Star Trek legend Leonard Nimoy has died at the age of 83.
The actor, who played Mr. Spock in the sci-fi TV series, was taken to UCLA Medical Center in LA earlier this week suffering from chest pains.
Nimoy had recently revealed he was fighting a serious lung disease and had been in out of hospital multiple times over the last few months.
Leonard Nimoy has died
After quitting smoking 30 years ago, the actor revealed his diagnosis on Twitter and urged smokers to kick the habit.
“I quit smoking 30 years ago. Not soon enough. I have COPD. Grandpa says, quit now!! LLAP [Live Long And Prosper]’
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), obstructs sufferers’ breathing as their airways narrow.
Symptoms of the disease, which is often caused by smoking and gets worse over time, include breathlessness, persistent coughing and frequent chest infections.
The star was recently spotted in a wheelchair and using an oxygen cylinder at JFK airport in New York.
Leonard as Spock in 'Star Trek'
Leonard, who officially retired in 2010 after abdominal surgery, had made a number of TV and film comebacks including a successful run playing Dr. William Bell on the hit science fiction thriller ‘Fringe’ until 2012.
Earlier this month he revealed he planned to share personal poetry from his book These Words Are For You with his 1.1m followers.
"A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory. LLAP," he tweeted just five days before his death.
Leonard Nimoy life in pictures
STAR TREK(01 of76)
Actors in the TV series "Star Trek," from left, Leonard Nemoy as Commander Spock, William Shatner as Captain Kirk, DeForest Kelley as Doctor McCoy and James Doohan as Commander Scott, are shown in this undated photo. (AP Photo/HO) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Best of 2012 - Entertainment(02 of76)
Actor Leonard Nimoy gives a "live long and prosper" sign after being awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree during Boston University's commencement on the school campus in Boston, Sunday, May 20, 2012. The gesture was made popular by Nimoy while performing in the role of Spock during the television broadcast of the science fiction series Star Trek. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
People Leonard Nimoy(03 of76)
Leonard Nimoy is seen in his Los Angeles home Thursday, April 23, 2009. Nimoy says he would be onboard for more "Star Trek." After a 19-year absence, Nimoy reprises his iconic role as Mr. Spock in director J.J. Abrams' new "Star Trek" prequel opposite Zachary Quinto, who stars as a younger version of the half-Vulcan, half-human science officer. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
APTOPIX TV STAR TREK SHATNER NIMOY(04 of76)
Leonard Nimoy, left, and William Shatner pose Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2006, in Los Angeles. TV Land will celebrate the legendary science-fiction series "Star Trek," with a 40th anniversary salute Friday, Sept. 8, the very date on which the series first premiered in 1966. This futuristic series, which aired from 1966 to 1969, followed the adventures of the USS Enterprise, commanded by James T. Kirk, played by Shatner, and his first officer and best friend Mr. Spock, played by Nimoy. (AP Photo/Ric Francis) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Comic Con(05 of76)
Actor Zachary Quinto, left, and actor Leonard Nimoy, right, shake hands during a panel discussion at Comic Con in San Diego, Calif. on Thursday, July 26, 2007. Quinto has been cast to play Spock in a new feature film of the classic television show "Star Trek". (AP Photo/Dan Steinberg) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Star Trek V(06 of76)
Members of the "Star Trek" crew, from right in front: DeForest Kelley, William Shanter and Leonard Nimoy, and back row from right: James Doohan, Walter Koenig, George Takei and Nichelle Nichols, toast the newest "Trek" film--in which Shanter makes his directorial debut--"Star Trek V: The Final Frontier," during a news conference Dec. 28, 1988 at Paramount Studios to announce the latest voyage. (AP Photo/Bob Galbraith) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy Filming Action Police Uniform(07 of76)
William Shatner, left, and Leonard Nimoy, known to thousands of âStar Trekâ fans as Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock, are teamed up once again when they appear on ABCâs âT.J. Hooker.â In the episode, scheduled to air February 5, Nimoy plays a police lieutenant and former police partner of Shatner, who portrays T.J. Hooker on Jan. 28, 1983. (AP Photo/Lennox Mclendon) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Leonard Nimoy(08 of76)
Leonard Nimoy minus his famous pointed ears of Mr. Spock days takes time out in Hollywood after returning from abroad, Jan. 28, 1982. In an upcoming eight-part series called âMarco Polo,â he plays Achmed a corrupt regent to Kublai Khan. Nimoy spent five weeks in Peking filming. And, lest we forget Mr. Spock, he has also taken the pointed ears out of the closet to film âStar Trek II,â due for release next June. (AP Photo/Red McLendon) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Space Adventure Goes On(09 of76)
The movie, "Star Trek," is now in production in Hollywood, Nov. 8, 1978, involving members of the original television series team: from left, Leonard Nimoy, director Robert Wise, producer Gene Roddenberry, Deforest Kelley and William Shatner. Nine years after the cancellation of the television show, the space adventure's popularity is stronger than ever. The film, with the same cast as the show, is budgeted at $20 million-- more than all the 79 television episodes cost. (AP Photo) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Actor Leonard Nimoy(10 of76)
