She Lived Long & Prospered: Iconic ‘Star Trek’ Actress Nichelle Nichols Passes Away At 89
Source: Michael Tran / Getty
She lived long and prospered. Star Trek actress Nichelle Nichols passed away at the age of 89.
Nichelle Nichols, best known for her groundbreaking role as Nyota Uhura in Star Trek: The Original Series, passed away on Saturday night (Jul.30). Her son, Kyle Johnson, revealed the iconic actress died of natural causes in an Instagram post shared on Nichol’s official IG page.
Friends, Fans, Colleagues, World
I regret to inform you that a great light in the firmament no longer shines for us as it has for so many years.
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.
Hers was a life well lived and as such a model for us all.
I, and the rest of our family, would appreciate your patience and forbearance as we grieve her loss until we can recover sufficiently to speak further. Her services will be for family members and the closest of her friends and we request that her and our privacy be respected.
Live Long and Prosper,
Kyle Johnson.
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She Was A Trailblazer
As Lieutenant Uhura, Nichelle Nichols broke many barriers for Black women on television, being one of the first Black actresses to be featured in a major television series. She received praise from Civil Rights icon Martin Luther King and also inspired Black actresses and astronauts to pursue careers in both fields.
Nichelle Nichols starred in the original Star Trek series from 1966 to 1969, reprising her role in several Star Trek movies and the 2020’s Star Trek First Frontier.
Nichols even worked for NASA as a recruiter in the 1970s after publicly criticizing the agency for failing to consider women and other minorities for jobs in the agency.
“At the end of the recruitment, NASA had so many highly qualified people. They took six women. They took three African-American men … it was a very fulfilling accomplishment for me,” Nichols said.
Her legendary on-screen kiss with Captain Kirk (William Shatner) in a 1966 episode of Star Trek is regarded by some to be the first interracial kiss on television.
Speaking on the historic kiss in her 1994 book Beyond Uhura: Star Trek and Other Memories, she wrote:
“Finally, the guys in charge relented: “To hell with it. Let’s go with the kiss”.
“I guess they figured we were going to be canceled in a few months anyway. And so the kiss stayed.”
Rest in power, Nichelle Nichols.
Photo: Michael Tran / Getty
1.
RIP Nichelle Nichols, prayers to her family
pic.twitter.com/MSiPFqxWFf
— LizzLocker (@Lizzs_Lockeroom) July 31, 2022
2.
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
3.
Two of the best days of my life were the days in 2017 I spent with Nichelle Nichols. She told me stories and made "pew pew" sounds when I would sit next to her with my phaser. She inspired me to do what I do now. I'm always be grateful for her beautiful legacy. Rest well. pic.twitter.com/9lbY7V1cvP
— Krystina Arielle
(@KrystinaArielle) July 31, 2022
4.
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
5.
Bill Russell and Nichelle Nichols were both icons in their own right — challenging and changing public perceptions with dignity, grace and the strength of their example.
May they both rest well. pic.twitter.com/Q6vk3M8t1S
— Geoff Bennett (@GeoffRBennett) July 31, 2022
6.
I'm so sorry to learn that Nichelle Nichols has passed away. A pioneer both on screen and in real life, Nichelle inspired countless people through her role as Nyota Uhura on #StarTrek and her science advocacy. Sending my condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues.
pic.twitter.com/BiuDA6nwfM
— Jay Stobie (@StobiesGalaxy) July 31, 2022
7.
Nichelle Nichols, who played Lieutenant Uhura on the original STAR TREK series–and broke new ground–has passed away at 89.
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) July 31, 2022
8.
Sad news, the iconic Nichelle Nichols, who played Lieutenant Uhura on Star Trek has died.
A radical, trail blazing star of the silver screen.
When she said 'Captain', everybody listened. Rest in peace.
— Peter Guy (@Getintothis) July 31, 2022
9.
One of my most treasured photos – Godspeed to Nichelle Nichols, champion, warrior and tremendous actor. Her kindness and bravery lit the path for many. May she forever dwell among the stars. #RIPNichelle #Uhura pic.twitter.com/nFXHif8HEC
— Stacey Abrams (@staceyabrams) July 31, 2022
10.
We here at Star Trek Tour are devastated to hear of the passing of
Nichelle Nichols. May her example continue to inspire. Rest well dear lady. pic.twitter.com/JidF9pRkRT— @startrektour (@startrektour) July 31, 2022
11.
The legendary Nichelle Nichols has died at 89.
Her son Kyle announced the news of her passing.
Nichols was a trailblazer.
She was one of the first Black actors to play a major role on a television series and the type of role she had on Star Trek was groundbreaking. pic.twitter.com/cA8KKnmdTb
— Yashar Ali
(@yashar) July 31, 2022
