Nichelle Nichols, who portrayed the iconic role of communications officer Uhura in the Star Trek series, passed away in Silver City, N.M, on Saturday night. The late star was 89 at the time of her demise. According to Variety’s report, Nichols’ death was confirmed by her talent manager Gilbert Hill who had also been her business partner for 15 years. Right now, tributes are pouring in for the late Star Trek star on social media platforms.
Nichelle Nichols’ career
Talking about Nichelle Nichols, she was an icon and a trailblazer in the industry for decades. Her role as Lieutenant Nyota Uhura in the original Star Trek series made her one of the first black actresses to play an authority figure in the US. Apart from that, the actress also shared one of the first interracial kisses in the television industry in the Star Trek series itself. For the unversed, Nasa employed Nichelle Nichols to encourage more African Americans and women to become astronauts.
Official statement
Nichelle Nichols’ son Kyle Johnson shared an official statement on Facebook and wrote, “I regret to inform you that a 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.”
Tributes to the late star
Meanwhile, multiple tributes are pouring in for the late actress on social media. For instance, director J.J Abrams took to Twitter and wrote, “A remarkable woman in a remarkable role. Nichelle, you will be deeply missed. Sending much love and respect.”
Apart from that, 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.”
Actress Kate Mulgrew took to Twitter and wrote, “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.”
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
Noted American lawyer Bernice King wrote, “Representation matters. Excellence in representation matters even more. Thank you, #NichelleNichols. Rest well, ancestor.”
Representation matters.
Excellence in representation matters even more.
Thank you, #NichelleNichols.
Rest well, ancestor. 🖤 pic.twitter.com/LV6e1UYyzG— Be A King (@BerniceKing) July 31, 2022
Meanwhile, actor Wilson Cruz also wrote on Twitter, “Before we understood how much #RepresentationMatters #NichelleNichols modeled it for us. With her very presence & her grace she shone a light on who we as people of color are & inspired us to reach for our potential. Rest well glittering diamond in the sky.”
Before we understood how much #RepresentationMatters #NichelleNichols modeled it for us. With her very presence & her grace she shone a light on who we as people of color are & inspired us to reach for our potential. Rest well glittering diamond in the sky https://t.co/DmeLFbg825
— Wilson Cruz (@wcruz73) July 31, 2022