Final salute as Leonard Nimoy laid to rest

02 March 2015 - 11:20 By Bang Showbiz
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Leonard Nimoy
Leonard Nimoy
Image: Bang Showbiz

Leonard Nimoy was laid to rest in a private funeral service on Sunday, but his friend and co-star William Shatner couldn't be there.

The 83-year-old actor, who is best known for playing the character Spock in the 'Star Trek' TV series and films for more 40 years, passed away at his home in Bel Air, Los Angeles on Friday and his funeral took place on Sunday.

The actor - who died of end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - was laid to rest during a traditional Jewish ceremony in a private service attended by just close friends and family, including wife Susan, children Adam and Julie and his stepson Aaron Bay Schuck.

The service took place close to Leonard's home, but his representative refused to confirm reports it was held at the Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary.

Leonard's friend and co-star William Shatner sparked a Twitter backlash after announcing he would be unable to attend the service due to charity commitments in Florida.

He tweeted on Saturday: ''I am currently in FL as I agreed to appear at the Red Cross Ball tonight.

Leonard's funeral is tomorrow. I can't make it back in time. ''I feel really awful. Here I am doing charity work and one of my dearest friends is being buried. ''I chose to honor a commitment I made months ago to appear at a charitable fundraiser.

A lot of money was raised. So here I am; tell me off.(sic)'' He was then deluged with angry comments from fans, but responded to them to say: ''One of the other misconceptions seems to be that folks think flights to LAX occur all night long.

''Walking out on a major fundraiser wouldn't have you calling me a jerk for leaving a charity high & dry? Hmm?'' In an attempt to make amends, the 83-year-old actor - whose daughters Melanie and Lisabeth attended the funeral - staged a Twitter Q and A about his memories of his pal instead.

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