George Takei, Zachary Quinto lead tributes to Leonard Nimoy

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Star Trek actor Leonard Nimoy has passed away, aged 83.

The original Spock actor passed away from complications of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, at his home in Los Angeles.

He had been rushed to hospital earlier this week, after several years of declining health.

Mr Nimoy had made a comeback in the recent Star Trek reboots, appearing opposite out actor Zachary Quinto – who plays an alternate version of Spock in a parallel dimension.

Zachary Quinto tweeted: “my heart is broken. i love you profoundly my dear friend. and i will miss you everyday. may flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”

Gay rights activist George Takei, who played Hikaru Sulu in the original series, said in a statement: “Today, the world lost a great man, and I lost a great friend.

“We return you now to the stars, Leonard. You taught us to ‘Live Long And Prosper’ and you indeed did, friend. I shall miss you in so many, many ways.”