Nichelle Nichols, the actress famous for her role as Lt Uhura in Star Trek, a role which saw her break racial stereotypes by sharing an interracial onscreen kiss with William Shatner, has died at the age of 89.
Her role in the 1966-69 series as Lieutenant Nyota Uhura earned her great respect and admiration from the show's hardcore fans, known as Trekkers and Trekkies, not only for her acting skill , but for her willingness to challenge the system.
The Startrek Franchise took to Twitter to express their sadness at her passing saying, “ StarTrek.com is deeply saddened to report the passing of Nichelle Nichols, the Star Trek franchise's beloved Lt. Uhura, who passed away on July 30, 2022. 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.”
We’re deeply saddened to report the passing of Nichelle Nichols - a trailblazer, an inspiration, and so much more. She will be deeply missed. https://t.co/iBwyOPaxTP
— Star Trek (@StarTrek) July 31, 2022
NASA also took to social media to pay tribute, their post reads: “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".
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
May you RIP Nichelle Nichols.