Actor Leonard Nimoy, known to millions of âStar Trekâ fans as Spock, is shown during filming in Peking, Oct. 30, 1981 of a $25 million film recreating the story of Marco Polo, the Italian merchant who discovered China for the West in the 13th century. The Italian production includes actors from the United States, China, Britain, Japan and other countries. (AP Photo) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Leonard Nimoy(11 of76)
Leonard Nimoy who stars as Mr. Spock in the movie âStar Trekâ waves to fans outside the MacArthur Theatre as he arrived for the world premier of the movie in Washington, Thursday, Dec. 7, 1979. (AP Photo/Cook) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Leonard Nimoy and George Takai, DeForest Kelly, James Doohan(12 of76)
Americaâs Space Shuttle is shown in the background after itâs first showing in Palmdale, California, Friday, Sept. 17, 1976. In the foreground is the crew of the television series Star Trek, whoâs ship was also named Enterprise. From left are Leonard Nimoy who portrayed Mr. Spock, George Takei who was Mr. Sulu, DeForest Kelly who was Dr. McCoy and James Doohan, who was Scotty. (AP Photo) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
William Shatner with Leonard Nimoy News Conference(13 of76)
William Shatner, who play Capt. James Kirk (left) and Leonard Nimoy, who plays Mr. Spock, the first officer on the U.S.S. Enterprise, the âStar Trekâ spaceship in back have a laugh during a press conference at paramount Studios where the new movie version of the old TV series was announced on Tuesday, March 29, 1978 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/JLR) (credit:ASSOCIATED PRESS)
US-ENTERTAINMENT-FILM-PREMIERE(14 of76)
Leonard Nimoy, who played the role of 'Spock' in the original Star Trek television series, gestures on arrival with his wife for the Los Angeles premiere of the movie 'Star Trek Into Darkness' in Hollywood, California on May 14, 2013. The film opens nationwide on May 15. AFP PHOTO/Frederic J. BROWN (Photo credit should read FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:FREDERIC J. BROWN via Getty Images)
US-ENTERTAINMENT-HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME STAR-WALTER KOENIG(15 of76)
Actor Leonard Nimoy, who played Spock in the original 'Star Trek,' speaks at a ceremony to honor his Star Trek co-star Walter Koenig with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Hollywood, California, on September 10, 2012. Koenig, who portrayed 'Chekov' in the original television series, is the final cast member from the 1966-1969 series to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. AFP PHOTO / Robyn Beck (Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:ROBYN BECK via Getty Images)
US-ENTERTAINMENT-HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME STAR-WALTER KOENIG(16 of76)
Actor Leonard Nimoy, who played Spock in the original 'Star Trek,' speaks at a ceremony to honor his Star Trek co-star Walter Koenig with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Hollywood, California, on September 10, 2012. Koenig, who portrayed 'Chekov' in the original television series, is the final cast member from the 1966-1969 series to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. AFP PHOTO / Robyn Beck (Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP/GettyImages) (credit:ROBYN BECK via Getty Images)
The Big Bang Theory(17 of76)
LOS ANGELES - MARCH 7: 'The Transporter Malfunction' -- Penny buys Leonard and Sheldon (Jim Parsons, left) 'Star Trek' collectibles as a thank-you, leading Sheldon to be haunted by Mr. Spock, on THE BIG BANG THEORY, Thursday, March 29 (8:00-8:31 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. 'Star Trek' legend Leonard Nimoy (right) voices Mr. Spock. (Photo by Monty Brinton/CBS via Getty Images) (credit:CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images)
Boston University Commencement 2012(18 of76)
BOSTON - MAY 20: Actor Leonard Nimoy makes the gesture that made him famous when he played Spock on Star Trek, after receiving his honorary degree during the Boston University commencement cereomony on Nickerson Field in Boston, Mass. on Sunday, May 20, 2012. (Photo by Yoon S. Byun/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) (credit:Boston Globe via Getty Images)
William Shatner (R) and Leonard Nimoy (L(19 of76)
Las Vegas, UNITED STATES: William Shatner (R) and Leonard Nimoy (L), the actors who portrayed Capt James T Kirk and Science Officer Mr Spock respectively in the original Star Trek television series, recall memories of filming the show 40 years ago, at the Star Trek convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, 19 August 2006. Thousands of fans beamed into Las Vegas this weekend to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Star Trek, the enduring science fiction television franchise whose cult appeal transcends boundaries of space and time. AFP PHOTO / Robyn BECK (Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:ROBYN BECK via Getty Images)
George Zimmer receives Honorary Doctorate(20 of76)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - JUNE 7: (L-R) Actor Leonard Nimoy and George Zimmer, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of the Men's Wearhouse clothing store, pose after Zimmer received his honorary doctorate from the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco on June 7, 2003 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thomas J. Gibbons/Getty Images) (credit:Thomas J. Gibbons via Getty Images)
MOCA 25th Anniversary Gala(21 of76)
