By Mark Gray
7:30am PDT, Aug 2, 2022
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Nichelle Nichols, the trailblazing actress known primarily for starring as Lieutenant Uhura on TV's "Star Trek," died on July 30, 2022, her family announced in a statement. She was 89. "Last night, my mother, Nichelle Nichols, succumbed to natural causes and passed away," her son, Kyle Johnson, said on Facebook. "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." Following her passing, several Hollywood heavyweights and former "Star Trek" colleagues honored her online.
See how the entertainment and political worlds are reacting to Nichelle's death…
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"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 will miss you." –Lynda Carter
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"RIP Nichelle Nichols! You inspired whole generations of Black girls. Your beauty, grace, quiet intelligence…..YOUR presence was seen, felt and received! Godspeed!!" –Viola Davis
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"I'm saddened to learn of Nichelle Nichols' passing. We have lost a true star- a unique artist who was ahead of her time always. She's an icon, an activist and most importantly an amazing woman- who blazed a trail that has shown so many how to see women of color in a different light. Her strive for equality was unwavering. Meeting Nichelle was truly a very special moment in my life. Her energy was infectious every time I was in her presence. She convinced me in believing that anything was achievable, if you put your heart into it. I mean, she inspired Mae Jemison to follow her dreams of becoming an astronaut and that's exactly what Mae did. I knew I had big shoes to fill when I was chosen to play Uhura, and Nichelle made me feel safe, told me to play her with all the confidence in the world. My hope is that we continue to keep her memory alive by celebrating her amazing body of work, and by spreading the message of peace and equality amongst all people. She lived a long, impactful life and not only prospered, but helped so many others prosper too. Maya Angelou once said 'People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.' I agree with this statement with the exception of Nichelle Nichols. It'll be hard to forget what she said and hard to forget what she did, and it will certainly be impossible to forget how she made us feel. REST IN POWER QUEEN NICHELLE" —Zoe Saldana, who played Lieutenant Uhura in the big screen "Star Trek" reboot
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"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." –William Shatner
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"'If you can see it, you can be it,' the saying goes. Nichelle Nichols gave millions of people the opportunity to see themselves on the frontiers of science and exploration, boldly expanding human understanding. She inspired so many of us to reach for the stars. What a legacy." –Hillary Clinton
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"I shall have more to say about the trailblazing, incomparable Nichelle Nichols, who shared the bridge with us as Lt. Uhura of the USS Enterprise, and who passed today at age 89. For today, my heart is heavy, my eyes shining like the stars you now rest among, my dearest friend. We lived long and prospered together." –George Takei
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"This woman was a pioneer. Her significance not only to the world of science fiction but to television as a whole cannot be overstated. Not to mention the mountain of charm and magnetism she brought to the screen. Nichelle Nichols will be greatly missed." –Seth MacFarlane
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"One of my most treasured photos – Godspeed to Nichelle Nichols, champion, warrior and tremendous actor. Her kindness and bravery lit the path for many. May she forever dwell among the stars. #RIPNichelle #Uhura" –Stacey Abrams
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"RIP #nichellenichols You were a beautiful pioneer on Earth as you were in space. xo" –Kim Cattrall
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"My love for the original Star Trek is profound. Nichelle Nichols was a ground-breaker and a glorious ambassador for her show, her role and science all her life. And a truly lovely person. May she have a wonderful adventure to the final frontier. #ripnichellenichols" –Jason Alexander
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"A remarkable woman in a remarkable role. Nichelle, you will be deeply missed. Sending much love and respect." –J.J. Abrams
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"Before Scotty beamed up , Before Spock threw Vulcan signs, Before Kirk told Sulu take it to Warp Factor 9 .. Sis Uhura.. Nichelle Nichols was gonna have that hair tight , skirt right and earrings dangling BEFORE she was dealing with outer space.." –Chuck D
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"Nichelle Nichols was The First. She was a trailblazer who navigated a very challenging trail with grit, grace, and a gorgeous fire we are not likely to see again. May she Rest In Peace." –Kate Mulgrew
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"Nichelle Nichols, who played Lieutenant Uhura on the original STAR TREK series–and broke new ground–has passed away at 89." –Stephen King
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"RIP to a true legend. Her legacy will live forever. #NichelleNichols" –Jeri Ryan
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"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" –Celia Rose Gooding, who plays Uhura in the new Paramount+ series "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds"
