Nichelle Nichols, who played the role of Uhura in the original Star Trek show as well as in six Star Trek movies, died of natural causes over the weekend at age 89. Since then, many have made statements about her death, honoring a talented performer who paved the way for women and people of color in sci-fi and on TV in general.
William Shatner, who played Captain Kirk alongside Nichols on the original Star Trek, offered his condolences on Twitter. “I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Nichelle,” he wrote. “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.”
George Takei, another of the few surviving cast members from the original show, also weighed in. “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. For today, my heart is heavy, my eyes shining like the stars you now rest among, my dearest friend.”
Nichols played Uhura at a time when the civil rights movement was still in full swing across the United States. It was incredibly rare to see a Black woman in a position of authority on TV then; Nichols famously considered quitting the show but was talked out of it by none other than Martin Luther King Jr., who thought it was valuable to have positive representation for Black woman on television. She also shared one of TV’s first interracial kisses with William Shatner, an unbelievably bold move for the time.
NASA honors Nichelle Nichols for her contributions to space exploration
Nichols was also honored by those she inspired, including Star Trek: Voyager star Kate Mulgrew, who played Captain Kathryn Janeway. “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,” Mulgrew wrote.
Celia Rose Gooding, who plays Uhura on the Star Trek prequel show Strange New Worlds, also sounded off. “She made room for so many of us. She was the reminder that not only can we reach the stars, but our influence is essential to their survival. Forget shaking the table, she built it!”
J.J. Abrams, who kicked off the modern Star Trek movies years back, also paid his respects: “A remarkable woman in a remarkable role. Nichelle, you will be deeply missed. Sending much love and respect.”
A lot of other people have honored Nichols online, but it’s noteworthy to highlight a message from NASA, an organization that Nichols worked with for years in an attempt to hire more female astronauts and astronauts of color:
"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."
Nichelle Nichols had an incredible life and an incredible career. She will be missed.
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