One of the path-breaking actresses in Hollywood, Nichelle Nichols, passed away at the age of 89. The actress was known for her iconic portrayal of Lt. Uhura in the Star Trek television series. Kyle Johnson, her son, has confirmed the news of her death. He informed that Nichelle died of natural causes and also that she lived a good life. The late actress broke barriers in the Hollywood film industry and also impressed the audience with her acting skills.
Her Star Trek co-stars have taken to Twitter to pay tributes to the legendary Nichelle Nichols. William Shatner who played the role of James T Kirk in the Star Trek series took to his Instagram to pen a heartfelt note. He wrote, “I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Nichelle. She was a beautiful woman & played an admirable character that did so much for redefining social issues both here in the US & throughout the world. I will certainly miss her. Sending my love and condolences to her family.”
Celia Rose Gooding, who essays the role of Lt Uhura in the Star Trek: Strange New Worlds series, wrote on Twitter, “She made room for so many of us. She was the reminder that not only can we reach the stars, but our influence is essential to their survival. Forget shaking the table, she built it! #RIPNichelleNichols.”
Kate Mulgrew, who plays a role in Star Trek: Voyager, wrote, “@NichelleIsUhura is forever for me the embodiment of grace, daring, intelligence, fun, inspiration, beauty, talent & the future. Today I am heart-sad at her passing. I consider our dearest friendship a great treasure & privilege in my life.”
Tributes and condolences also poured in from several other artists and fans of Nichelle Nichols on Twitter.
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Nichelle Nichols paved the way for not just artists of colour but also astronauts. She herself was one of the very first actresses of colour to take the centre stage in a prominent series on television. She was immensely loved by her co-stars and fans.