Nichelle Nichols, one of the first Black women to play a major role on primetime television, died on Saturday (July 30th) at the age of 89. Nichols was most known for her work on Star Trek: The Original Series as Lieutenant Nyota Uhura, a role that Martin Luther King Jr. referred to as “the first non-stereotypical role portrayed by a Black woman in television history.”
Nichols’ son, Kyle Johnson, released a statement on her official website Sunday (July 31st). “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,” he wrote. “Hers was a life well lived and as such a model for us all.”
The trailblazing actress portrayed one of the first interracial kisses on US television with her Star Trek costar William Shatner. Many stars took to social media to honor her legacy.
We lived long and prospered together. pic.twitter.com/MgLjOeZ98X
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) July 31, 2022
George Takei wrote, “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.” He added, “We lived long and prospered together.” Lynda Carter, Kate Mulgrew, and the National Air and Space Museum also honored the late actress.
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
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.
— Kate Mulgrew (@TheKateMulgrew) July 31, 2022
May she Rest In Peace. #NichelleNichols pic.twitter.com/DONSz6IV2b
We are sad to learn of the passing of Nichelle Nichols, who played Lt. Uhura on #StarTrek. She was an inspiration to many, not just for her groundbreaking work on Star Trek but also through her work with NASA to recruit women and people of color to apply to become astronauts. pic.twitter.com/5ItRirFl8S
— National Air and Space Museum (@airandspace) July 31, 2022
