NICHELLE NICHOLS, “STAR TREK” ACTOR PASSED ON AT 89
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By Adeniyi Onaara
Nichelle Nichols, a trailblazing Black actress who portrayed communications officer Nyota Uhura on the well-liked series “Star Trek” in the 1960s, passed away at the age of 89.
On the official uhura.com website, her son Kyle Johnson made the following statement: “Last night, my mother, Nichelle Nichols, succumbed to natural causes and passed away. She will, however, continue to emit light, just like the newly discovered ancient galaxies.
Nichols passed away in Silver City, New Mexico, where she shared a home with her son, according to a family spokesman.
Quickly, tributes began to arrive, including those from numerous ardent “Trekkies.”
James T. Kirk’s portrayer on the USS Enterprise, William Shatner, offered his condolences to Nichols’ family.
“She was a stunning woman who portrayed a heroic role that greatly contributed to redefining social issues both in the US and around the globe. I’m sure I’ll miss her.
She and Lieutenant Uhura shared the bridge with George Takei, who praised her as “trailblazing and peerless.”
Additionally, Nichols “redefined what is achievable for Black Americans and women,” according to US Vice President Joe Biden.
In a statement, he added that Nichelle Nichols “offers us a future where unity, dignity, and respect are the cornerstones of every civilization.” “Our nation is forever beholden to inspiring artists like Nichelle Nichols,” he said.
In 1968, Nichols and Shatner exchanged one of the nation’s first interracial kisses on television, making history in the process (a kiss deemed worthy of a separate entry in Wikipedia).
Nichols, who pioneered with her forceful performance at a time when Black performers were more frequently cast as servants or criminals, was once hailed by Martin Luther King Jr.
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