While it is regretful to report the passing of yet another Star Trek personality from the classic series, Sci Fi Pulse chooses to celebrate the wonderful science fiction contributions of a fine original Star Trek series actor, Bruce Hyde.
Born in Dallas, Texas, Mr. Hyde is perhaps best known for and very fondly remembered as ‘Lt. Kevin Riley’ in the classic Trek episodes, ‘The Naked Time’ and ‘The Conscience of the King’. No one can forget Mr. Hyde’s performance as Lt. Riley in ‘The Naked Time’ as his singing over the ships intercom amidst the turmoil of the episode is simply unforgettable and one of the hallmarks of the episode.
George Takei, famous for his portrayal of Mr. Sulu on the classic Star Trek series posted the following on Facebook in remembrance of Mr. Hyde;
While working as a professional actor, Hyde appeared in many television shows during the 1960’s such as, Dr Kildare, The Beverly Hillbillies and That Girl, just to name a few. It was however Mr. Hyde’s stage work that would become the bigger part of his career as an actor, appearing on Broadway and even starring in the San Francisco production of the musical ‘Hair‘.
But some of his most important contributions in life might very well have been later in life as a professor of ontology at Minnesota’s St Cloud State University.
Mr. Hyde recently passed away after a long five-year battle with throat cancer on October 13th, in St. Cloud, Minnesota at the great young age of 74.
In a 2014 StarTrek.com interview, the actor revealed that after leaving acting and taking part in the hippie lifestyle for a short while, he worked as a house painter in the San Francisco Bay area for about ten years before finding his calling as a teacher.
‘I have the best life. I’m married to a wonderful woman. We live in a house on the Mississippi River, overlooking the river. I have a wonderful job. I love my life. It couldn’t have turned out better.’
Thank you for helping to make Star trek as memorable as it was in those episodes you worked on and know that we loved your performances. While you will be missed sir, we will never forget your fine work on Star Trek and the science fiction community will always celebrate your life and contributions every single time we watch the fine adventures of ‘Lt. Kevin Riley’.
Here is to Bruce Hyde having Lived a Long and Prosperous Life and we wish him a safe journey on the next part to his journey.
