Speculation as to the state of the iconic Star Trek actor's health arose after he was spotted in a wheelchair at a New York airport earlier this week.
The 82-year-old had a breathing tube attached.
Concerned fans have been seeking answers ever since "Spock" stopped appearing at conventions in 2011. He did, however, make a guest appearance in the recent movie Star Trek: Into Darkness, as well as in an Audi commercial.
Leonard Nimoy lung-disease
Last night, a tweet on Leonard Nimoy's official twitter account stated:
"I quit smoking 30 yrs ago. Not soon enough. I have COPD. Grandpa says, quit now! LLAP."
The sign-off refers to his character's well-known phrase from<i> Star Trek</i>, "Live long and prosper."
COPD is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It's a degenerative condition that makes it increasingly hard for sufferers to breathe.
It is usually associated with severe coughs, wheezing and a shortness of breath.
The leading cause is listed on many medical sites as being smoking.
I quit smoking 30 yrs ago. Not soon enough. I have COPD. Grandpa says, quit now!! LLAP
— Leonard Nimoy (@TheRealNimoy) January 30, 2014
Thus far the news has only been noted by a few Star Trek fan sites.
Nimoy's enormous pupularity is evidenced by his twitter account which has nearly 800,000 followers.
The octogenarian, who has previously had abdominal surgery in 2010, had was photographed in the wheelchair upon his return from a holiday resort in the Carribbean.
Recently, he offered to be the "honorary grandfather" of a fan.
Want to take me as your honorary grandfather ? Done!! Tell all. LLAP
— Leonard Nimoy (@TheRealNimoy) January 24, 2014
Hopefully his health will hold out for this new role to have a long run.
As Spock says in the classics - "Live long and prosper".
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