Star Trek's Spock Leonard Nimoy reveals he has lung disease

Star Trek star Leonard Nimoy has revealed that he is suffering from a fatal lung disease. The actor who played Spock took to Twitter to reveal his illness after he was seen in a wheelchair in New York, according to People.

The tweet said: "I quit smoking 30 years ago. Not soon enough. I have COPD. Grandpa says, quit now!! LLAP [Long Live and Prosper]," he wrote on January 30.

According to the National Institutes of Health, COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which makes it increasingly difficult to breathe. It is the name for a collection of lung diseases (chronic bronchitis, emphysema and chronic obstructive airways disease). Individuals suffering from COPD experience difficulty in breathing. COPD also increases the risk of respiratory failure and cardiovascular disease as well as increasing fourfold the risk of lung cancer. COPD is said to be caused by smoking.

With that in mind, the actor has an advice for all the smokers out there, as he tweeted on February 7: "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."

He also thanked his fans for the support he has received: "I'm doing OK. Just can't walk distances. Love my life,family, friends and followers. LLAP."

Despite his fragile appearance, the 82-year-old actor has kept himself busy with many work projects. He has retired from Star Trek conventions in 2011 but continues to encourage fans to support the science-fiction franchise.

He even promoted the upcoming Star Trek marathon of shows being shown on US television next month. ""Just taped my comments for Star Trek Fest to be aired on EPIX Feb. 16th. Still enjoying my life. LLAP""