Leonard Nimoy at presentation of “Vincent” on June 15th, 2013
Original Photo by Therese Bohn. (me)
Last night Mr. Nimoy tweeted the following:
I quit smoking 30 yrs ago. Not soon enough. I have COPD. Grandpa says, quit now!! LLAP
— Leonard Nimoy (@TheRealNimoy) January 30, 2014
COPD is the following:
COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary (PULL-mun-ary) disease, is a progressive disease that makes it hard to breathe. “Progressive” means the disease gets worse over time.
COPD can cause coughing that produces large amounts of mucus (a slimy substance), wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and other symptoms.
Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of COPD. Most people who have COPD smoke or used to smoke. Long-term exposure to other lung irritants—such as air pollution, chemical fumes, or dust—also may contribute to COPD.
Sad to hear this, although not too surprised. I recall Mr. Nimoy had a awful coughing fit during the above appearance, and he was brought water which helped. Unfortunately there is no cure, but at least there are treatments and lifestyle changes can help one feel better, stay more active, and slow the progress of the disease.
I was a little surprised that Mr. Nimoy announced this problem publicly, but I suspect he knows his fans, and like a good Dad, (or Grandpa, as he wants his fans to call him) he wants his ‘family’ to know. He knows he won’t live forever, and in his grace, he’s letting us down gently.
I have no doubt that Mr. Nimoy knows how much he is LOVED by so many people around the world, and how happy he has made so many of us. Sir, if your reading this, we send you our love and prayers, and best wishes for a comfortable, healthier existence. May you truly Live Long and Prosper. Many hugs and thanks “Grandpa” Love, Therese
I think maybe this announcement was a response to the photographs of him being pushed through an airport in a wheelchair while wearing oxygen tubes in his nose.
I was impressed (though not surprised) that instead of ignoring the photographs or railing against the invasion of his privacy, he used the occasion as an opportunity to encourage people to quit smoking. Truly, Mr. Nimoy is a great man, and not only because he was a wonderful Spock. He is a sensitive and thoughtful man, and I am continually impressed at the dignity and grace with which he’s handled the whole Star Trek phenomenon.
As Therese said, lots of us love you, Mr. Nimoy — not just Spock, but YOU, too. Best of luck dealing with your health challenges; I hope you’ll continue to enjoy your life for many years to come.
Corylea, I agree with you. I think he made the announcement because the publicity about the wheelchair etc was so great. Kudos to him for turning it into a positive message. I have a friend (who reads this blog!) who has long said it’ll be Leonard’s lungs and Shatner’s heart. But hey, he isn’t gone yet.
I truly believe that ‘Grandpa’ is every bit as benevolent and caring as my own was and really wants everyone to know the dangers of smoking in order for others to avoid them! I could immediately tell after meeting him for the first time at a NYC Trek Con in 1972 and my relating to him that we share a common ancestry that he is a real and honest person and truly cares for other people. Live Long and Prosper Leonard.
Since the first episode of STAR TREK, I have thoroughly enjoyed the spirit, events and continuing relevance in the lives and stories of those in the Enterprise legend.. Mr. Spock was my favorite character but, Leonard Nimoy was the type of man I looked up to. His superior acting in other venues was what brought the attention of Gene Roddenberry. I too have COPD and know what he’s going through. However, I am sure he will face the future with the same logic, strength and courage that both character and human has always shown. Blessings.
Leonard Nimoy is quite possibly one of the most Gracious of the Star Trek actors. and one of three originals still involved with trek if you count Nichelle and Walter the Renegade productions. It will be a sad loss when he goes. Until then, Keep fighting the good fight.
I agree and I hope Leonard’s disease is in an early phase so he’s around a lot longer!
I hope his copd isn’t too advanced. That way he lives longer
Mr Nimoy has my respect for his ability to talk his problems like this. I wish people didn’t smoke so they could live longer but smoking is easiest when stress is highest.
Even though Mr Nimoy has some serious health issues, at the moment, it just goes to show what a great human being he is that he can still tweet this to his fans and encourage others to quit smoking. All the best, Grandfather.
Dear Mr. Nimoy, Two things. 1. I too have COPD. I may be younger than you but I suspect that I will be crossing over long before you get to that point. 2. Because of that, I want to say “Thank you” for saving my life back in 1974. I know that I will Never get to say that to you here, in this life, so I will say it now. Once I cross over, I will then get the chance to meet you. When I reach the other side, I’ll say “Hi” to all those who have crossed over before us.
Okay— I never saw or heard of the airport pictures — but I bet that was what was used in that article I mentioned the other week.
For now, I wish Leonard, Bill and and the surviving cast of the original series the best of health and happiness. Bless them all, and kudos to Nimoy for making good out of a hard situation. The key to a good life is living every day to the fullest, and these two men make every day count!
Bless Them!
This is my first of hearing this. I’m heartbroken. One of my good friends, who’s like a mom to me, has COPD, and it’s hard to watch and experience with her. Grandpa Nimoy, thank you for turning a hard situation into a chance to make a difference in yet more peoples’ lives. Sh’ma & LLAP <3
I was diagnosed with COPD a year ago? Yes, I smoked. But I hope,Mr. Nemoy has learned or is learning enough to know that smoking is ONE of the causes. Some are born with Alpha-1 an gene that makes VOPD more likely. Slpha-1 caused COPD is treated differently so it’s important to be tested. Also, there are,VOPD groups on Facebook that can be termendous help, encouragement and advise, Some aren’t so good, so check them out before you join.
I’ve been a fan all my life I wish you all may best. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
I’ve known for some time that Leonard has COPD. How tragic that he smoked all those years.
My mom, a 60-year smoker also had COPD. She still made it to 88.
Leonard is getting the best care. I bet he’ll outlast Mom. Like millions of others, I send him my love and best wishes
Live long, Leonard.
You are in my prayers! LLAP
My husband quit smoking after 40 years & got lung cancer 15 years later. He developed COPD which eventually led to his death. I just hope I quit smoking early enough that I don’t get it too. Young people need to know what’s in their future when they smoke – he’s telling them. Let’s hope some of them listen.
captan wheelchair here, i really loved spock so much.i lived star trek all my life, I wrote a star trek story in 1984-85 about me a wheelchair captain, going through space in our ship USS GALAXEIN .
Being in a wheelchair with CP I would watch STAR TREK everyday for my life even now I wished I could have met SPOCK and all the other stars and shared my story, I just know that they all would love it.
To SPOCK’S Leonard Nimoy’S FAMILY, i am so sorry he is gone.
Shawn, Just a note, Mr. Nimoy is Still very much Alive – just sick with COPD. But I appreciate your comment,and good luck to you too! You may still meet him, you never know!
Glad you have gone public. There are 24 million U.S, citizens that have COPD. Only 12 million know. You can live with this disease. Wish he would become a spokes person. If you smoke quit. You can stop the damage. You can slow it down. Get tested!!!!!! We aren’t hopeless we are breathless!
A lot of LOVE coming in here for Mr. Nimoy! I have no doubt he’d appreciate it! A joy to hear from all of you- Bless you all, and Peace and Long Live to all of you! Therese 🙂
Wow…. Our prayers are with him and his family.
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