Leonard Nimoy Diagnosed with Lung Disease, Tells Fans to Quit Smoking

February 6, 2014 8:38 PM EST

Star Trek‘s original Spock, Leonard Nimoy, tweeted Thursday that fans should stop smoking now. Nimoy revealed that he has COPD on Jan. 29 after worried fans asked about a photo taken of him in which he’s in a wheelchair wearing an oxygen mask.

COPD is a chronic respiratory disease caused by smoking that has no cure. Since opening up about his disease, Nimoy has encouraged followers on social media to stop smoking as soon as possible so as not to suffer the consequences later.

I quit smoking 30 yrs ago. Not soon enough. I have COPD. Grandpa says, quit now!! LLAP
— Leonard Nimoy (@TheRealNimoy) January 30, 2014

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

I'm doing OK. Just can't walk distances. Love my life,family, friends and followers. LLAP
— Leonard Nimoy (@TheRealNimoy) February 6, 2014

Nimoy ends all of his tweets with “LLAP” or “live long and prosper,” his character’s catchphrase from the Star Trek series.

Leonard Nimoy Tells Fans to Quit Smoking After Lung Disease Diagnosis

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