President Obama’s touching tribute to Leonard Nimoy

As you've probably heard by now, legendary actor Leonard Nimoy, best known for his role as Spock on Star Trek, passed away today. Not just an actor, Nimoy was also a poet, a photographer, and a musician. Suffice to say, in his 83 years on this planet Nimoy touched a lot of people, including the President of the United States.

Responding to today's sad news, President Barack Obama had a touching tribute message to Nimoy.

The tweet was actually part of a much lengthier message for the deceased actor, which the White House shared shortly afterward:

"Long before being nerdy was cool, there was Leonard Nimoy. Leonard was a lifelong lover of the arts and humanities, a supporter of the sciences, generous with his talent and his time. And of course, Leonard was Spock. Cool, logical, big-eared and level-headed, the center of Star Trek’s optimistic, inclusive vision of humanity’s future.

"I loved Spock.

"In 2007, I had the chance to meet Leonard in person. It was only logical to greet him with the Vulcan salute, the universal sign for ‘Live long and prosper.’ And after 83 years on this planet – and on his visits to many others – it’s clear Leonard Nimoy did just that. Michelle and I join his family, friends and countless fans who miss him so dearly today.”

An admitted Trekkie, President Obama posed with original Star Trek actress Nichelle Nichols (Lt. Uhura) back in February 2012. Both flashed the iconic Vulcan salute, with the actress adding the caption "Live Long & Prosper," the signature phrase of Spock.

Leonard Nimoy, March 26, 1931 to February 27, 2015.