British actor William Morgan Sheppard has died aged 86.
He is best-known for his work on the science fiction show 'Star Trek'.
The actor played four different roles across the franchise and also featured in an episode of 'Doctor Who'.
He appeared in the sixth 'Star Trek' motion picture as the head of a prison where Captain Kirk and Doctor McCoy were held.
He also played supporting characters in episodes of 'Star Trek: The Next Generation' and 'Star Trek: Voyager'.
He recently appeared in JJ Abrams' 'Star Trek' film re-boot as a Vulcan council minister.
Born in London and educated in Ireland, the 86-year-old died in Los Angeles on Sunday.
He graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.
He won the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award for his performance in 'The Homecoming'.
His son, Mark Shappard, posted on Instagram: "We went to spend some time with my father today.
"Though he couldn't speak, we held hands, he laughed and was so happy to see us.
"We left and came home. A good day.
"He was rushed to hospital and passed at 6:30pm, my mother by his side.
"I am so grateful that he didn't have to suffer any longer."
Tributes have also been paid to the actor on Twitter:
#StarTrekÉire is sad to hear of passing of W. Morgan Sheppard. Known for his wonderfully raspy voice & grizzled features, Sheppard was in #TNG's #TheSchizoidMan #VOY ep #Bliss & as the shady Klingon greeting prisoners on Rura Penthe in #StarTrek VI #TheUndiscoveredCountry pic.twitter.com/7cneaYN8iv
— Star Trek fans & events in Ireland (@startrekeire) January 7, 2019
Incredibly sad to hear of the passing of W. Morgan Sheppard who played Canton Delaware III in Season 5's 'The Impossible Astronaut'. He also happened to be the real life father of Actor, Mark Sheppard, who played the younger version of Canton in #DoctorWho. pic.twitter.com/cnit0tzoXy
— Doctor Who Online (@DrWhoOnline) January 7, 2019
RIP W. Morgan Sheppard. You will be missed. #StarTrek #TNG #Voyager #roddenberry pic.twitter.com/WUQkc6FfuW
— RODDENBERRY (@roddenberry) January 7, 2019
Just heard that W. Morgan Sheppard passed away yesterday. Utterly crushed, and feel for all of his family inc. @Mark_Sheppard - he was a great man, and was taken far too soon.
— Tony Lee (@mrtonylee) January 7, 2019
So sorry, Mark. Your Dad was a wonderful man. So proud to have worked with him.
— Brent Spiner (@BrentSpiner) January 7, 2019
