Leonard Nimoy, Spock of 'Star Trek,' dies at 83

American actor Leonard Nimoy, best known for his role as Mr. Spock on the original Star Trek television series, has passed away at the age of 83.

He was battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a condition he gained from his smoking habits more than 30 years ago, and was admitted into hospital earlier this week. He died at his home in Los Angeles this morning.

Nimoy joined William Shatner and George Takei in 1966 for the Star Trek series, although the show’s first iteration only lasted for three years due to low ratings.

However, an enduring fan base allowed the Star Trek universe to live on within other mediums on television and in the movies. Two of the series’ movies were also directed by Nimoy: 1984’s Star Trek III: The Search for Spock and 1986’s Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home.

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He also appeared in J.J. Abrams’ recent cinematic reboot of the Star Trek series. Nimoy had cameo roles in both 2009’s Star Trek and 2013’s Star Trek Into Darkness as an older version of Mr. Spock who travels back in time through a worm hole to meet his younger self.

It is unknown whether there were plans for Nimoy to return to the third Star Trek film, which will be filmed in Vancouver beginning this summer.

Nimoy also had a reoccurring role in Abrams’ Vancouver-filmed Fringe science-fiction television series as the mysterious Dr. William Bell.

Here are Nimoy’s final tweets:

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

— Leonard Nimoy (@TheRealNimoy) February 23, 2015

I will be sharing my poetry. Today’s is, “You and I have Learned,” which is in my book, These Words Are for You. LLAP pic.twitter.com/CsHAtmtDnz

— Leonard Nimoy (@TheRealNimoy) February 22, 2015

Boston …my hometown taking more snow than it needs. LLAPP

— Leonard Nimoy (@TheRealNimoy) February 9, 2015