Nichelle Nichols: William Shatner and George Takei lead tributes after Star Trek actress dies aged 89

Virgin Radio

1 Aug 2022, 06:50

Pioneering actress Nichelle Nichols, who played Lieutenant Nyota Uhura on the original Star Trek series, has died aged 89. 

Nichols was one of the first black actresses to play a leading character on a US television show, taking up the role on the USS Enterprise in 1966.

Her son, Kyle Johnson, confirmed the news via social media on Saturday (30th July), in a statement that read: “Last night, my mother, Nichelle Nichols, succumbed to natural causes and passed away.  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. Hers was a life well lived and as such a model for us all.

“I, and the rest of our family, would appreciate your patience and forbearance as we grieve her loss until we can recover sufficiently to speak further.  Her services will be for family members and the closest of her friends and we request that her and our privacy be respected.”

After her ground-breaking role on Star Trek, Nichols then volunteered her time to encourage diversity within NASA.

According to Nichols herself, midway through her time on the beloved sci-fi franchise, she considered leaving the series, but Dr Martin Luther King Jr. encouraged her to stay, calling her role a vital one for black women and young children. 

In 1968, while playing Uhura, Nichols helped break down barriers after sharing one of the first interracial kisses on US television with co-star William Shatner, who played Captain Kirk. 

Shatner led tributes to Nichols on Twitter, writing: “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”

George Takei, who played Hikaru Sulu alongside Nichols and Shatner, shared his own message of his time with the inspirational star, alongside a photo of the pair doing Spock’s famous Vulcan salute. 

He wrote: “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."

Adam Nimoy, son of the late Leonard Nimoy, who played Mr Spock, shared with fans a behind-the-scenes photo of Nichols and his father on the original 1960s Star Trek set, adding: “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.”

To celebrate her incredible work helping to inspire the next generation of astronauts, NASA tweeted their appreciation for Nichols on Twitter, writing: “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.”

Wonder Woman star Lynda Carter shared: “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.”

Comedian Seth MacFarlane commented: “This woman was a pioneer. Her significance not only to the world of science fiction but to television as a whole cannot be overstated. Not to mention the mountain of charm and magnetism she brought to the screen. Nichelle Nichols will be greatly missed.”

After Star Trek came to an end in 1969, she appeared in the first six movies within the ST franchise, and went on to star in Futurama, The Simpsons, and had a recurring role in Heroes. 

In 1992, she landed her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and in 2016, she received the Life Career Award from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films, becoming the first woman to receive the accolade.