Live long and prosper: Leonard Nimoy dies at 83

Leonard Nimoy has died at the age of 83.

The actor best known for his performance as Spock on the seminal sci-fi television series "Star Trek" passed away on Friday, after being hospitalized for chest pains in Los Angeles. Nimoy's wife confirmed that the actor died from end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, according to The New York Times.

Nimoy starred in the original "Star Trek" television series as Spock, with his character becoming a cultural touchstone. Spock's pointy ears, calm and logical demeanor, and iconic phrase "Live Long and Prosper" were instantly infused into pop culture, making the Vulcan one of the most popular sci-fi character in history. Nimoy would then replay the character in several of the "Star Trek" films, most recently as an older version of the character in 2013's "Star Trek: Into Darkness."

Nimoy also directed "Star Trek III: The Search For Spock" and "Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home."

Nimoy's character in "Star Trek" became so popular that it inspired two books from the actor, 1975's "I Am Not Spock" and 1995's "I Am Spock."

Aside from "Star Trek," Nimoy was known for his host of film and television roles, with the actor's first credited film as 1951's "Queen For a Day." Nimoy also starred in the original "Mission: Impossible" television series from 1969-1971, and on "Fringe" from 2009-2012.

Nimoy was also an accomplished photographer, musician, and poet, publishing new works throughout his life.

Nimoy's granddaughter posted the following after the actor's death on Twitter.

"Hi all, as you all know, my Grandpa passed away this morning at 8:40 from end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He was an extraordinary man, husband, grandfather, brother, actor, author-the list goes on- and friend. Thank you for the warm condolences. May you all LLAP. - Dani"

Nimoy's "Star Trek" costar William Shatner tweeted the following.

Nimoy's cast member from "Star Trek" George Takei posted the following after hearing of Nimoy's death.

Zachary Quinto, who played a younger version of Spock in the 2009's "Star Trek" and 2013's "Star Trek: Into Darkness" posted the following image on his Instagram with the below caption.

"My heart is broken. I love you profoundly my dear friend. And i will miss you everyday. Nay flights of angels sing thee to thy rest."

Nimoy was active on social media until the time of his death. Below is his last tweet.

The official "Star Trek" Twitter account posted the following.

Many celebrities and notable figures have been tweeting their respects, including Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, LeVar Burton and Wil Wheaton from "Star Trek: The Next Generation," and Jeri Ryan from "Star Trek: Voyager."

Fans across the world have also been tweeting about Nimoy's death.

The aerospace and science community too paid their respects to Nimoy.

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This story will be updated as it develops.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.