The death ofNichelle Nicholshas left many in mourning including many of her friends and fans from theStar Trekcommunity. On July 31, Nichols' son posted a statement online announcing that the actress had died at the age of 89. Because she had made such an impact on pop culture with her trailblazing role as Lieutenant Uhura inStar Trek: The Original Series, the news has deeply saddened many, as can be seen by the messages of tribute coming in for the television icon.
“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,” George Takei said. “We lived long and prospered together.”
Star Trekhelmer J.J. Abrams wrote a tweet that reads, “A remarkable woman in a remarkable role. Nichelle, you will be deeply missed. Sending much love and respect.”
Star Trek Voyager’s Kate Mulgrew tweeted, “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.”
Discoverystar Wilson Cruz tweeted, “Before we understood how much #RepresentationMatters #NichelleNichols modeled it for us. With her very presence & her grace she shone a light on who we as people of color are & inspired us to reach for our potential. Rest well glittering diamond in the sky.”
“Her light will keep shining,” says Melissa Navia ofStrange New Worlds. “Brighter & stronger than ever. All the rest to her now and peace to her family. Cannot wait for the celebration of her life that is to come and all the stories that those who knew her best will share.”
Data actor Brent Spiner tweeted, “Farewell to a fine woman. RIP Nichelle. You were a groundbreaker.”
And Spiner’sNext Generationco-star Marina Sirtis also said, “RIP Nichelle Nichols. You led the way and opened the door for the rest of us who followed in your wake. We will be forever grateful. My heart is broken.”
Related:Gene Roddenberry Said William Shatner’s Star Trek V: The Final Frontier ‘Wasn’t Star Trek’
Other Celebrities Are Honoring Nichelle Nichols
“Many actors become stars, but few stars can move a nation,” saysWonder Womanstar Lynda Carter. “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.”
“My love for the original Star Trek is profound,” saysSeinfeldstar and Trekkie Jason Alexander. “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.”
NASAwas also pretty quick to post a tribute message to Twitter with a message that reads, “We celebrate the life of Nichelle Nichols,Star Trekactor, trailblazer, and role model, who symbolized to so many what was possible. She partnered with us to recruit some of the first women and minority astronauts, and inspired generations to reach for the stars.”
Rest in peace, Nichelle Nichols. you may see some other messages of tribute for the late actress coming in from fellow celebrities below.
