Accomplished actor Leonard Nimoy died on Feb. 27th at the age of 83 from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Nimoy’s most notable role was that of the half-human, half-Vulcan science officer Spock aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise in the 1966 television series “Star Trek”. Torn between two worlds, his character spoke to the outsider in all of us. Someone who was part of the crew but also was on the outside looking in. Today we see characters like this as commonplace, Sheldon Cooper in “The Big Bang Theory” being the closest allegory.

Spock’s analytical mind and reliance on logic in the face of uncertainty and adventure struck a chord with multiple generations of youth, some of whom would go on to explore scientific and engineering careers themselves, all in the name of seeking the final frontier they heard so much about from “Star Trek.”

After his death, the social media outpouring of support and remembrances was swift. NASA released a photo of Nimoy and the rest of the Star Trek actors in front of the Enterprise space shuttle, saying, “So many of us at NASA were inspired by Star Trek. Boldly go…”

In a press release, Don Lincoln, physicist at Fermilab, said, “Despite the fact he worked in fiction, anyone who can inspire that many people to look into the sky and wonder has done something really important for mankind.”

Nimoy was more than one role. He was an avid photographer, poet and writer, releasing two autobiographies. The first titled, “I am Not Spock” and the redemptively titled “I am Spock.”

The world was lucky enough to be graced with someone of his immense influence. Not only has Earth’s culture been forever shaped by his portrayal of Spock, but the planet has been made better for his life as Leonard. And though he is gone, he has achieved immortality through his life’s work.

Indeed Nimoy has been, and forever shall be, our friend.