Bruce Hyde, 'Star Trek' Actor, Dies At 74

Bruce Hyde, best known for his role as Lt. Kevin Riley in the cult sci-fi "Star Trek" original series, has died, Entertainment Weekly reported. Hyde, who went on to enjoy a career as an educator, lost his battle with throat cancer at 74 years old.

Hyde passed away on Oct. 13 in St. Cloud, Minn., his widow Susan Saetre confirmed to CNN.

"He lived such a full life. He made a difference for everybody," Saetre told CNN. "This was his perfect last act."

Born in Dallas in 1941, Hyde began his acting career in the mid-1960s while studying English at Northwestern University, the Washington Post reported. He earned small roles in TV shows like "Dr. Kildare," "That Girl" and "The Beverly Hillbillies," but his most memorable performance was in two "Star Trek" episodes titled "Naked Time" and "The Conscience of the King."

"I'm honored to have my little toe in pop culture history," Hyde told StarTrek.com last September.

Hyde took a break from acting in the 1990s and began a career in teaching at St. Cloud State University, according to Entertainment Weekly. He earned the rank of professor emeritus earlier this year after decades of teaching courses in the Department of Theatre & Film Studies and the Department of Communication Studies.

But Hyde made a lasting impression on the beloved "Star Trek" series, and his co-star George Takei (who played Hikaru Sulu in the series) took the time to post a tribute to the late actor and professor on Twitter.

"Saddened by the passing of Bruce Hyde," Takei tweeted. "I had the joy of working with him in 'The Naked Time,' my favorite episode."

See Takei's tribute to Hyde below.