On Saturday night in Silver City, New Mexico, Nichelle Nichols, who was best known for playing communications officer Uhura in the original Star Trek series, passed suddenly. Age-wise, she was 89. Gilbert Bell, Nichols’ longtime business partner, and talent manager confirmed her passing. On social media, condolences for Nichols flooded in.
In the series, Nichelle Nichols played Lieutenant Nyota Uhura, making her one of the first black actresses in the US to represent a person in a position of authority. She was a trailblazer and an icon. On Star Trek, she also participated in one of the first interracial kisses ever seen on television. In an effort to recruit more women and African-Americans as astronauts, NASA also employed Nichols.
In a statement shared on Facebook, her son Kyle Johnson wrote, “I regret to inform you that great light in the firmament no longer shines for us as it has for so many years. 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.”
Nichols’ sudden death left several Hollywood stars who knew and worked with her heartbroken. Director J. J. Abrams wrote on Twitter, “A remarkable woman in a remarkable role. Nichelle, you will be deeply missed. Sending much love and respect.”
Also, William Shatner wrote, “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”