LOS ANGELES - MAY 15: Actor Leonard Nimoy and wife Susan Bay attend MOCA 25 Years of Ground Breaking Art Achievements Anniversary Gala on May 15, 2004 at The Geffen Contemporary in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Giulio Marcocchi/Getty Images) (credit:Giulio Marcocchi via Getty Images)
9th Annual "Star Trek" and Sci-Fi Grand Slam Convention(22 of76)
Leonard Nimoy (Mr. Spock) during 9th Annual 'Star Trek' and Sci-Fi Grand Slam Convention at Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California, United States. (Photo by Albert L. Ortega/WireImage) (credit:Albert L. Ortega via Getty Images)
9th Annual STAR TREK & Sci-Fi Grand Slam Convention(23 of76)
Leonard Nimoy (Spock) (Photo by Albert L. Ortega/WireImage) (credit:Albert L. Ortega via Getty Images)
For I Am Vulcan(24 of76)
US actor Leonard Nimoy as Mr Spock from the film 'Star Trek - The Motion Picture', 1979. (Photo by Bertil Unger/Evening Standard/Getty Images) (credit:Bertil Unger via Getty Images)
Saturday Night Live(25 of76)
SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE -- Episode 22 -- Air Date 05/29/1976 -- Pictured: (l-r) Dan Aykroyd as DeForest Kelley, Dr. McCoy, John Belushi as William Shatner, Captain Kirk, Chevy Chase as Leonard Nimoy, Mr. Spock, Elliott Gould as Herb Goodman, Akira Yoshimura as George Takei, Mr. Suluduring 'The Last Voyage of the Starship Enterprise' skit on May 29, 1976 (Photo by NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images) (credit:NBC via Getty Images)
Star Trek: The Original Series(26 of76)
LOS ANGELES - FEBRUARY 28: William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk and Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock in the STAR TREK: THE ORIGINAL SERIES episode, 'The Cloud Minders.' Season 3, episode 21. Original air date, February 28, 1969. Image is a frame grab. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) (credit:CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images)
Star Trek: The Original Series(27 of76)
LOS ANGELES - FEBRUARY 28: Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock and James Doohan as Montgomery 'Scotty' Scott in the STAR TREK: THE ORIGINAL SERIES episode, 'The Cloud Minders.' Season 3, episode 21. Original air date, February 28, 1969. Image is a frame grab. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) (credit:CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images)
Star Trek: The Original Series(28 of76)
LOS ANGELES - FEBRUARY 28: DeForest Kelley as Dr. McCoy and Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock in the STAR TREK: THE ORIGINAL SERIES episode, 'The Cloud Minders.' Season 3, episode 21. Original air date, February 28, 1969. Image is a frame grab. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) (credit:CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images)
Star Trek: The Original Series(29 of76)
LOS ANGELES - FEBRUARY 28: Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock in the STAR TREK: THE ORIGINAL SERIES episode, 'The Cloud Minders.' Season 3, episode 21. Original air date, February 28, 1969. Image is a frame grab. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) (credit:CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images)
Star Trek: The Original Series(30 of76)
LOS ANGELES - FEBRUARY 28: William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk and Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock in the STAR TREK: THE ORIGINAL SERIES episode, 'The Cloud Minders.' Season 3, episode 21. Original air date, February 28, 1969. Image is a frame grab. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) (credit:CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images)
Star Trek: The Original Series(31 of76)
LOS ANGELES - FEBRUARY 28: William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk and Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock in the STAR TREK: THE ORIGINAL SERIES episode, 'The Cloud Minders.' Season 3, episode 21. Original air date, February 28, 1969. Image is a frame grab. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) (credit:CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images)
Star Trek: The Original Series(32 of76)
LOS ANGELES - FEBRUARY 28: Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock and James Doohan as Montgomery 'Scotty' Scott in the STAR TREK: THE ORIGINAL SERIES episode, 'The Cloud Minders.' Season 3, episode 21. Original air date, February 28, 1969. Image is a frame grab. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) (credit:CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images)
Star Trek: The Original Series(33 of76)
LOS ANGELES - FEBRUARY 28: Jeff Corey as Plasus, Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock and William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk in the STAR TREK: THE ORIGINAL SERIES episode, 'The Cloud Minders.' Season 3, episode 21. Original air date, February 28, 1969. Image is a frame grab. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) (credit:CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images)
Star Trek: The Original Series(34 of76)
LOS ANGELES - FEBRUARY 28: Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock and William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk being captured by troglites in the STAR TREK: THE ORIGINAL SERIES episode, 'The Cloud Minders.' Season 3, episode 21. Original air date, February 28, 1969. Image is a frame grab. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) (credit:CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images)
Star Trek: The Original Series(35 of76)
LOS ANGELES - FEBRUARY 28: William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk and Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock in the STAR TREK: THE ORIGINAL SERIES episode, 'The Cloud Minders.' Season 3, episode 21. Original air date, February 28, 1969. Image is a frame grab. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) (credit:CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images)
