First-timer was a word used by many to mourn the death of actor Nichelle Nichols, who died on Saturday at the age of 89.
Nichols broke barriers for black women in Hollywood when she played communications officer Lt. Uhura on the original Star Trek TV series and paved the way not only for future black TV actors, but astronauts as well.
Comments from fellow actors poured in on social media on Sunday. Her Star Trek co-star George Takei said he will have something to say soon, but his heart is heavy. Celia Rose Gooding, who plays Uhura on the current Star Trek, wrote that “She made room for so many of us.”
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“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 the age of 89. My heart is heavy today, my eyes shine like the stars you now rest among, my dearest friend,” George Takei, Nichols’ Star Trek co-star who plays Sulu, on Twitter.
“She made room for so many of us. She was the reminder that not only can we reach for the stars, but our influence is essential to their survival. Forget shaking the table, she built it. Celia Rose Gooding, who plays Uhura on Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, on Twitter.
She made room for so many of us. She was the reminder that not only can we reach for the stars, but our influence is essential to their survival. Forget shaking the table, she built it! #RIPNichelleNichols 🕊✨🖖🏾 pic.twitter.com/k1aVw15w3d
— ALIEN SUPERSTAR CRG (@celiargooding) 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 he rest in peace.” Star Trek: Voyager cast member Kate Mulgrew on Twitter.
“Before we knew how much #RepresentationMatters #NichelleNichols modeled it for us. With her very presence and grace, she shined a light on who we are as people of color and inspired us to reach our potential. Rest well, shining diamond in the sky. Star Trek: Discovery actor Wilson Cruise on Twitter.
“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.” Wonder Woman star Lynda Carter on Twitter.
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
“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.” Stacey Abrams, politician, on Twitter.
“Nichelle Nichols told us we belong in outer space. We are limitless. Today the heavens received Uhura. Colman Domingo, actor, on Twitter.
“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. Let her have a wonderful adventure to the last frontier. Jason Alexander, actor, on Twitter.
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