The 89-year-old actress Nichelle Nichols, best known for her role in the 1960s science fiction television series Star Trek, has passed away.
Ms. Nichols broke barriers with her portrayal of Lieutenant Nyota Uhura in the series, becoming one of the first African-American actresses in the United States to represent a figure of authority.
To inspire more women and African-Americans to become astronauts, she was later engaged by NASA.
Her son, Kyle Johnson, stated that she died of natural causes late Saturday night.
In a message posted on Facebook, Mr. Johnson wrote, “I regret to inform you that a great star in the firmament no longer illuminates us as it has for so many years.
“Her light, however, like the old galaxies that are now being viewed for the first time, will endure for future generations to appreciate, learn from, and draw inspiration from.”
In the 1960s, the Star Trek television series shattered preconceptions by casting minorities and people of color in prominent roles.
Ms. Nicholls was cast in the series as Lt. Uhura, a character who was portrayed as a professional and level-headed communications officer, who broke stereotypes.
In 1968, she and William Shatner, who portrayed Captain Kirk on Star Trek, pioneered the first non-romantic interracial kiss on television.
Despite her success, Ms. Nicholls originally contemplated leaving the show. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. persuaded her otherwise, stating that hers was the “first non-stereotypical part played by a black woman in the history of television.”
Following the series’ cancellation in 1969, she appeared in the first six Star Trek movies.
In addition to working as an actor, Ms. Nicholls became an ambassador for the US space agency NASA, assisting in the recruitment of women and minorities for its Space program.
Following the news of her passing, George Takei, a co-star of Star Trek, tweeted, “My heart is heavy and my eyes are beaming like the stars you now rest amid, my dearest friend.”
“It is difficult to overstate the significance of Nichelle’s legacy. She will be greatly missed,” said TV director Adam Nimoy, the son of Star Trek star Leonard Nimoy.
Shatner paid tribute as well.
“She was a lovely woman who portrayed an incredible character who did so much to redefine social concerns in the United States and around the globe,” he wrote on Twitter.
J.J. Abrams, director of the 2009 Star Trek reboot and its 2013 sequel Star Trek Into Darkness, referred to Nichols as “a terrific woman in a remarkable role.”
British actress Adjoa Andoh penned, “We stand on the shoulders of pioneering greats.” You gave many of us hope, Nichelle Nichols. “Many thanks”
