Leonard Nimoy, who played Mr Spock in Star Trek, has died at the age of 83.

His son Adam confirmed the actor, adored by Trekkies all over the world, died at his home in Los Angeles this morning.

He said the cause of his father’s death was end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The actor, who appeared in Star Trek from 1966-1969, was loved by fans of the cult TV series for his portrayal of the pointy-eared science officer Mr Spock.

He was catapulted to fame by the series, and became a household name for Star Trek fans across the world.

But his ambivalence towards the role was clear – his two autobiographies were titled I Am Not Spock (1975) and I Am Spock (1995).

Leonard Nimoy
Leonard Nimoy (RIC FRANCIS/AP/Press Association Images)

In 1954 Leonard married Sandra Zober, a fellow student at the Pasadena Playhouse, with whom he had two children, Julie and Adam.

But the couple divorced, and in 1988 he married Susan Bay, a film production executive.

Leonard had recently been taken into hospital suffering from severe chest pains, and had spoken about his diagnosis with COPD.

In January last year he tweeted about his diagnosis.

Leonard’s final tweet after his trip to hospital read: