Leonard Nimoy–best know as Star Trek’s Mr. Spock–is seriously ill and as a result is begging his fans not to smoke. Nimoy is now on full time oxygen, suffering from COPD–Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Caused by smoking, it makes breathing very difficult.

It wasn’t until fans saw Nimoy in an airport–being transported in a wheelchair and wearing the portable oxygen that they became concerned and shortly thereafter he shared word of his illness with them. The 82-year-old does look frail and pale, but he is still involved with the Star Trek franchise and takes part in events whenever he can.

Nimoy, along with William Shatner, Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes and more starred in TV and film versions of the cult favorite–believed during the 1960s and early 1970s to be providing viewers with a fairly accurate version of what ‘outer space’ was all about.

Leonard Nimoy shared an explanation of his illness with his fans via Twitter back on January 29th.

I quit smoking 30 yrs ago. Not soon enough. I have COPD. Grandpa says, quit now!! LLAP

— Leonard Nimoy (@TheRealNimoy) January 30, 2014

He reiterated his plea for everyone to stop smoking on February 6th–once again in a tweet.

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

This was followed shortly thereafter by yet another tweet.

I'm doing OK. Just can't walk distances. Love my life,family, friends and followers. LLAP

— Leonard Nimoy (@TheRealNimoy) February 6, 2014

Anyone who followed Star Trek understands that the letters in Leonard Nimoy’s tweets–LLAP–stand for “Live long and prosper.” Nimoy’s character is known for a hand signal depicting the phrase as well.

Fans can check out Leonard Nimoy on EPIX later in February, as he appears on a pre-recorded segment for Star Trek Fest.

Just taped my comments for Star Trek Fest to be aired on EPIX Feb. 16th. Still enjoying my life. LLAP

— Leonard Nimoy (@TheRealNimoy) February 6, 2014

Hopefully with medication Leonard Nimoy can continue enjoying anything and everything Star Trek. At 82 he has lived long and prospered, but fans–and his friends and family, too–would like to see him stick around for a bit longer.

Image via YouTube