Actor Zachary Quinto, who played a young Spock in J.J. Abrams' movies based on the cult show, has paid tribute to the late 'Star Trek' icon Leonard Nimoy in a heartfelt public article. 

Nimoy died earlier this week after suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and Quinto explained that he looked up to the star as a father figure and always turned to him for personal advice:

"I lost my father at a very young age, and Leonard came to occupy a space in my life that was like a father figure. I had this person that I could look to with such respect. He was refined. And he cultivated a sense of dignity and respect for other people."

"When I publicly announced I was gay, Leonard's embrace was unconditional. I shared my relationships with him. We spoke of it often during that period in my life and afterwards. He was supportive and encouraging. He met my boyfriend, and we had dinner together."

"The first thing that I really took note of with Leonard was his sense of humour. He used it to disarm people. Those who had certain expectations were often surprised by how funny he was. Wise man that he was, he never took anything too seriously, yet he was a very serious man."

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Watch footage of Quinto and Nimoy together here: