On Sunday, actress and singer Nichelle Nichols passed away at age 89.
According to a statement released by her son, Kyle Johnson, on her official website, the beloved actress passed away from natural causes.
“Last night, my mother, Nichelle Nichols, succumbed to natural causes and passed away. Her light however, like the ancient galaxies now being seen for the first time, will remain for us and future generations to enjoy, learn from, and draw inspiration,” Johnson wrote. “Hers was a life well lived and as such a model for us all.”
Martin Luther King Jr. Praised Nichelle Nichols For Her Work On ‘Star Trek’
We lived long and prospered together. pic.twitter.com/MgLjOeZ98X
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) July 31, 2022
Nichelle Nichols is best known for portraying communications officer Lt. Nyota Uhura in “Star Trek: The Original Series.” When the series first began in 1966, her role was groundbreaking. Black women had been portrayed on TV before, but they often had small roles. Uhura was an essential part of the crew and was inspirational to many.
According to CNN, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. called her role “the first non-stereotypical role portrayed by a Black woman in television history.”
She also was involved in one of the first interracial kisses ever seen on television screens when her character kissed Captain James T. Kirk, who was portrayed by white Canadian actor William Shatner. When asked about the kiss in an interview with CNN in 2014, Nichols said that scene “changed television forever, and it also changed the way people looked at one another.”
Many “Star Trek” fans took to social media to pay tribute to the acting legend, including costars William Shatner and George Takei.
‘Star Trek’ Alums Pay Tribute To Their Inspirational Costar
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Nichelle. She was a beautiful woman & played an admirable character that did so much for redefining social issues both here in the US & throughout the world. I will certainly miss her. Sending my love and condolences to her family. Bill
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) July 31, 2022
William Shatner tweeted, “I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Nichelle. She was a beautiful woman & played an admirable character that did so much for redefining social issues both here in the US & throughout the world. I will certainly miss her. Sending my love and condolences to her family. Bill.”
I shall have more to say about the trailblazing, incomparable Nichelle Nichols, who shared the bridge with us as Lt. Uhura of the USS Enterprise, and who passed today at age 89. For today, my heart is heavy, my eyes shining like the stars you now rest among, my dearest friend.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) July 31, 2022
George Takei tweeted, “I shall have more to say about the trailblazing, incomparable Nichelle Nichols, who shared the bridge with us as Lt. Uhura of the USS Enterprise, and who passed today at age 89. For today, my heart is heavy, my eyes shining like the stars you now rest among, my dearest friend.”
My favorite photo of Dad and Nichelle Nichols on set. The importance of Nichelle’s legacy cannot be over-emphasized. She was much loved and will be missed. pic.twitter.com/1zlTd4F9BD
— Adam Nimoy (@adam_nimoy) July 31, 2022
Adam Nimoy, the son of the late “Star Trek” actor Leonard Nimoy, tweeted, “My favorite photo of Dad and Nichelle Nichols on set. The importance of Nichelle’s legacy cannot be over-emphasized. She was much loved and will be missed.”
Many actors become stars, but few stars can move a nation. Nichelle Nichols showed us the extraordinary power of Black women and paved the way for a better future for all women in media. Thank you, Nichelle. We will miss you. pic.twitter.com/KhUf4YM6pX
— Lynda Carter (@RealLyndaCarter) July 31, 2022
“Wonder Woman” Lynda Carter tweeted, “Many actors become stars, but few stars can move a nation. Nichelle Nichols showed us the extraordinary power of Black women and paved the way for a better future for all women in media. Thank you, Nichelle. We will miss you.”
Nichelle Nichols was The First. She was a trailblazer who navigated a very challenging trail with grit, grace, and a gorgeous fire we are not likely to see again.
May she Rest In Peace. #NichelleNichols pic.twitter.com/DONSz6IV2b
— Kate Mulgrew (@TheKateMulgrew) July 31, 2022
Actress and author Kate Mulgrew tweeted, “Nichelle Nichols was The First. She was a trailblazer who navigated a very challenging trail with grit, grace, and a gorgeous fire we are not likely to see again. May she Rest in Peace.”
We celebrate the life of Nichelle Nichols, Star Trek actor, trailblazer, and role model, who symbolized to so many what was possible. She partnered with us to recruit some of the first women and minority astronauts, and inspired generations to reach for the stars. pic.twitter.com/pmQaKDb5zw
— NASA (@NASA) July 31, 2022
After “Star Trek” wrapped up its run, Nichols dedicated herself to the space program, helping make NASA more diverse by recruiting astronauts such as Sally Ride, Judith Resnik, and Guion Bluford, among others.
The official NASA Twitter account paid tribute to her contributions, tweeting, “We celebrate the life of Nichelle Nichols, Star Trek actor, trailblazer, and role model, who symbolized to so many what was possible. She partnered with us to recruit some of the first women and minority astronauts, and inspired generations to reach for the stars.”