Leonard Nimoy, Erin Crane(36 of76)
Leonard Nimoy, right, who played Spock in the original Star Trek series, laughs as he is greeted by Erin Crane, of the Vulcan, Alta., tourism board, as he arrives for a ceremony naming Vulcan, Alta., the "Official Star Trek Capital of Canada" in Vulcan, Friday, April 23, 2010.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh (credit:Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press)
Leonard Nimoy(37 of76)
Leonard Nimoy, who played Spock in the original Star Trek series, waves to his fans after arriving at a ceremony naming Vulcan, Alta., the "Official Star Trek Capital of Canada" in Vulcan, Friday, April 23, 2010. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh (credit:Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press)
Leonard Nimoy(38 of76)
Leonard Nimoy, who played Spock in the original Star Trek series, waves to his fans after arriving at a ceremony naming Vulcan, Alta., the "Official Star Trek Capital of Canada" in Vulcan, Friday, April 23, 2010. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh (credit:Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press)
Star Trek(39 of76)
LOS ANGELES - NOVEMBER 22: Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock in the STAR TREK episode, 'Plato's Stepchildren.' Original air date, November 22, 1968. Season 3, episode 10. Image is a screen grab. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) (credit:CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images)
Star Trek(40 of76)
LOS ANGELES - NOVEMBER 22: Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock and Michael Dunn as Alexander in the STAR TREK episode, 'Plato's Stepchildren.' Original air date, November 22, 1968. Season 3, episode 10. Image is a screen grab. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) (credit:CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images)
Star Trek(41 of76)
LOS ANGELES - NOVEMBER 22: Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock in the STAR TREK episode, 'Plato's Stepchildren.' Original air date, November 22, 1968. Season 3, episode 10. Image is a screen grab. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) (credit:CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images)
Star Trek(42 of76)
LOS ANGELES - NOVEMBER 22: Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock in the STAR TREK episode, 'Plato's Stepchildren.' Original air date, November 22, 1968. Season 3, episode 10. Image is a screen grab. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) (credit:CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images)
Star Trek(43 of76)
LOS ANGELES - NOVEMBER 22: DeForest Kelley as Dr. Leonard H. McCoy, William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk and Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock in the STAR TREK episode, 'Plato's Stepchildren.' Original air date, November 22, 1968. Season 3, episode 10. Image is a screen grab. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) (credit:CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images)
Star Trek(44 of76)
LOS ANGELES - NOVEMBER 22: Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock in the STAR TREK episode, 'Plato's Stepchildren.' Original air date, November 22, 1968. Season 3, episode 10. Image is a screen grab. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) (credit:CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images)
Star Trek(45 of76)
LOS ANGELES - NOVEMBER 22: Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock, William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk and Michael Dunn as Alexander in the STAR TREK episode, 'Plato's Stepchildren.' Original air date, November 22, 1968. Season 3, episode 10. Image is a screen grab. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) (credit:CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images)
Star Trek(46 of76)
LOS ANGELES - NOVEMBER 22: Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock, William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk and DeForest Kelley as Dr. McCoy in the STAR TREK episode, 'Plato's Stepchildren.' Original air date, November 22, 1968. Season 3, episode 10. Image is a screen grab. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) (credit:CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images)
Star Trek(47 of76)
LOS ANGELES - NOVEMBER 22: Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock and William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk in the STAR TREK episode, 'Plato's Stepchildren.' Original air date, November 22, 1968. Season 3, episode 10. Image is a screen grab. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) (credit:CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images)
Star Trek(48 of76)
LOS ANGELES - NOVEMBER 22: Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock, William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk and DeForest Kelley as Dr. McCoy, Michael Dunn as Alexander and Barbara Babcock as Philana in the STAR TREK episode, 'Plato's Stepchildren.' Original air date, November 22, 1968. Season 3, episode 10. Image is a screen grab. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) (credit:CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images)
Star Trek(49 of76)
LOS ANGELES - NOVEMBER 22: Michael Dunn as Alexander, Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock, William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk and DeForest Kelley as Dr. McCoy in the STAR TREK episode, 'Plato's Stepchildren.' Original air date, November 22, 1968. Season 3, episode 10. Image is a screen grab. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) (credit:CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images)
