'Star Trek' Icon Nichelle Nichols Dies at 89; Fans, Celebrities Mourn Shocking Passing

Nichelle Nichols, an American actress best known for her work on the science fiction TV series 'Star Trek' in the 1960s, passes away at the age of 89. Rich Fury/Getty Images

Nichelle Nichols, who played Lieutenant Nyota Uhura in the original 'Star Trek series, died.

Kyle Johnson, Nichols' son, announced her death on her website on Sunday. Johnson stated that his mother died naturally. Johnson described his mother's life as well-lived and so an example for everyone. He requested privacy for the family.

Ground-Breaking Actress Nichelle Nichols

Nichols and her 'Star Trek' character Uhura broke ground as one of television's first Black female protagonists. Rod Roddenberry, son of the show's founder Gene Roddenberry and executive producer of the current editions of 'Star Trek,' lamented Nichols' death on Sunday.

Grace Nichols was born in Illinois as Nichols. According to the National Space Society, for which Nichols served on the board of governors, she was discovered as a teenager in Chicago by composer and musician Duke Ellington while working as a dancer and choreographer.

Before his part in 'Star Trek,' Nichols was a talented dancer with only a few acting credits. Nichelle Nichols appears in the first season of 'Star Trek' in 1966. She pondered abandoning the show at first because she felt her role lacked substance. She opted to remain after meeting Martin Luther King, Jr., who was a fan of the program.

She then collaborated with Roddenberry to give Uhura revolutionary authority and control, something unprecedented in television history. In 1968, a kiss between Nichols' Uhura and William Shatner's Capt. James T. Kirk in the episode 'Plato's Stepchildren' broke boundaries.

The show served to reshape viewers' perceptions of what was acceptable on television, and it was an early statement on the acceptability of interracial marriages. According to her website, Nichols became a NASA spokesman when the original 'Star Trek' ended. She assisted in the recruitment of astronauts and featured in public service announcements, as per NBC News.

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

According to the Los Angeles Times, NASA acknowledged Nichols for assisting in the recruitment of Sally Ride and Frederick Gregory. NASA honored Nichols on Sunday as a worldwide influence who helped it develop. In the 1960s, the 'Star Trek' television series defied stereotypes by casting black and minority actors in major roles.

Nicholls portrayed Lt Uhura, a professional and level-headed communications officer who defied stereotypes. She and 'Star Trek' actor William Shatner, who played Captain Kirk in the series, made history in 1968 when they exchanged one of television's first interracial kisses - but it wasn't romantic.

Despite her success, Nicholls had pondered leaving the program at one point. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who regarded her part as the first non-stereotypical role played by a black woman in television history, persuaded her differently. She went on to appear in the first six 'Star Trek films when the series ended in 1969.

Nicholls, in addition to acting, became an ambassador for the US space agency Nasa, assisting in the recruitment of women and minorities for its Space program, BBC reported.

Tributes Pour in For Nichelle Nichols

Several tributes to Nichols, whose death was made public by her family on Sunday, were made, many of them by famous artists and celebrities:

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

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

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

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

The legendary Nichelle Nichols has died at 89.

Her son Kyle announced the news of her passing.

Nichols was a trailblazer.

She was one of the first Black actors to play a major role on a television series and the type of role she had on Star Trek was groundbreaking. pic.twitter.com/cA8KKnmdTb
— Yashar Ali 🐘 (@yashar) July 31, 2022

We lost two greats. Two people who changed their respective games.

Two Black Icons.

Rest easy Nichelle Nichols and Bill Russell. And thank you. 🖖🏾🏀 pic.twitter.com/AWyLdBDBlO
— Jill Hopkins (@Jillhopkins) July 31, 2022