"Star Trek" star Leonard Nimoy, 82, revealed he is suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) after photos of him sitting in a wheelchair with an oxygen mask hit the web.
According to the COPD Foundation, "COPD is an umbrella term used to describe progressive lung diseases including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, refractory (non-reversible) asthma, and some forms of bronchiectasis." It is characterized by increasing breathlessness.
Nimoy took on the role of Spock in 1966, notes the BBC.
The British Independent adds that although he stopped attending "Star Trek" conventions in 2011, Nimoy made a cameo as Spock in the 2013 film "Star Trek Into Darkness," and a number of guest appearances in the science fiction series "Fringe," which ran until 2013.
Despite his current condition, E! News reports that he is still involved in work commitments and "anything involving the Trek world."
I quit smoking 30 yrs ago. Not soon enough. I have COPD. Grandpa says, quit now!! LLAP
— Leonard Nimoy (@TheRealNimoy) January 30, 2014
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
I'm doing OK. Just can't walk distances. Love my life,family, friends and followers. LLAP
— Leonard Nimoy (@TheRealNimoy) February 6, 2014
According to the COPD Foundation, "COPD is an umbrella term used to describe progressive lung diseases including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, refractory (non-reversible) asthma, and some forms of bronchiectasis." It is characterized by increasing breathlessness.
Nimoy took on the role of Spock in 1966, notes the BBC.
The British Independent adds that although he stopped attending "Star Trek" conventions in 2011, Nimoy made a cameo as Spock in the 2013 film "Star Trek Into Darkness," and a number of guest appearances in the science fiction series "Fringe," which ran until 2013.
Despite his current condition, E! News reports that he is still involved in work commitments and "anything involving the Trek world."