Star Trek(50 of76)
LOS ANGELES - SEPTEMBER 27: From left, Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock and Joanne Linville as Romulan Commander in the STAR TREK episode, 'The Enterprise Incident.' Original airdate, September 27, 1968, season 3, episode 2. Image is a screen grab. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) (credit:CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images)
Star Trek(51 of76)
LOS ANGELES - NOVEMBER 22: Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock, William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk and DeForest Kelley as Dr. McCoy in the STAR TREK episode, 'Plato's Stepchildren.' Original air date, November 22, 1968. Season 3, episode 10. Image is a screen grab. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) (credit:CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images)
Star Trek(52 of76)
LOS ANGELES - SEPTEMBER 20: William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk, James Doohan as Montgomery 'Scotty' Scott, Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock and DeForest Kelley as Dr. McCoy in the STAR TREK episode, 'Spock's Brain.' Original airdate, September 20, 1968. Season 3, episode 1. Image is a screen grab. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) (credit:CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images)
Star Trek(53 of76)
LOS ANGELES - SEPTEMBER 20: William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk, Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock, James Doohan as Montgomery 'Scotty' Scott and DeForest Kelley as Dr. Leonard 'Bones' McCoy in the STAR TREK episode, 'Spock's Brain.' Original airdate, September 20, 1968. Season 3, episode 1. Image is a screen grab. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) (credit:CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images)
Star Trek(54 of76)
LOS ANGELES - SEPTEMBER 20: Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock in the STAR TREK episode, 'Spock's Brain.' Original airdate, September 20, 1968. Season 3, episode 1. Image is a screen grab. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) (credit:CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images)
Star Trek(55 of76)
LOS ANGELES - SEPTEMBER 20: William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk, Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock, DeForest Kelley as Dr. McCoy and James Doohan as Montgomery 'Scotty' Scott, in the STAR TREK episode, 'Spock's Brain.' Original airdate, September 20, 1968. Season 3, episode 1. Image is a screen grab. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) (credit:CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images)
Star Trek(56 of76)
LOS ANGELES - SEPTEMBER 20: William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk and Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock in the STAR TREK episode, 'Spock's Brain.' Original airdate, September 20, 1968. Season 3, episode 1. Image is a screen grab. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) (credit:CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images)
Star Trek(57 of76)
LOS ANGELES - SEPTEMBER 20: Marj Dusay as Kara, far left, talks to Sheila Leighton as Luma, center, with Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock, far right, in the STAR TREK episode, 'Spock's Brain.' Original airdate, September 20, 1968. Season 3, episode 1. Image is a screen grab. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) (credit:CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images)
Star Trek(58 of76)
LOS ANGELES - SEPTEMBER 20: Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock in the STAR TREK episode, 'Spock's Brain.' Original airdate, September 20, 1968. Season 3, episode 1. Image is a screen grab. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) (credit:CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images)
Star Trek(59 of76)
LOS ANGELES - SEPTEMBER 20: DeForest Kelley as Dr. Leonard 'Bones' McCoy with a device that controls the head gear on Spock. Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock in the STAR TREK episode, 'Spock's Brain.' Original airdate, September 20, 1968. Season 3, episode 1. Image is a screen grab. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) (credit:CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images)
Star Trek(60 of76)
LOS ANGELES - SEPTEMBER 20: Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock in the STAR TREK episode, 'Spock's Brain.' Original airdate, September 20, 1968. Season 3, episode 1. Image is a screen grab. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) (credit:CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images)
Star Trek(61 of76)
LOS ANGELES - SEPTEMBER 20: Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock in the STAR TREK episode, 'Spock's Brain.' Original airdate, September 20, 1968. Season 3, episode 1. Image is a screen grab. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) (credit:CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images)
Star Trek(62 of76)
LOS ANGELES - SEPTEMBER 20: Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock in the STAR TREK episode, 'Spock's Brain.' Original airdate, September 20, 1968. Season 3, episode 1. Image is a screen grab. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) (credit:CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images)
Star Trek(63 of76)
