Leonard Nimoy dead: William Shatner, Patrick Stewart and President Obama pay tribute to Star Trek's Spock actor

Nimoy was best known for playing Mr Spock in Star Trek

Leonard Nimoy playing Mr Spock in Star Trek. (Getty Images)

Tributes have poured in for the legendary Star Trek actor Leonard Nimoy who has passed away. He was 83.

The actor died at his home in Los Angeles this morning, due to a chronic lung condition, obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Adam Nimoy, the actor’s son, led tributes to his father, calling him his "best friend."

"He affected the lives of many,“ Adam Nimoy told the Associated Press. "He was also a great guy and my best friend."

His grandson Dani Nimoy called his grandfather "extraordinary" in a tweet on the well-loved actor’s account, which signed off with Spock’s famous phrase: “live long and prosper”.

“He was an extraordinary man, husband, grandfather, brother, actor, author-the list goes on- and friend. Thank you for the warm condolences. May you all LLAP”

Dani added that the family will be selling special commemorative shirts online, with proceeds going to the COPD Foundation.

Fellow Hollywood stars and admirers from a variety of professions also took to Twitter tonight to pay their respects to the well-loved actor.

President Barack Obama said he "loved" Nimoy, who made the sign for “Live long and prosper” famous the world over, achieved that goal during his 83 years on the planet.

In a heartfelt tweet, his Star Trek co-star William Shatner said he loved Nimoy like a brother.

Nasa attributed the actor with inspiring viewers to explore space.

Fellow Star Trek actor Patrick Stewart, who played Captain Jean-Luc Picard, said he was lucky to have spent time with Nimoy.

Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane credited Nimoy with playing one of the "greatest" characters int he history of American storytelling.

Science fiction writer John Scalzi was among those to say farewell to Nimoy using his most famous line.

Seinfeld actor Jason Alexander praised Nimoy for his acting, as well as his kind spirit.

Harry Potter author JK Rowling, and BBC Radio 6 presenter Lauren Laverne also paid tribute, with the latter sharing the actor's appearance in The Simpsons.

Nimoy is survived by his second wife, two children, Adam and Julie Nimoy, six grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

Additional reporting by AP