Nichelle Nichols, solid member of the unique “Star Trek” sequence within the Sixties, died Saturday at age 89.
Nichols helped break obstacles as Lt. Uhura, displaying a Black girl ready of authority on TV. She additionally shared one of many first interracial kisses on American prime-time tv with William Shatner, per The Washington Put up.
Her son, Kyle Johnson, introduced her demise on her web site, uhura.com, on Saturday.
“Her gentle, nonetheless, like the traditional galaxies now being seen for the primary time, will stay for us and future generations to get pleasure from, be taught from, and draw inspiration,” Johnson wrote.
Members of the “Star Trek” crew — James Doohan, again proper, Walter Koenig, George Takei and Nichelle Nichols, and DeForest Kelley, entrance proper, William Shatnter and Leonard Nimoy — toast the most recent “Trek” movie — by which Shatner makes his directorial debut — “Star Trek V: The Closing Frontier,” throughout a information convention at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles on Dec. 28, 1988.
Bob Galbraith, Related Press
After Nichols starred in “Star Trek” for 3 seasons, she immersed herself within the area program. “She helped NASA in making the company extra numerous, serving to to recruit astronauts Sally Journey, Judith Resnik and Guion Bluford, amongst others,” in keeping with CNN.
NASA acknowledged Nichols’ trailblazing contributions to the world in a tweet:
“We have fun the lifetime of Nichelle Nichols, Star Trek actor, trailblazer, and position mannequin, who symbolized to so many what was doable. She partnered with us to recruit a number of the first ladies and minority astronauts, and impressed generations to achieve for the celebrities.”
We have fun the lifetime of Nichelle Nichols, Star Trek actor, trailblazer, and position mannequin, who symbolized to so many what was doable. She partnered with us to recruit a number of the first ladies and minority astronauts, and impressed generations to achieve for the celebrities. pic.twitter.com/pmQaKDb5zw
— NASA (@NASA) July 31, 2022
Her “Star Trek” costar George Takei paid tribute to the actress, tweeting:
I shall have extra to say in regards to the trailblazing, incomparable Nichelle Nichols, who shared the bridge with us as Lt. Uhura of the USS Enterprise, and who handed at the moment at age 89. For at the moment, my coronary heart is heavy, my eyes shining like the celebrities you now relaxation amongst, my dearest pal.
I shall have extra to say in regards to the trailblazing, incomparable Nichelle Nichols, who shared the bridge with us as Lt. Uhura of the USS Enterprise, and who handed at the moment at age 89. For at the moment, my coronary heart is heavy, my eyes shining like the celebrities you now relaxation amongst, my dearest pal.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) July 31, 2022
Shatner, one other “Star Trek” costar, tweeted:
I’m so sorry to listen to in regards to the passing of Nichelle. She was a fantastic girl & performed an admirable character that did a lot for redefining social points each right here within the US & all through the world. I’ll actually miss her. Sending my love and condolences to her household. Invoice.
I’m so sorry to listen to in regards to the passing of Nichelle. She was a fantastic girl & performed an admirable character that did a lot for redefining social points each right here within the US & all through the world. I’ll actually miss her. Sending my love and condolences to her household. Invoice
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) July 31, 2022
Famend director J.J. Abrams, who directed the 2009 and 2013 “Star Trek” reboots, tweeted his respects.
A exceptional girl in a exceptional position. Nichelle, you can be deeply missed. Sending a lot love and respect.
The unique “Surprise Lady” actress, Lynda Carter, tweeted her appreciation for Nichols.
Many actors turn into stars, however few stars can transfer a nation. Nichelle Nichols confirmed us the extraordinary energy of Black ladies and paved the way in which for a greater future for all ladies in media. Thanks, Nichelle. We’ll miss you.
Many actors turn into stars, however few stars can transfer a nation. Nichelle Nichols confirmed us the extraordinary energy of Black ladies and paved the way in which for a greater future for all ladies in media. Thanks, Nichelle. We’ll miss you. pic.twitter.com/KhUf4YM6pX
— Lynda Carter (@RealLyndaCarter) July 31, 2022
Former “Seinfeld” star Jason Alexander tweeted his love for the “Star Trek” actress.
My love for the unique Star Trek is profound. Nichelle Nichols was a ground-breaker and an excellent ambassador for her present, her position and science all her life. And a very pretty individual. Might she have an exquisite journey to the ultimate frontier.
#ripnichellenichols.
Celia Rose Gooding, who performs Uhura in “Star Trek: Unusual New Worlds” on Paramount+, tweeted:
She made room for therefore many people. She was the reminder that not solely can we attain the celebrities, however our affect is important to their survival. Overlook shaking the desk, she constructed it! #RIPNichellNichols.
