Cultural icon Nichelle Nichols, best known for her role as Nyota Uhura in Star Trek: The Original Series, passed away at age 89 in Silver City, New Mexico on July 30, 2022.
Remembering Nichelle Nichols: The Final Frontier
Somewhere in space, Dr. Leonard McCoy’s (the late DeForest Kelley) words “Dammit, Jim!” are echoing in hearts everywhere as fans of Star Trek mourn the loss of Nichelle Nichols. The iconic actress was born on December 28, 1932, in Robbins, Illinois. One of ten children, she was the only child struck with the entertainment spark. She was a singer and a dancer before trying her hand at acting.
After a couple of early roles in Porgy and Bess, Gettin’ Up in the Mornin’, and Made in Paris, Nichols had her first dip into daytime television on the serial Peyton Place as a nurse in 1966. But later that year, she took on the role that changed everything. The actress signed on to the ground-breaking series Star Trek as Uhura, a beloved role that paved the way for women in space (and television), and women of color everywhere.
In 1968, in an episode titled “Plato’s Stepchildren,” Nichols shared the first interracial kiss with castmate William Shatner (Captain Kirk) on the series. It was a landmark moment at a pivotal time in American history. And when she wanted to leave the series after the first season, it was Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. who talked her out of it, explaining the importance of her character paving the way for African Americans and women on television and beyond.
In a career that has spanned more than seven decades, Nichols has inspired many with her gifts in singing, dancing, acting, and her voice work. The talented lady has worked with such greats as Duke Ellington, Sidney Poitier, Dorothy Dandridge, Sammy Davis Jr., and Isaac Hayes. She has performed extensively in theater in cities such as Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles.
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Television credits include Tarzan, Insight, The D.A., Gargoyles, Head of the Class, Futurama, The Simpsons, Downward Dog, and Space Command. Nichols gained new fans joining the cult series Heroes in 2007 as Nana Dawson and as Neil Winters’s mother, Lucinda Winters, on The Young and the Restless in 2016.
Besides the Star Trek films other film credits include Truck Turner, The Supernaturals, Antony and Cleopatra, Snow Dogs, Are We There Yet?, Surge of Power: The Stuff of Heroes, Lady Magdalene’s, Tru Loved, The Torturer, This Bitter Earth, White Orchid, American Nightmares and Surge of Dawn.
For fans, Nichelle Nichols will always be out there in space, exploring new worlds and going boldly where no one has gone before. Thank you for your service. She is survived by her son Kyle Johnson, friends, family, and colleagues. Soap Hub sends our sincere condolences.
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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
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
My favorite photo of Dad and Nichelle Nichols on set. The importance of Nichelle’s legacy cannot be over-emphasized. She was much loved and will be missed. pic.twitter.com/1zlTd4F9BD
— Adam Nimoy (@adam_nimoy) July 31, 2022
Rest In Pride
Rest In Paradise
Rest In Peace pic.twitter.com/0e85KcqWlW— Akiva Goldsman (@AkivaGoldsman) 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
July 31, 2022
💐💐💐 pic.twitter.com/ocjm6XZYs6
— 𝚃𝚑𝚎 ❤ 𝚘𝚏 𝚂𝚝𝚊𝚛 𝚃𝚛𝚎𝚔 (@roddenberry) July 31, 2022
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.
RIP to the legendary and extraordinary Nichelle Nichols. It was an honor to her bless #YR with her talents in 2016. https://t.co/C5d2lbBUjg
— Young & The Restless (@YRInsider) July 31, 2022
So kind and so important and so stunning R.I P. @NichellelsUhura pic.twitter.com/LgUxFjIXo1
— Jonathan Frakes (@jonathansfrakes) August 1, 2022
— Kate Mulgrew (@TheKateMulgrew) 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
Nichelle was a singular inspiration. She’s the one who really opened my eyes to what Star Trek is and can be. I can’t tell you how many people have told me she’s the reason they became… an astronaut, a scientist, a writer, a linguist, an engineer… it goes on and on. 1/2
— Alex Kurtzman (@Alex_Kurtzman) July 31, 2022
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