Star Trek legend Nichelle Nichols – who played the role of Nyota Uhura on the science fiction TV series – has passed away at the age of 89.
The star’s family shared the devastating news on her Instagram account alongside a snap of her star on the Hollywood walk of fame.
As a bunch of flowers laid on top of her prestigious award, the actress’ daughter confirmed her passing to her 30.9k followers online.
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In a lengthy post, she revealed her mother passed away of “natural causes” as they asked for privacy during this difficult time.
(Image: Mike Marsland/Getty Images)
It read: “Sunday, 31 July 2022. Friends, Fans, Colleagues, World.
“I regret to inform you that a great light in the firmament no longer shines for us as it has for so many years.
“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.”
(Image: Getty Images)
She continued: “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.”
She signed off the post with: “Live Long and Prosper, Kyle Johnson” with three Star Trek Klingon greeting emojis.
(Image: Moviestore Collection / Rex Feat)
Fans of the TV series flooded to the comments to pass on their messages of condolences to the actor’s family online.
One user penned: “I am so sorry, I loved seeing your mother on the big screen and she just seemed like the absolute sweetest lady. [four Klingon emojis].”
Another agreed: “My sincerest condolences to you and yours. Your mother was a marvellous individual who changed this world for the better [heart emoji].”
A third chimed in with: “I’m very saddened to hear this. She will be greatly missed and forever appreciated for her contributions to black representation in science, television, and sci-fi. Her legacy is truly amazing.”
(Image: Corbis via Getty Images)
Nichelle first broke into the acting industry in an appearance in television producer Gene Roddenberry’s first series The Lieutenant in 1964 where which covered topics of racial prejudice.
Following her role on the show, the starlet was cast as Lieutenant Uhura – whose name comes from a Swahili word meaning freedom – on the hit television series Star Trek where she became one of the first black women to feature in a major television series.
And it’s fair to say her prominent supporting role as bridge officer was unprecedent, even reaching the eyes of famous historical icons over the years.
(Image: Getty Images)
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After five years working on the show, Nichelle debating leaving and moving on to another project, until she was persuaded to stay by none other than Dr Martin Luther King Jr who was a huge fan of the sci-fi show.
In an interview with Neil deGrassee Tyson for the Archive of American Television, she recalled how the Civil Rights activist confessed he was her “greatest fan” which his wife Coretta and their three children enjoyed watching.
He understood the importance of her character in opening doors for other African Americans on television, and personally persuaded her to stay on the show.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
