles on Friday. He was 83.

The New York Times reports Nimoy's wife Susan Bay Nimoy confirmed her husband died of "end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease" in the couple's Bel-Air home Friday morning.

"He was an extraordinary man, husband, grandfather, brother, actor, author ... and friend, Nimoy's grandson Dani said in a statement released by post-mortem Twitter service TwitLonger, adding, "Thank you for the warm condolences. May you all [live long and prosper]."

Nimoy had been suffering from COPD for over a year, after developing the disease from years of smoking over a pack of cigarettes per day.

"I quit smoking 30 yrs ago. Not soon enough," Nimoy tweeted in Jan. 2014, publicly announcing his COPD diagnosis.

I quit smoking 30 yrs ago. Not soon enough. I have COPD. Grandpa says, quit now!! LLAP

— Leonard Nimoy (@TheRealNimoy) January 30, 2014

A month later, appearing on CNN, Nimoy described himself as an "Olympic championship smoker" at the height of his nicotine addiction.

"I could smoke in the shower. I could smoke anyplace. It's something that was part of my culture -- my gang, my guys, it was cool to be able to light a cigarette."

On Feb. 19, Nimoy checked in to UCLA Medical Center complaining of chest pains after paramedics had to be called to his home.

A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory. LLAP

— Leonard Nimoy (@TheRealNimoy) February 23, 2015

Although most commonly recognized for playing the Enterprise's nerve-pinching, Bones-foiling, unshakably logical first officer, Nimoy devoted his career to a broad variety of artistic endeavors, including photography, poetry and philanthropic support.

"Actors contribute to a presentation, but there is no object that comes out of the work," Nimoy told The Columbus Dispatch in 2006 after donating $40,000 to the University of Ohio's Wexner Center for the Arts.

"I love the idea that I can get up in the morning with an idea and by the end of the day have something I can give you, hang on the wall or give to a gallery."

"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

. @TheRealNimoy I have been, and always shall be, your fan.

Thank you.

— Nathan Fillion (@NathanFillion) February 27, 2015

RIP Leonard Nimoy. So many of us at NASA were inspired by Star Trek. Boldly go... http://t.co/qpeH5BTzQc pic.twitter.com/nMmFMKYv1L

— NASA (@NASA) February 27, 2015

We stood on your shoulders, and wouldn't have had a galaxy to explore if you hadn't been there, first. Thank you, Leonard, Rest in peace.

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— Wil Wheaton (@wilw) February 27, 2015

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

Mr. Nimoy's work made scientific intrigue fun and accessible, a legacy we always aim to carry on in this show. RIP. pic.twitter.com/CEVbFQ5g2o

— MythBusters (@MythBusters) February 27, 2015