Nichelle Nichols, Trailblazing ‘Star Trek’ Actress, Has Died At 89
We’ve lost another trailblazing star in television and film. Actress, singer, and dancer Nichelle Nichols passed away in Silver City, New Mexico from natural causes. She was 89.
Her son, Kyle Johnson, shared the heartbreaking news on her official website and on social media.
The tv icon is best known for playing Lieutenant Nyota Uhura in the original series Star Trek. Nichols was one of the first Black actresses to star in a primetime television series.
She held down the memorable role from 1966 to 1969. Uhura (Nichols) and Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner) were the first actors to display an interracial kiss on television. The moment was in the episode, “Plato’s Stepchildren,” which aired on Nov. 22, 1968.
Shatner offered his condolences in a tweet.
Nichol’s other credits include Amelia in the 2002 Walt Disney Picture Snow Dogs and Miss Mable in the 2005 Ice Cube comedy Are We There Yet?
We have lost a legend but the heavens have gained another shining star. Her legacy will live on forever. Rest In Peace Queen.
