Nichelle Nichols, trailblazing 'Star Trek' actress, dies at 89

Actress and singer Nichelle Nichols, best known for her groundbreaking portrayal of Lt. Nyota Uhura in "Star Trek: The Original Series," has died at age 89, according to a statement from her son, Kyle Johnson.
Nichols portrayed communications officer Lt. Nyota Uhura in the "Star Trek" TV series and many of its film offshoots.
When "Star Trek" began in 1966, Nichols was a television rarity: a Black woman in a notable role on a prime-time television series. There had been African-American women on TV before, but they often played domestic workers and had small roles; Nichols' Uhura was an integral part of the multicultural "Star Trek" crew.
The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. called it "the first non-stereotypical role portrayed by a Black woman in television history."
Nichols is widely known for participating in one of the first interracial kisses on US television when her character kissed James T. Kirk, portrayed by White Canadian actor William Shatner. In an interview with CNN in 2014, Nichols said the kiss scene "changed television forever, and it also changed the way people looked at one another."

#NichelleNichols #JasonCarroll #CNN

[rebeccanolan]

She was the reason why I love science. Rest In Power Ms, Nichols. You have inspired generations of children. We will miss you.

[iamjackscompletelackofsurp]

An icon and legend. She boldly went where no woman had gone before. Now she is among the stars R.I.P

[tomzz]

Rest In Power Mrs. Nichols.
You carried the torch well.

[smellyolegoat]

I always liked her. I didn’t know a thing about her, but I always believed she was the personification of beauty, grace, dignity, and elegance.

[roywhitman]

Rest in peace lovely lady! You helped to inspire a generation!

[DavidJ]

Like Lenard Nimoy, she lived long, and prospered. Rest in peace Ma'am.

[cosmicraysshotsintothelight]

This woman did great things in her life, and should be remembered. You guys at CNN should produce a documentary about her life and her accomplishments.

[seanalexandre]

Graceful. Dignified. Stately. Inspiring. Just a few of many wonderful words to describe Nichelle Nichols. I grew up watching Star Trek and have always been amazed and inspired by the messages and the actors that portrayed the characters. Lt. Uhura was inspiring on many levels to so many people. It was fitting that she played the role of a Communications Officer. May her message continue to broadcast on all subspace frequencies. Rest In Peace, Nichelle Nichols.

[johnpolk]

I remember Uhura in Star Trek V saying: "I always wanted to play to a captive audience." Well she managed to keep me captive watching Star Trek when I was younger. May Nichelle Nichols rest in peace.

[rocketdude]

I got to meet her at a Star Trek convention years ago . She was a beautiful person and an inspiration to all. She will be missed .

[hansleeuw]

As a (white) child watching the series I never thought that there was anything strange or out of place about miss Uhura. That normalization as it should be is so important.

[paulseale]

I loved watching her on Star Trek. A woman on the bridge assigned to a high responsible job like communications! I deeply respected her for her dignity and self assurance.

[terrierqueen]

She was a true role model during my childhood. Even the lead lady crimefighters I saw--Honey West, Emma Peele, April Dancer--had their share of damsel in distress moments. Not Uhura. She served and survived along side the men. I saw that it was possible to work as an equal with men because of her.

[MikeLinPA]

I was born in '61, and I lived for Star Trek! (And fishing with my dad.) It never occurred to me that a black woman with dignity, responsibility, and authority was odd. It seemed perfectly normal, because that is how it should be. Thank you for being part of my childhood. Rest in peace.

[mostlynobody]

Big respect 🙏. You were the one. You are bringing more black girls into science.

[DakkhonBlackBlade]

Oh man how sad. She was pioneer. She will be terribly missed. They should do a recent documentary on her.

[coopart]

A child of the 60’s loved Star Trek and enjoyed the diverse characters.

[Eliel]

R.I.P. Nichelle Nichols.... "somewhere beyond the stars, beyond Antaries."

[curtisthomas]

to boldly go where no (black) woman has gone
R.l.P. Lt Uhura

[lakecountynaturalist]

Uhura was my hero when I was a little girl. She was beautiful, smart, had a good job and could hold her own with the guys. This is truly a sad day. Thank you, Nichelle for the inspiration and guidance!