Nichelle Nichols, Lt. Uhura on TV’s ‘Star Trek,’ is Mourned

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Nichelle Nichols via StarTrek.com

Nichelle Nichols, who played Lieutenant Nyota Uhura of the USS Enterprise in a ground-breaking role on the original Star Trek TV series, died yesterday (July 30, 2022) at age 89. News of her passing was announced on July 31. Series star William Shatner, said, “[She] did so much for redefining social issues.” Her Star Trek co-star George Takei, who portrayed Lt. Hikaru Sulu, wrote “my heart is heavy, my eyes shining like the stars you now rest among, my dearest friend.”

In tributes, the actress was described more than once as a “trailblazer” for her role when the series debuted in 1966. The actress was she one of the first African-American women to be cast as a TV character with such prominent responsibilities. In her case, she served as the starship’s communications officer.

In a tribute, StarTrek.com wrote, “The radiant, ebullient actress embraced Star Trek, her role and the fans; spending parts of five decades as a favorite guest at Star Trek and science fiction conventions all around the world.”

In 1968, in the original series’ third and final season, Lt. Uhura and Captain James T. Kirk, the ship’s commanding officer, portrayed by Shatner, shared a screen kiss. While it wasn’t the first interracial kiss on television, it was certainly one that was noticed in the final frontier.

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

We lived long and prospered together. pic.twitter.com/MgLjOeZ98X

— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) July 31, 2022

Of the main cast, at the time of Nichols’s passing, only Shatner (91), Takei (85), and Walter Koenig (85, Ensign Chekov) are still alive,

From Kate Mulgrew, who portrayed Captain Kathryn Janeway on Star Trek: Voyager.

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

Nichols talked about her groundbreaking role on the series.

J.J. Abrams, who directed two Star Trek movies, also paid tribute.

A remarkable woman in a remarkable role. Nichelle, you will be deeply missed. Sending much love and respect. pic.twitter.com/ZRnMblXx0Z

— JJ Abrams (@jjabrams) July 31, 2022

In an attempt to attract more astronauts of color and women and to utilize her influence on so many young, budding astronauts and scientists, NASA contracted Nichols in a campaign to reach further applicants for their space shuttle program. One applicant included engineer Dr. Mae Jemison, the first Black woman in space.

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

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

My love for the original Star Trek is profound. Nichelle Nichols was a ground-breaker and a glorious ambassador for her show, her role and science all her life. And a truly lovely person. May she have a wonderful adventure to the final frontier.#ripnichellenichols

— jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) July 31, 2022