LOS ANGELES - SEPTEMBER 20: Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock and William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk in the STAR TREK episode, 'Spock's Brain.' Original airdate, September 20, 1968. Season 3, episode 1. Image is a screen grab. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) (credit:CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images)
Star Trek(64 of76)
LOS ANGELES - JANUARY 12: DeForest Kelley as Dr. Leonard H. 'Bones' McCoy and Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock in the STAR TREK episode, 'A Piece of the Action.' Original air date, January 12, 1968, season 2, episode 17. Image is a screen grab. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) (credit:CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images)
Star Trek(65 of76)
LOS ANGELES - JANUARY 12: Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock and DeForest Kelley as Dr. Leonard H. 'Bones' McCoy in the STAR TREK episode, 'A Piece of the Action.' Original air date, January 12, 1968, season 2, episode 17. Image is a screen grab. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) (credit:CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images)
Star Trek(66 of76)
LOS ANGELES - JANUARY 12: Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock in the STAR TREK episode, 'A Piece of the Action.' Original air date, January 12, 1968, season 2, episode 17. Image is a screen grab. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) (credit:CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images)
Star Trek(67 of76)
LOS ANGELES - JANUARY 12: William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk and Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock in the STAR TREK episode, 'A Piece of the Action.' Original air date, January 12, 1968, season 2, episode 17. Image is a screen grab. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) (credit:CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images)
Star Trek(68 of76)
LOS ANGELES - JANUARY 12: Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock and William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk in the STAR TREK episode, 'A Piece of the Action.' Original air date, January 12, 1968, season 2, episode 17. Image is a screen grab. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) (credit:CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images)
Star Trek(69 of76)
LOS ANGELES - JANUARY 12: Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock and DeForest Kelley as Dr. Leonard H. 'Bones' McCoy in the STAR TREK episode, 'A Piece of the Action.' Original air date, January 12, 1968, season 2, episode 17. Image is a screen grab. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) (credit:CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images)
Star Trek(70 of76)
LOS ANGELES - JANUARY 12: Lee Delano as Kalo, William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk, DeForest Kelley as Dr. Leonard H. McCoy and Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock in the STAR TREK episode, 'A Piece of the Action.' Original air date, January 12, 1968. Season 2, episode 17. Image is a screen grab. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) (credit:CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images)
Spock Sings On "The Dick Clark Show"(71 of76)
LOS ANGELES - JANUARY 2: Actor turned singer Leonard Nimoy performs on 'The Dick Clark Show' on January 2, 1968 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) (credit:Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images)
Star Trek(72 of76)
LOS ANGELES - DECEMBER 29: Star Trek the Original Series Season 2 Episode 15 ' The Trouble With Tribbles ' Pictured from left: William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk, Whit Bissell as Lurry, William Schallert as Nilz Baris and Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock. Image is a frame grab. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) (credit:CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images)
Star Trek(73 of76)
LOS ANGELES - DECEMBER 29: Star Trek the Original Series Season 2 Episode 15 ' The Trouble With Tribbles ' Pictured from left: William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk, Whit Bissell as Lurry, William Schallert as Nilz Baris and Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock. Image is a frame grab. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) (credit:CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images)
Star Trek(74 of76)
LOS ANGELES - MARCH 23: Seen here in foreground from left, Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock and John Colicos as Kor (a Klingon) in the STAR TREK episode, 'Errand of Mercy.' Original air date, March 23, 1967, season 1, episode 26. Image is a screen grab. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) (credit:CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images)
Leonard Nimoy And William Shatner In 'Star Trek'(75 of76)
American actor Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock and Canadian actor William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk appear in a scene from 'The Man Trap,' the premiere episode of 'Star Trek,' which aired on September 8, 1966. (Photo by CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images) (credit:CBS Photo Archive via Getty Images)
Galactic Legends(76 of76)
circa 1966: From left to right, Canadian actor William Shatner as Captain Kirk, American actor DeForest Kelley (1920 - 1999) as Dr 'Bones' McCoy and American actor Leonard Nimoy as Mr Spock in a promotional portrait for the television series, 'Star Trek'. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) (credit:Hulton Archive via Getty Images)
The Cast of 'Star Trek': Where Are They Now?
