Hollywood is mourning the death of Nichelle Nichols, who made history with her portrayal of communications officer Lt. Uhura on Star Trek.
Nichols died Saturday of natural causes at the age of 89, her son, Kyle Johnson, posted on Facebook.
“Its light, however, like the ancient galaxies we are now seeing for the first time, will remain for us and future generations to enjoy, learn from and draw inspiration from,” he wrote on Sunday. “Her life was a good life and such a model for us all.”
Among those paying tribute to Nichols was President Joe Biden, who praised her as a “pioneer of stage and screen who redefined what is possible for black Americans and women.” His statement continued of her Star Trek role, “With a defining dignity and authority, she helped tell a pivotal story that redefined scientific inquiry and discovery. And continue that legacy by continuing to work with NASA to empower generations of Americans from all backgrounds to reach for the stars and beyond.”
Nichols is also remembered by the team behind Woman in Motion, a 2021 documentary highlighting her efforts to help recruit people of color to work for NASA. “Nichel, we will be eternally grateful for the opportunity to tell your story and share it with the world,” director and producer Todd Thompson said in a statement. “You have entertained us, inspired us, shown all mankind how easy it can be to love and respect one another, to live long and prosper.”
Additionally, many in Hollywood took to social media to express their condolences, including her Star Trek co-star George Takei. Read on to see their tributes to the actress.
I will have more to say about the groundbreaking, incomparable Nichelle Nichols, who shared the bridge with us as Lt. Uhura of the USS Enterprise, and who died today at the age of 89. For today, my heart is heavy, my eyes shine like among the stars you are resting, my dear friend. — George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) July 31, 2022 Nichelle Nichols left behind such a beautiful legacy of what it truly means to use the platform you have to make the world a better place. I think of her example often and hope others do too. Rest well, Lieutenant. — Ashley Nicole Black (@ashleyn1cole) July 31, 2022 One of my most treasured photos – Godspeed to Nichelle Nichols, champion, warrior and awesome actress. Her kindness and bravery lit the path for many. May he live among the stars forever. #RIPNichelle #Uhura pic.twitter.com/nFXHif8HEC — Stacey Abrams (@staceyabrams) July 31, 2022 Nichelle Nichols, who played Lieutenant Uhura in the original STAR TREK series – and broke new ground – has died aged 89. — Stephen King (@StephenKing) July 31, 2022 Before Scotty shines, Before Spock throws his Vulcan markings, Before Kirk tells Sulu to take it to Warp Factor 9.. Sis Uhura.. Nichelle Nichols would have that hair tight, skirt right and earrings dangling BEFORE it was about space. 🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/bWPR3LJwTQ — Chuck D (@MrChuckD) July 31, 2022 Losing both Nichelle Nichols and Bill Russell is A LOT. Both made America a better country than before they arrived, despite the fact that it continues to slide https://t.co/BzqVutwmoi — Vernon Reid (@vurnt22) 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 ✨Nichelle Nichols✨ Her light will continue to shine. Brighter & stronger than ever. All the rest to her now and peace to her family. I look forward to the celebration of her life to come and all the stories to be shared by those who knew her best. https://t.co/lK07CTahJx — Melissa Navia (@melissaCnavia) July 31, 2022 I am so sorry to hear of Nichelle’s passing. She was a beautiful woman and played an admirable character who did so much to redefine social issues both here in the US and around the world. I will definitely miss him. I send my love and condolences to her family. Bill — William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) July 31, 2022 RIP to a true legend. Her legacy will live on forever. #NichelleNichols — Jeri Ryan (@JeriLRyan) July 31, 2022 Thank you for giving so many of us a place in the universe. #NichelleNichols pic.twitter.com/TycRdKOOfH — Tawny “My Name is Tawny” Newsome (@TrondyNewman) July 31, 2022 Nichelle Nichols – Live Long & ProsperDecember 1932 — July 2022 A must hear interview from the @StarTalkRadio Archives. [Audio: 42m] pic.twitter.com/Ir8vUUcZLX — Neil deGrasse Tyson (@neiltyson) July 31, 2022 Today we lost an absolute legend. #NichelleNichols pic.twitter.com/qkPqEP8x56 — Terry Matalas (@TerryMatalas) July 31, 2022 Nichelle Nichols was the first. She was a trailblazer who traversed a very difficult path with grit, grace and a wonderful fire that we are not likely to see again. May she rest in peace. #NichelleNichols pic.twitter.com/DONSz6IV2b — Kate Mulgrew (@TheKateMulgrew) July 31, 2022 Rest well, legend 🕊✨🤍 pic.twitter.com/OdKjlCtB69 — ALIEN SUPERSTAR CRG (@celiargooding) July 31, 2022 A remarkable woman in a remarkable role. Nichelle, you will be greatly missed. Sending lots of love and respect. pic.twitter.com/ZRnMblXx0Z — JJ Abrams (@jjabrams) July 31, 2022 RIP @NichelleIsUhura. You led the way and opened the door for the rest of us who followed in your wake. We will be forever grateful. My heart is broken💔😢 — Marina Sirtis (@Marina_Sirtis) July 31, 2022 Nichelle was a unique inspiration. She is 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 it was 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 My love for the original Star Trek runs deep. Nichelle Nichols has been a groundbreaking and glorious ambassador for her show, her role, and science throughout her life. And a truly wonderful man. May he have a wonderful adventure on the final frontier.#ripnichellenichols — jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) July 31, 2022
