Nate von Zumwalt

Leonard Nimoy, a longtime friend and supporter of Sundance Institute who is best known for his iconic role as the always pragmatic “Spock” in Star Trek, died Friday morning. He was 83.

Leonard Nimoy and his wife Susan Bay Nimoy are ardent supporters of the Institute’s Women’s Initiative, a joint effort with Women in Film/ LA and a group of allied organizations in the field of women and media aimed at fostering gender equality in American independent cinema by supporting women filmmakers. Leonard Nimoy most recently attended the Sundance Institute New York Benefit where he is pictured above with actor Zachary Quinto, who has portrayed “Spock” in the film reboots of Star Trek.

Susan Bay Nimoy confirmed that her husband’s death was caused by end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which the actor publicly announced he was suffering from just over a year ago. Sundance Institute thanks Leonard Nimoy for his invaluable and selfless commitment to the organization and offers its condolence to his wife Susan Bay Nimoy.

A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory. LLAP

— Leonard Nimoy (@TheRealNimoy) February 23, 2015