Helping More People ‘Live Long and Prosper: ’American Lung Association Partners with Leonard Nimoy’s Daughter and Health Point Productions to Raise Awareness for COPD

In the U.S., there are more than 11.7 million people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and another 18 million are potentially living with the disease undiagnosed. Legendary actor Leonard Nimoy, who was most famous for his role of Spock in Star Trek, was diagnosed with the disease in 2013, and COPD took his life in 2015. 

Today, the American Lung Association announced a new partnership with The Nimoy Knight Foundation and Health Point Productions to raise awareness for COPD and the importance of smoking cessation. Through this partnership, the Lung Association will help promote the documentary "Remembering Leonard Nimoy: His Life, Legacy and Battle with COPD,” and partner with The Nimoy Knight Foundation to raise awareness of COPD.

COPD, which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, is a long-term lung disease that makes it hard to breathe. Despite being treatable and often preventable, COPD is a leading cause of death and disability in the U.S. The Nimoy Knight Foundation was started by his daughter, Julie Nimoy, and son-in-law, David Knight, as a special tribute to his life and legacy.

“Julie and I are absolutely thrilled to be partnering with the American Lung Association,” said Executive Co-Producer, David Knight. “Celebrating Leonard’s life and battle with COPD was so important to our family! We must continue to increase awareness, remove associated stigma and support research so everyone can ‘Live Long and Prosper.’”

“While there is no cure for COPD, we have seen a significant amount of progress in COPD care and treatment over the last decade,” said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association. “However, we need more research into treatments to help people with COPD live longer, more active lives. Partnerships with organizations like The Nimoy Knight Foundation are critical to help advance COPD treatment and care. We are honored to collaborate with Julie and David to honor his memory and help families who may face this disease in the future.”

"Remembering Leonard Nimoy: His Life, Legacy and Battle with COPD” is a journey into the personal life and career of Leonard Nimoy, who is best known for playing Spock in the Star Trek franchise. This documentary is a loving tribute to a cultural icon and father, as told by his daughter, Julie Nimoy. Produced and directed by Julie and her husband, David, Remembering Leonard Nimoy offers insights into Leonard Nimoy’s childhood, career in Hollywood, and battle with COPD.