The actress is Leslie Parrish, who appeared in both Star Trek and the 1960s Batman. Her death was confirmed publicly in August 2026, although she actually died in late 2025 at age 90. (The Hollywood Reporter)
Iconic Star Trek and Batman Actress Leslie Parrish Dies at 90
Hollywood is remembering Leslie Parrish, the actress whose career took her from classic films to some of television’s most beloved shows.
Parrish died at the age of 90 in Washington state. Her death was only publicly confirmed in August 2026, with her family revealing that she had actually passed away in late 2025. A cause of death was not disclosed. (The Hollywood Reporter)
Born Marjorie Hellen in Melrose, Massachusetts, in 1935, Parrish began her career as a model before being discovered by a talent scout and signing with Twentieth Century Fox.
Her acting career eventually included appearances in major productions such as The Manchurian Candidate, Perry Mason, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Batman, and Star Trek. (EW.com)
A Memorable Star Trek Appearance
For science-fiction fans, Parrish is particularly remembered for playing Lieutenant Carolyn Palamas in the original Star Trek episode “Who Mourns for Adonais?”
Her character became central to the episode’s dramatic story involving Captain Kirk, Mr. Scott, and the powerful being claiming to be Apollo.
Although she appeared in only one episode of the original series, the performance remained memorable among Star Trek fans decades later.
Her Batman Connection
Parrish also appeared in the classic 1960s television series Batman, portraying Glacia Glaze, an accomplice of Mr. Freeze. (EW.com)
Her television work was only part of her legacy. On the big screen, she was perhaps best known for playing Jocelyn Jordan in the acclaimed 1962 political thriller The Manchurian Candidate. (EW.com)
A Life Beyond Hollywood
Later in life, Parrish devoted significant energy to political activism, environmental causes, and animal conservation.
Her activism included opposition to the Vietnam War and involvement in environmental and wildlife efforts. After retiring from acting in 1978, she increasingly focused her attention on those causes. (EW.com)
Her career may have lasted only a couple of decades, but the roles she left behind remain recognizable to generations of television and film fans.
From Star Trek and Batman to The Manchurian Candidate, Leslie Parrish became part of an extraordinary era of American entertainment.
She was 90.
Her family, friends, and countless fans are now remembering an actress whose work continues to live on through the classic films and television shows she helped make memorable.