Nichelle Nichols, who portrayed Lt. Uhura in the original Star Trek series, died Saturday at the age of 89.
The announcement was made on Sunday by her son, Kyle Johnson, on social media.
Nichols broke barriers as one of the first black women featured in a major television series with her role on Star Trek.
In a ground breaking scene in 1968, Nichols’ character Uhura and Captain Kirk, portrayed by William Shatner, shared a kiss which is considered one of the first interracial kisses on scripted television.
Nichols is said to have often told the story of her meeting with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who convinced her to stay on Star Trek when she considered quitting. Nichols said that King equated her role in the show with the civil rights movement and how inspiring it was for black children and women to see her appear as an equal on screen.
Following her role on Star Trek, Nichols worked with NASA in an effort to help recruit women and minorities to the space agency.
We celebrate the life of Nichelle Nichols, Star Trek actor, trailblazer, and role model, who symbolized to so many what was possible. She partnered with us to recruit some of the first women and minority astronauts, and inspired generations to reach for the stars. pic.twitter.com/pmQaKDb5zw
— NASA (@NASA) July 31, 2022
Dr. Sally Ride, the first American female astronaut, and United States Air Force Colonel Guion Bluford, the first African-American astronaut are considered to have been recruited due to Nichols’ program. Former astronaut Mae Jemison has cited Uhura as her inspiration for wanting to become an astronaut.
@NichelleIsUhura is forever for me the embodiment of grace, daring, intelligence, fun, inspiration, beauty, talent & the future.
Today I am heart-sad at her passing.
I consider our dearest friendship a great treasure & privilege in my life. pic.twitter.com/1U1PpWSryy— Dr. Mae Jemison (@maejemison) July 31, 2022
Fans, colleagues, politicians, activists, and many others have been sharing their memories of Nichols and condolences on social media since the announcement of her death.
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
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
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
