Star Trek child star Jon Paul Steuer has died at the age of 33.

According to local reports, Steur - also known as musician and restaurateur Jonny P Jewels later in his career - died on January 1.

In 1990, the actor was the first to play the character of Alexander Rozhenko in The Next Generation, reportedly being the only child able to sit still for the three hours it took the make-up department to apply his Klingon facial prosthetics.

Steur went on to star as Quentin Kelly in US series Grace Under Fire and had a starring role in 1994 children's comedy film Little Giants.

In his later career as a restaurateur, Steuer owned his own establishment in Portland, Oregon and performed as part of the band P.R.O.B.L.E.M.S.

A cause of death is reportedly yet to be determined.

Steuer's bandmates confirmed his passing in a tribute which read: “It is with heavy hearts and saddened minds that we announce the passing of our dear friend and singer Jonny Jewels, AKA Jon Paul Steuer.

“The addition of Jonny to our dysfunctional band family was one of the best choices that we have ever made, and he brought a much needed sense of fun and lightheartedness to everything we did.

“He was only with us for a little more than a year, but we managed to cram a lifetime of great experiences into his tenure as our singer: dozens shows at home in Portland and across several states, an amazing European tour, and our best full-length release yet.

“We've lost our singer, but far, far more than that we've lost a friend. Rest in peace, Jonny...we love you. Jon Paul Steuer March 27, 1984 - January 1, 2018.”

Steuer was born in California and began his acting career at the age of 3 before quitting the industry just nine years later.