Jonathan Frakes (Commander William T. Riker)(01 of16)
In addition to serving nobly as "Number One" for seven seasons and four films, Frakes also went behind the camera, helming "First Contact" and "Insurrection" as well as several episodes of "TNG" and "DS9." He also directed "Clockstoppers," "Thunderbirds," and the "Librarian" TV movies starring Noah Wyle. He continues to direct for TV: recent credits include "Burn Notice," "Castle," and "Leverage." (credit:Getty Images)
William Shatner (Captain James T. Kirk)(02 of16)
Shatner reprised his role as James Tiberius Kirk in seven "Star Trek" feature films and was (sob) killed off in 1994's "Star Trek: Generations." Now 82, Shatner has continued acting, racking up two Emmys for his role as Denny Crane on "Boston Legal." Most recently, he starred on the CBS series "$h*! My Dad Says" and those "The Negotiator" Priceline ads. In 2011, he directed "The Captains," in which he interviewed the other actors who've played captains in the Trek franchise. (credit:Getty Images)
Leonard Nimoy (Spock)(03 of16)
When Spock heroically sacrificed himself in 1982's "Wrath of Khan," fans reeled. Nimoy, now 82, has had a love/hate relationship with his iconic role as the highly logical half Vulcan, writing a biography in 1975 entitled "I Am Not Spock," followed 20 years later by "I Am Spock." However, he's come to terms with his sci-fi legend status, appearing as "Spock Prime" in Abrams's 2009 reboot. He also played the mysterious William Bell on "Fringe" and voiced "Action Figure Spock" on a 2012 episode of "The Big Bang Theory." (credit:Getty Images)
Nichelle Nichols (Lt. Nyota Uhura)(04 of16)
Nichols, now 80, considered leaving the series until Martin Luther King, Jr. encouraged her to stay on. Her groundbreaking role as the always capable communications officer inspired generations of black actors, including future "TNG" star Whoopi Goldberg. After "Star Trek," Nichols helped recruit minorities for NASA, wrote an autobiography and appeared on "Heroes" and the comedies "Are We There Yet?" and "Snow Dogs." (credit:Getty Images)
George Takei (Lt. Hikaru Sulu)(05 of16)
Takei played the intrepid helmsman in six "Trek" feature films and one episode of "Star Trek" Voyager." Since coming out in 2005, Takei has been a proud proponent of LGBT rights. When he married his longtime boyfriend in 2008, Nichelle Nichols was his matron of honor and Walter Koenig his best man. The actor's post-"Trek" career includes roles on "Heroes," "The Simpsons," and Nickelodeon's "Supah Ninjas." He's been called "the funniest guy on Facebook," where he has more than 4 million followers. (credit:Getty Images)
Walter Koenig (Pavel Chekov)(06 of16)
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Walter Koenig (Pavel Chekov)(07 of16)
Boyish Koenig was added to the series in its second season because of his resemblance to Monkee Davy Jones (and not because the Russians complained about a lack of cosmonauts). The Russian navigator became a regular and a fan favorite. Besides numerous Trek-related projects, he had a recurring role as villainous Bestor on the '90s sci-fi series "Babylon 5." He also taught acting at UCLA. He's currently working on a post-apocalyptic graphic novel about vampires. (credit:Getty Images)
Majel Barrett (Nurse Christine Chapel)(08 of16)
Barrett wasn't just Nurse Chapel, she was also the voice of the computer and, as any fan knows, Mrs. Roddenberry. In the 1979 feature film, she was promoted to "Dr. Chapel" and reprised that role in "Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home." She later appeared in "The Next Generation" as Deanna Troi's mother who had a thing for Picard. Barrett died in 2008 of leukemia, but her voice appeared in the 2009 Abrams film as Queen Robot. (credit:allposters.com)
Patrick Stewart (Captain Jean-Luc Picard)(09 of16)
