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How did Laurel Goodwin die? Actress, 79, was part of rejected ‘Star Trek’ pilot

The news of Laurel Goodwin’s death comes days after the legendary actor and comedian Louie Anderson died on January 21

Laurel Goodwin, who was best known for starring alongside Elvis Presley in the 1962 film ‘Girls! Girls! Girls!’, died on February 25. She was 79. The sad news of her demise was shared by her sister Maureen Scott while paying an emotional tribute to her. Goodwin was also part of rejected first pilot made for ‘Star Trek’, titled ‘The Cage’.
 
The news of Goodwin’s death comes days after the legendary actor and comedian Louie Anderson died on January 21. He was admitted to the hospital days earlier after being diagnosed with cancer but sadly could not make it. Bob Saget is another icon that Hollywood lost on January 9. Speaking of celebrity deaths, Betty White died at 99 of natural causes on December 31, 2021. Chick Vennera, DMX, Jay Black, and Jeanette Maus are other public figures who passed away last year leaving their loyal fans devastated.
 
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How did Laurel Goodwin die?

Goodwin’s cause of death was not revealed by her sister. Goodwin was born in Wichita, Kansas but relocated to California with her family during World War II. The former child model pursued studied drama at San Francisco State University and later signed to a contract with Paramount Pictures. She debuted with ‘Girls! Girls! Girls!’ where she played one of the potential love interests for Elvis Presley. Goodwin then went to appear in other movies such as ‘Papa's Delicate Condition’, ‘Stage to Thunder Rock’, ‘Law of the Lawless’, and ‘The Glory Guys’.

The official tribute for the actress also stated, “Laurel and her husband, Walter Wood went on to work behind the scenes for many years. Together they produced "Stroker Ace" with Burt Reynolds and Loni Anderson. Laurel is survived by her sister, Maureen Scott, of Bellingham, WA and a multitude of friends and relatives around the world. If she knew you, you quickly became family.”

She was last surviving member of the cast of pilot of 'Star Trek'

Social media users took to Twitter to bid farewell to the actress. “Laurel Goodwin has passed and why some of you know that name has Elvis Presley's co star. People like @BurnettRM will know that name as the last surviving cast member of the pilot of #StarTrek”, said one user as another posted, “#RIP Laurel Goodwin; after starring with Elvis in 'Girls! Girls! Girls!' and in "The Cage," the rejected first pilot for @StarTrek, she passed on two network comedies, hoping to get another chance with the sci-fi show. She didn't.”
 
The next one shared, “Sad to hear that Laurel Goodwin, yet another member of our #StarTrek family, has passed away. Laurel appeared along with Captain Pike, Number One, and Spock in the original pilot, "The Cage." Sending my condolences to her family and loved ones.” One added, “Sad to hear about the passing of Laurel Goodwin. She was wonderful in The Cage.” And, another concluded, “Rest easy Laurel Goodwin. Colt was one of my favorite characters in The Cage, I had my hair cut like hers for ages.”