Another legend has passed. Star Trek alum Nichelle Nichols, known to fans as Lt. Nyota Uhura, has passed away. She was 89.
Nichols son, Kyle shared the news via her Instagram alongside a snap of her star on the Hollywood walk of fame saying:
“Friends, Fans, Colleagues, World I regret to inform you that a great light in the firmament no longer shines for us as it has for so many years. 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. Live Long and Prosper.”
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The actress was a trailblazer. She almost left the series after the first season had an encounter with one of history’s greatest voices for civil rights, Dr. Martin Luther King, not happened. Nichols wrote in her autobiography that she had given her notice to Gene Roddenberry. The next day, however, at an NAACP function, a fan greeted her. It was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He told her how important her role was and how he and his family watched Star Trek faithfully and adored her. When she told him of her plans to leave the series, he told her of her importance.
Nichelle Nichols also started the organization Women in Motion. The group has helped recruit many women and minorities into the space program. Among those recruited were Dr. Sally Ride, the first American female astronaut, and Colonel Guion Bluford, the first African-American astronaut.
There is so much to say about Nichelle Nichols. Her impact on both entertainment and humanity is undeniable. She indeed was an exceptional woman who will be tremendously missed by friends, family, and her Star Trek fans.