The Shakespearean actor, now 72, has "made it so" since 1987, when "The Next Generation" debuted. He's captained the Enterprise in "Star Trek: Generations," "First Contact," "Insurrection," and "Nemesis," as well appeared in the "Deep Space Nine" pilot. He's also Professor X in the "X-Men" films, a role he'll reprise in the upcoming "X-Men: Days of Future Past" in which he'll (presumably) meet his younger self, played by James McAvoy. (credit:Getty Images)
LeVar Burton (Lt. Comdr. Geordi La Forge)(10 of16)
Burton is one of the few actors in the franchise who will always be best known for a non "Trek" role, that of Kunta Kinte in "Roots." To generations of kids, he's also the beloved host of "Reading Rainbow." He directed episodes of "Voyager," "DS9," and "Enterprise," and hosted and produced the documentary "The Science of Peace." Since "Trek," he's continued to act, appearing as Martin Luther King, Jr. in "Ali" and as himself on "Community" and "The Big Bang Theory." (credit:Getty Images)
Michael Dorn (Worf)(11 of16)
Dorn played the gruff Klingon in 175 episodes of "TNG" and "DS9" and four films, which means he's racked up more screen time in character than anyone else in the franchise. Other roles include the Sandman in the two "Santa Clause" sequels, the President of the United States in a 2009 episode of "Heroes," and a recurring role on "Castle" as Dr. Burke, Kate Beckett's police psychiatrist. Fittingly, he also plays "Future Guy" in Dodge Dart commercials. (credit:Getty Images)
Gates McFadden (Dr. Beverly Crusher)(12 of16)
McFadden's character was fired and replaced in the second season by Diana Muldaur, but rehired after the chemistry between Picard and the new character didn't pan out. She reprised her role in all four "TNG" movies and also voiced several games. Her non-Trek roles include the '90s series "Marker" with Richard Grieco, Paul Reiser's boss in "Mad About You," and a judge on "Franklin & Bash." (credit:Getty Images)
Marina Sirtis (Counselor Deanna Troi)(13 of16)
The half-human, half-Betazoid character frequently wore cleavage-baring outfits, so Sirtis was delighted to become a Starfleet officer and don a uniform. She also played Troi in four "Trek" films. In addition, she's appeared on "Earth: Final Conflict," "Stargate SG-1," "Without a Trace," and "Grey's Anatomy." (credit:Getty Images)
Brent Spiner (Data)(14 of16)
Since playing the most personable android since C3PO, Spiner has never stopped acting: He played an Area 51 scientist in "Independence Day" and had roles in "The Aviator," "I Am Sam," and "Phenomenon." Other TV credits include "Warehouse 13," "Threshold" and the "Them, Robot" episode of "The Simpsons." In 2011, Spiner launched "Fresh Hell," a comic webseries in which he played a version of himself as a washed-up actor. (credit:Getty Images)
Wil Wheaton (Wesley Crusher)(15 of16)
It's not easy being a teenager in space, especially when so many fans hate you. Wheaton (who'll turn 41 this year) left acting temporarily after "TNG" ended. After attending acting school, he began voicing cartoons, video games, and audiobooks. He's appeared on episodes of "Leverage," "Eureka" and "The Big Bang Theory." Wheaton runs his own blog, and used to write a column for The Onion's AV Club. His film credits include "Stand By Me," "Toy Soldiers" and "Flubber." (credit:Getty Images)
John de Lancie (Q)(16 of16)
First appearing as the quixotic Q on "TNG," de Lancie reprised the role on "DS9" and "Voyager." He went on to appear on "Stargate SG-1," "Andromeda," and "The Secret Circle" and the films "Crank: High Voltage" and "Gamer." He had an unforgettable arc on "Breaking Bad" as the air traffic controller father of Aaron Paul's girlfriend: After she dies of a drug overdose, his despair leads to a major airline crash, all results of Walter White's depraved indifference. (credit:Getty Images)