Entertainment

Nichelle Nichols, Lt. Uhura on ‘Star Trek,’ has died at 89

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,”

Published

3 years ago

August 1, 2022

Joseph Collins

Nichelle Nichols, Lt. Uhura on ‘Star Trek,’ has died at 89. Nichols, who broke barriers for Black women in Hollywood as communications officer Lt. Uhura on the original “Star Trek” television series, has past away.

Her son Kyle Johnson said Nichols died Saturday in Silver City, New Mexico.

“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 on her official Facebook page Sunday. “Hers was a life well lived and as such a model for us all.”

Her role in the 1966-69 series earned Nichols a lifelong position of honor with the series’ rabid fans, known as Trekkers and Trekkies. It also earned her accolades for breaking stereotypes that had limited Black women to acting roles as servants and included an interracial onscreen kiss with co-star William Shatner that was unheard of at the time.

Shatner tweeted: “I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Nichelle. She was a beautiful woman & played an admirable character.”

George Takei, who shared the bridge of the USS Enterprise with her as Sulu in the original “Star Trek” series, called her trailblazing and incomparable. “For today, my heart is heavy, my eyes shining like the stars you now rest among, my dearest friend,” he tweeted.

Nichols’ impact was felt far beyond her immediate co-stars, and many others in the “Star Trek” world also tweeted their condolences.

Celia Rose Gooding, who currently plays Uhura in “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,” tweeted that Nichols “made room for so many of us. She was the reminder that not only can we reach the stars, but our influence is essential to their survival. Forget shaking the table, she built it.”

“Star Trek: Voyager” alum 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.”

Like other original cast members, Nichols also appeared in six big-screen spinoffs starting in 1979 with “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” and frequented “Star Trek” fan conventions. She also served for many years as a NASA recruiter, helping bring minorities and women into the astronaut corps.

Nichelle Nichols, Lt. Uhura on ‘Star Trek,’ has died at 89.

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Joseph Collins

Joseph Collins CEO of Urban Television Network Corp.

6 Comments

Nadine Hughes

September 5, 2024 at 12:06 am

Nichelle Nichols’ passing marks the end of an era, but her legacy as Lt. Uhura on ‘Star Trek’ will continue to shine brightly. As a trailblazer for diversity and representation in media, her contributions transcended entertainment, inspiring countless individuals to pursue their dreams and challenge societal norms. Her enduring spirit will live on, reminding us of the importance of inclusivity and the power of storytelling to foster understanding and connection across generations.

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teresa hughes

September 5, 2024 at 3:24 am

The passing of Nichelle Nichols marks the end of an era, but her legacy as a pioneering actress and a beloved icon will forever resonate across generations. As Lt. Uhura, she broke barriers and became a symbol of representation and empowerment in the Star Trek universe and beyond. Although she has left us, her profound impact will continue to inspire countless individuals to pursue their dreams and embrace diversity. In celebrating her life and contributions, we honor a shining star whose light will guide us eternally.

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Regina Bailey

September 5, 2024 at 3:31 am

The passing of Nichelle Nichols marks the end of an era, as she was not only an iconic actress best known for her role as Lt. Uhura on ‘Star Trek,’ but also a pioneering figure in breaking barriers for representation in media. Her legacy will continue to shine brightly, inspiring countless individuals to explore the realms of possibility, challenge societal norms, and embrace diversity. As we celebrate her remarkable contributions to both the entertainment industry and the advancement of civil rights, we are reminded that her influence will endure, lighting the way for future generations.

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Sherry Mitchell

September 5, 2024 at 11:40 pm

Nichelle Nichols’ legacy as Lt. Uhura transcends the boundaries of television, embodying a pioneering spirit that has inspired countless individuals across generations. Her remarkable contributions to the arts and her role as a trailblazer for diversity in media will continue to resonate, illuminating the paths of future dreamers and leaders. As we remember her vibrant spirit, we celebrate the enduring impact of her work and the light she brought into our lives. While she may be gone, her influence will forever shine brightly.

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Ernest Wright

September 7, 2024 at 5:30 pm

Nichelle Nichols’ passing marks the end of an era, but her legacy as Lt. Uhura in ‘Star Trek’ will endure. Her groundbreaking role not only paved the way for future generations of actors but also inspired countless individuals in the fields of science, technology, and the arts. As we remember her remarkable contributions and the light she brought to the world, we are reminded that her impact will continue to shine brightly, guiding and inspiring us for years to come.

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janice simmons

September 7, 2024 at 6:47 pm

Nichelle Nichols’ passing marks the end of an era, but her legacy will endure through the countless lives she touched as Lt. Uhura on ‘Star Trek.’ Her trailblazing role not only broke barriers for representation in media but also inspired generations to dream of a more inclusive future. As we mourn her loss, we celebrate her brilliance and the lasting impact she made on both the entertainment industry and society as a whole. Nichols’ light will continue to shine brightly in the hearts and minds of those she inspired.

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