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A true trailblazer in the entertainment industry has passed away.
Nichelle Nichols, who played Lt. Nyota Uhura on “Star Trek,” died this weekend.
Nichols was 89 years old.
Trailblazer
Nichols first hit the scene in 1959, but it was not until the mid-1960s that she truly “made” it.
She had a handful of TV roles when she landed the iconic role of Lt. Uhura on “Star Trek.”
This would be a career-defining role for her and Hollywood in general.
Her role dared to go where nobody had gone regarding race and on-camera relationships.
Her son announced her death, stating, “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.”
William Shatner, her co-star as Captain James T. Kirk, posted, “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.”
While once contemplating leaving the show, she remained until it was canceled in 1969.
She revived her role in several “Star Trek” movies, racking up 69 acting credits, three projects of which were not released but completed filming.
Rest in peace.
