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How did Joanne Linville die? ‘Star Trek’ and 'Dynasty' actress was 93

Joanne Linvelle and acclaimed teacher Stella Adler started an acting conservatory under Adler’s name in the 1980s

Joanne Linville, who was best known for playing the role of Romulan commander in 'Star Trek,' died on Sunday, June 20 in Los Angeles. She was 93 years old. 

Linville's cause of death has not been revealed yet. She is survived by her ex-husband, Oscar-nominated director Mark Rydell and their children, Christopher and Amy, as well as several grandchildren and a great-grandchild. We earlier reported the death of 'Star Trek' actor Robert Walker Jr who died at the age of 79.

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Linville, a California native, performed in dozens of popular TV shows in her decades-long career, which included: 'The Twilight Zone', 'Columbo', 'Kojak', 'Dynasty', 'Charlie’s Angels', 'L.A. Law', 'Gunsmoke', 'The Streets of San Francisco', 'Hawaii Five-0', 'Route 66', 'Barnaby Jones' and 'Alfred Hitchcock Presents', She also appeared in several films including the 1976 version of 'A Star Is Born', starring Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson, and the 1973 spy film 'Scorpio' with Burt Lancaster.

But Linville is often remembered for playing the role of a powerful Romulan commander on September 27, 1968, released, 'Star Trek' episode 'The Enterprise Incident', in which her character faces off with Captain James T Kirk (William Shatner) and romances with Vulcan officer Spock (Leonard Nimoy). She also played the character of a Southern Civil War widow in a 1961 episode of Rod Serling’s classic sci-fi series 'The Twilight Zone'.

One of her more recent parts was portraying legendary gossip columnist Hedda Hopper in the 2001 TV movie 'James Dean', starring James Franco in the lead role. The film was directed by her ex-husband, Mark Rydell. Linville and acclaimed teacher Stella Adler started an acting conservatory under Adler’s name in the 1980s. 

Television and film producer Mark A Altman who worked on the 2016 documentary '50 Years of ‘Star Trek', saluted her portrayal on social media, he said, "Saddened to hear about the passing of the great #JoanneLinville. Perhaps the best thing about #StarTrek's third season. Commander of not one, but three Roman flagships and custodian of the cloaking device and, for a time, Mr. Spock's heart." Star Trek tour posted, "So sad to hear about Joanne Linville’s passing. Our hearts go out to her family, friends, and fans. #StarTrekFamily"

One person tweeted, "Sad to learn of the passing of Joanne Linville — who played the Romulan commander in the Star Trek: The Original Series episode "The Enterprise Incident". She was 93. May her memory LLAP." While another one said, "RIP Joanne Linville. One of my favorite Star Trek villains and a great actress on so many things."