3rd Rock from the Sun actress dies aged 89.

Actress Elmarie Wendel, who was best known for her role as Mrs Dubcek in American sitcom 3rd Rock From The Sun, has died aged 89.

Her daughter, actress JC Wendel, confirmed her death on Instagram, writing: "#ripelmariewendel you were a great mom and a badass dame."

She did not give the cause of death.

Fellow 3rd Rock actor Jim Beaver posted a tribute to Wendel on his Twitter page: "I've just heard from her daughter JC that my friend and colleague from 3rd ROCK FROM THE SUN, Elmarie Wendel, has died. She was raucous, funny, endearing, and terribly, terribly sweet. Goodnight, Mrs. Dubcek, wherever you are."

The sci-fi sitcom - which looked at human behaviour from the perspective of aliens - ran for six seasons on NBC from 1996 to 2001.

Wendel, who was born in Iowa and spent her childhood performing in music hall venues with her parents and sisters, first found success in Broadway as a singer and actress.

She then crossed over into TV and film, before winning the role of eccentric landlady Mamie Dubcek in 3rd Rock.

Earlier TV guest roles included Seinfeld, NYPD Blue and Murder, She Wrote.

Wendel also voiced Aunt Grizelda in the 2012 film The Lorax.

Sky News.