Star Trek Actor Leonard Nimoy Confirms He Is Suffering from Lung Complications

Star Trek actor, Leonard Nimoy, 82, recently confirmed that he is suffering from a type of lung disease that has prevented him from going to as many places as he once used to, according to CNN.

Nimoy tweeted on Friday, saying: "I'm doing OK. Just can't walk distances. Love my life, family, friends and followers." Last week, the actor announced that he was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - a disease he incurred after nearly 30 years of quitting smoking. He posted on Twitter: "Not soon enough. I have COPD. Grandpa says, quit now!!! LLAP" Nimoy played Spock, the half-human science officer aboard the Starship Enterprise from 1966 to 1969. LLAP is derived from his signature phrase "live long and prosper."

Leonard last appeared on the big screen last year in 'Star Trek Into Darkness' reprising his infamous role, the one he has been playing since 1966. Other than this, Nimoy has also directed two of the franchise's films - 'Search for Spock' and 'Voyage Home.' He also made a number of guest appearances in science fiction series, 'Fringe', which aired until 2012. He was also recently photographed in a wheelchair at a New York hospital and was attached to a breathing apparatus.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an overarching term for a number of illnesses including emphysema and chronic bronchitis and affects millions of people across the globe. It damages the air sacs and passages to the lungs that can make breathing extremely difficult. Majority of cases are said to be caused by excessive smoking.