October 19, 2015 (Gephardt Daily) – Bruce Hyde, who will best be remembered for his two-episode turn on the original “Star Trek” died Tuesday at age 74. Hyde had suffered from throat cancer.
Hyde, who chaired the theater department, film studies and dance at Minnesota’s St. Cloud State University for more than two decades retired earlier this year.
It was his work on “Star Trek” that always wowed local actors and inspired students.
In a statement to the Star Tribune actor-director Zach Curtis said, “He never made a big deal about it … He was like, ‘Yeah, I did that.'”
Hyde played Lt. Kevin Riley in the “Star Trek” episodes “The Naked Time” and “The Conscience of the King.”
“They were good parts,” he said in a 2004 interview. “I just liked the experience of working for a paycheck.”
It wasn’t until several years later, reading about a New York convention dedicated to “Star Trek” that he realized “how big it was.” He appeared at a few conventions and even sang “I’ll Take You Home Again, Kathleen,” which he had done in one of the episodes to great acclaim.
“Of all the TV shows I could have done in the ’60s, how many would still have this following?” he said in 2004. “I feel privileged to be a part of it.”
Hyde’s acting resume also includes roles in “That Girl” and “The Beverly Hillbillies.” He also performed in “Canterbury Tales” on Broadway and a San Francisco production of “Hair.”
Hyde received his cancer diagnosis several years ago, but it seemed to be in remission. The disease returned this year forcing him to step down from his position at the University.
Even though Hyde was facing this challenge, he still made time to support local theater, “Every time he saw a show, he would stay afterward and talk to everyone.” Curtis said.
