Spock has died.

Leonard Nimoy, who originated the role of the human-Vulcan first officer on Star Trek, passed away this morning (Feb. 27) at the age of 83, the New York Times reports.

The actor's wife, Susan Bay Nimoy, revealed that her late husband's cause of death was "end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease." The actor reportedly attributed the illness to smoking when he was younger.

Nimoy achieved incredible success, worldwide fame and intense fan adoration in his role as Spock, which he played in various capacities for over 20 years. While the original '60s TV series was canceled after just three seasons, Trekkies -- one of the most hardcore fandoms the world has ever seen -- soon intensified their devotion, thanks to the numerous incarnations of the show that quickly followed. The actor reprised his most famous role in 2009, when he portrayed an older Spock in J.J. Abrams' Star Trek reboot, and later, in the sequel. It was his final role.

In addition to his time on screen and on stage (Nimoy also starred in the Mission: Impossible TV series and even as Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof), he was also a director. In a far cry from his role as Spock, Nimoy famously directed the beloved '80s comedy Three Men and a Baby, which starred Ted Danson, Tom Selleck and Steve Guttenberg.

Nimoy, who was hospitalized earlier this week, poignantly sent out his last tweet on Feb. 23. It read:

He signed off with "LLAP," the acronym for "Live long and prosper," Spock's most famous saying. And it certainly looks like he did.

R.I.P. Leonard Nimoy.

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