“Live long and prosper,” the Vulcan mantra made famous by Leonard Nimoy’s iconic Star Trek character, also turned out to be the actor’s most famous final words and a slogan used by friends and fans alike to pay homage to him.
The American actor and director who played Spock on the classic TV series from 1966 to 1969 died Friday morning due to end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, according to his son, Adam. He was 83.
Obituary: Leonard Nimoy, 1931-2015
Fans shared their condolences under the hashtag #LLAP, for “live long and prosper,” which Mr. Nimoy used to sign off his tweets – including his final one on Feb. 23.
A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory. LLAP
— Leonard Nimoy (@TheRealNimoy) February 23, 2015
Fellow Star Trek alumni quickly began sharing their remembrances of Mr. Nimoy:
"I loved him like a brother. We will all miss his humor, his talent, and his capacity to love."
-William Shatner https://t.co/U8ZN98tVYp
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) February 27, 2015
#LLAP RIP to the best First Officer. @TheRealNimoy
— Jonathan Frakes (@jonathansfrakes) February 27, 2015
We stood on your shoulders, and wouldn’t have had a galaxy to explore if you hadn’t been there, first. Thank you, Leonard, Rest in peace.
— Wil Wheaton (@wilw) February 27, 2015
RIP, Mr. Nimoy.
You really did live long and prosper, and we were all the richer for it.
— Jeri Ryan (@JeriLRyan) February 27, 2015
“He affected the lives of many,” Adam Nimoy said on Friday. “He was also a great guy and my best friend.”
Asked if his father chafed at his fans’ close identification of him with his character, Adam Nimoy said, “Not in the least. He loved Spock.”
Mr. Nimoy's granddaughter, Dani, said she would be putting special shirts on their online store, with proceeds going to the COPD Foundation.
RIP Leonard Nimoy. So many of us at NASA were inspired by Star Trek. Boldly go... https://t.co/qpeH5BTzQc pic.twitter.com/nMmFMKYv1L
— NASA (@NASA) February 27, 2015
Leonard, you lived long and prospered, and were an inspiration to me and to millions. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/NESJKvTepm
— Chris Hadfield (@Cmdr_Hadfield) February 27, 2015
With a report from Associated Press