Star Trek and soap actress Kathryn Hays dead at 87

Star Trek and iconic soap actress Kathryn Hays has died aged 87.

The news of Hays' death was announced yesterday in local publication the Connecticut Post. She died on March 25 in Fairfield, Connecticut.

Hays was known for her role as the chaotic homewrecker Kim Sullivan in the soap As the World Turns. She maintained her role on the show for 35 years making her the fourth-longest-serving cast member when the series went off the air.

READ MORE: Shoppers stunned by bizarre Costco item found in aisle

The actress was also known by fans for her infamous guest role as Gem in the 1968 episode 'The Empath' in the original Star Trek series. She appeared in the series as a beautiful alien who rescues an injured Captain Kirk by absorbing his injuries.

Hays was born in Princeton, Illinois and began her acting career in the 1960s and made appearances on series Hawaiian Eye, Surfside 6, Naked City and Route 66.

READ MORE: Family-run bakery trolled after posting photo from Scott Morrison visit

By 1963, she had starred in the Cold War thriller Ladybug Ladybug, about an imminent Russian nuclear attack. She made many guest appearances on TV series throughout the 60's and into the 70's.

Hays joined the cast of As the World Turns in August 1972 and featured prominently in the various soap storylines over the decades the series aired for. She notably featured in a storyline involving marital rape — a controversial and rarely discussed issue at the time.

READ MORE: Biggest difference between how Baby Boomers and Gen Z spend money

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Sherri and Bob Mancusi; three grandchildren; and a great-grandson.