Zachary Quinto & Other 'Star Trek' Alums Mourn Loss of Leonard Nimoy: 'My Heart Is Broken'

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Zachary Quinto is heartbroken over the loss of Leonard Nimoy.

The legendary actor, who originated the iconic role of Mr. Spock in the Star Trek television series, passed away on Friday morning at 86 years old. According to his wife Susan Bay Nimoy, the actor had suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (CPOD).

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"My heart is broken," Quinto wrote on Instagram. "I love you profoundly my dear friend. And I will miss you everyday. May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest."

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The stars became close after Quinto was cast as Spock in JJ Abrams' Star Trek big-screen reboot. The Spocks shared the screen in the 2009 film (Nimoy as "Spock Prime"), and Quinto has been quite vocal about the friendship that developed.

"I have such deep admiration and love for him," Quinto told OUT magazine in 2013. "He's an incredible man, and I'm so grateful that not only did I have this amazing creative experience, but that I developed this relationship with Leonard and his wife Susan -- we go to dinner, we hang out, we go to the theater, we spend time together."

Quinto is just one of many Hollywood stars mourning Nimoy's death today. William Shatner, who played Captain Kirk to Nimoy's Mr. Spock, issued a heartfelt statement.

"I loved him like a brother," Shatner told ET. "We will all miss his humor, his talent, and his capacity to love."

Fellow Star Trek alum Nichelle Nichols also issued the following statement:
"I am deeply saddened by the death of my dear friend Leonard Nimoy. But, I also want to celebrate his extraordinary life. He was a true force of strength and his character was that of a champion. Leonard's integrity and passion as an actor and devotion to his craft helped transport Star Trek into television history. His vision and heart are bigger than the universe. I will miss him very much and send heartfelt wishes to his family."