Tributes have been paid from Hollywood to Star Trek actor Leonard Nimoy, who has died aged 83.
Nimoy who was famed for playing Mr Spock in the hit sci-fi series died on Friday morning at his home in Bel Air, Los Angeles according to US reports.
His wife Susan Bay Nimoy confirmed the news saying the cause of death was end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
The news comes a week after the actor was rushed to the UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles with severe chest pains.
Nimoy confirmed his illness and warned others about the perils of smoking in a tweet last year. He wrote: “I quit smoking 30 years ago. Not soon enough. I have COPD. Grandpa says, quit now!! LLAP [Live Long and Prosper].”
Nimoy, who appeared in Star Trek from 1966-1969, was loved by fans of the cult TV series for his portrayal of the pointy-eared science officer Mr Spock.
Mr Spock actor Leonard Nimoy dies aged 83
The actor left a poignant last message for fans on his Twitter account last Sunday, including a reference to his famous sign-off, "Live Long And Prosper".
The tweet said: "A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory. LLAP."
The actor was catapulted to fame by the series, and became a household name for Star Trek fans across the world.
But his ambivalence towards the role was clear - his two autobiographies were titled I Am Not Spock (1975) and I Am Spock (1995).
In 1954 Nimoy married Sandra Zober, a fellow student at the Pasadena Playhouse, with whom he had two children, Julie and Adam.
But the couple divorced, and in 1988 he married Susan Bay, a film production executive.
Leading tributes from Hollywood this evening was William Shatner, who starred opposite Nimoy as Captain James T Kirk in the sci-fi TV series role that would go on to make both men recognisable to millions around the world.
Shatner told his two million followers on Twitter: "I loved him like a brother. We will all miss his humour, his talent, and his capacity to love."
His granddaughter Dani paid tribute to "an extraordinary man, husband, grandfather, brother, actor, author - the list goes on - and friend".
She added: "Thank you for the warm condolences. May you all LLAP."
George Takei, who played Mr Sulu in the original Star Trek 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."
Nimoy received four Emmy nominations during his career, including one for his 1982 performance in A Woman Called Golda.
Additional reporting Press Association.
