Hollywood is mourning the death of Nichelle Nichols, who made history with her role as communications officer Lt. Uhura in “Star Trek.”
Nichols died Saturday of natural causes at the age of 89, her son Kyle Johnson announced on Facebook.
“However, its light, like the ancient galaxies now seen 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 well lived and such a model for us all.”
Among those who paid tribute to Nichols was President Joe Biden, who praised her as a “pioneer of stage and screen who redefined what was possible for black Americans and women.” His statement continued about her role on Star Trek: “With defining dignity and authority, she helped tell a central story that reimagined scientific inquiry and discovery. And she continued that legacy by continuing to work with NASA to enable generations of Americans of all backgrounds to reach for the stars and beyond.”
The team behind Woman on the Move, a 2021 documentary highlighting her efforts to help recruit people of color to work at NASA, also remembered Nichols. “Nichel, we will be forever grateful for the opportunity to tell your story and share it with the world,” director and producer Todd Thompson said in a statement. “You’ve entertained us, you’ve inspired us, you’ve shown all of humanity how easy it can be to love and respect one another, 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 tribute to the actress.
I will have more to say about the pioneering, incomparable Nichelle Nichols, who shared the bridge with us as Lt. Uhura of the USS Enterprise, and who died today at age 89. Today my heart is heavy, my eyes shine like stars, among which you now rest, my dearest friend.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) July 31, 2022
Nichelle Nichols left behind such a beautiful legacy of what it really means to use the platform you have to make the world a better place. I often think of her example and hope others will too. Rest well, Lieutenant
— Ashley Nicole Black (@ashleyn1cole) July 31, 2022
One of my most treasured pictures – Godspeed for Nichelle Nichols, champion, warrior and great actor. Her kindness and courage lit the way for many. May she forever live among the stars. #RIPNichelle #Uhura pic.twitter.com/nFXHif8HEC
— Stacey Abrams (@staceyabrams) July 31, 2022
Nichelle Nichols, who played Lt. Uhura in the original STAR TREK series – and broke new ground – has died aged 89.
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) July 31, 2022
Before Scotty lit up Before Spock threw Vulcan Insignia Before Kirk told Sulu to take him to Warp Factor 9 .. Sister Uhura.. Nichelle Nichols would have that hair up, skirt to the right and dangling earrings BEFORE she dealt with space.. 🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/bWPR3LJwTQ
— Chuck D (@MrChuckD) July 31, 2022
Losing both Nichelle Nichols and Bill Russell is a LOT. Both have made America a better country than before they arrived despite the fact that it continues to slip away https://t.co/BzqVutwmoi
— Vernon Reed (@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’ll miss you. pic.twitter.com/KhUf4YM6pX
— Lynda Carter (@RealLyndaCarter) July 31, 2022
✨Nichelle Nichols✨ Her light will continue to shine. Brighter and stronger than ever. All the rest to her now and peace to her family. I can’t wait for the celebration of her life ahead and all the stories those who knew her best will share. https://t.co/lK07CTahJx
— Melissa Cnavia (@melissaCnavia) July 31, 2022
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 surely 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 making room for so many of us in the universe. #NichelleNichols pic.twitter.com/TycRdKOOfH
— Tawny “My name is Tawny” Newsome (@TrondyNewman) July 31, 2022
Nichelle Nichols – Live Long and Prosper December 1932 – July 2022
A must-listen 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 walked a very challenging path with courage, grace and a wonderful fire that we are unlikely 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. We will be eternally grateful. My heart is broken💔😢
— Marina Sirtis (@Marina_Sirtis) July 31, 2022
Nichelle was a unique 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 that she is 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 was a trailblazer and glorious ambassador for her show, her role, and science throughout her life. And a truly wonderful man. May she have a wonderful adventure to the final frontier.#ripnichellenichols
— Jason Alexander (@IJasonAlexander) July 31, 2022
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