Leonard Nimoy, famous for his role as Spock in Star Trek, is urging his fans to "live long and prosper" without smoking. The 82-year-old has recently been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD.
Nimoy made his diagnosis public on Twitter. The news is driving the actor to encourage people that tobacco use is a highly illogical choice.
"I quit smoking 30 years ago. Not soon enough. I have COPD. Grandpa says, quit now!" tweeted Nimoy.
I quit smoking 30 yrs ago. Not soon enough. I have COPD. Grandpa says, quit now!! LLAP
— Leonard Nimoy (@TheRealNimoy) January 30, 2014
Just over a week later, the Star Trek veteran actor warned followers, "Smokers, please understand. If you quit after you're diagnosed with lung damage it's too late. Grandpa says learn my lesson. Quit now."
Smokers, please understand. If you quit after you're diagnosed with lung damage it's too late. Grandpa says learn my lesson. Quit now. LLAP. — Leonard Nimoy (@TheRealNimoy) February 6, 2014
COPD is a name given to any one or more a variety of conditions which affect the lungs, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Air sacs and passages in lungs are damaged by the diseases, causing shortness of breath and coughing. Symptoms usually become worse over time. As the diseases progress, they cause the patient to have an increasingly difficult time breathing. COPD affects millions of people worldwide, and is believed to be caused by cigarette smoke.
An outpouring of support came out from followers on the internet when Leonard Nimoy made the health announcement. He was recently seen in a New York City airport, sitting in a wheelchair, wearing an oxygen mask, attached to a breathing apparatus.
On 6 February, the actor reported he was "doing OK," although he could not walk distances. Nimoy reported he was "[s]till enjoying my life," and expressed his love for his family, friends and followers. He taped his comments for Star Trek Fest that day, due to be broadcast on 16 February on EPIX. Previous to the television premiere of the newest Star Trek movie, the network will present A Conversation with Leonard Nimoy. In this interview, the man who brought Spock to life will offer an insight into 50 years of life as one of the best-known icons in the world. George Takei will appear throughout the day-long special, starting at 6 a.m. ET.
In addition to playing the ever-logical Vulcan since 1966, Leonard Nimoy has also appeared in the science fiction series Fringe and The Big Bang Theory. He last appeared as a special guest at a Star Trek convention in 2011.
The senior science fiction icon revived his classic character as recently as the 2013 release, Star Trek: Into Darkness. In the film, Zachary Quinto also played Mr. Spock, with each from an alternative universe. Star Trek fans are hoping Nimoy makes a full recovery in this one.
