Hollywood is mourning the death of Nichelle Nichols, who made history for her portrayal of communications officer Lt. Uhura in Star Trek.
Nichols died Saturday of natural causes at age 89, his son, Kyle Johnson, posted on Facebook.
“Their light, however, like the ancient galaxies now seen for the first time, will remain for us and future generations to enjoy, learn from and inspire,” he wrote on Sunday. “His was a life well lived and a model for us all.”
Among those paying tribute to Nichols was President Joe Biden, who praised her as a “pioneer of stage and screen who redefined what is possible for black Americans and women.” His statement continued about his Star Trek role: “With defining dignity and authority, he helped tell a central story that reimagined scientific pursuits and discoveries. And he continued that legacy by working with NASA to empower generations of Americans of all backgrounds to reach for the stars and beyond.”
He also recalled that Nichols was the team behind Woman in Motion, a 2021 documentary film that highlighted her efforts to help recruit people of color to work at NASA. “Nichelle, we will be eternally grateful for the opportunity to tell your story and share it with the world,” director and producer Todd Thompson said in a statement. “You entertained us, you inspired us, you showed all of humanity how easy it can be to love and respect each other, live long and prosper.”
Additionally, many in Hollywood took to social media to express their condolences, including her Star Trek co-star George Takei. Read on to see their tributes to the actress.
I will have more to say about the trailblazing and incomparable Nichelle Nichols, who shared the bridge with us as Lt. Uhura of the USS Enterprise, and who passed today at the age of 89. For today, my heart is heavy, my eyes shine like the stars among which you now rest, my dearest friend.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) July 31, 2022
Nichelle Nichols left behind such a beautiful legacy of what it truly means to use the platform you have to make the world a better place. I think of his example often and hope others do too. Rest well, Lieutenant.
— Ashley Nicole Black (@ashleyn1cole) July 31, 2022
One of my most cherished photos: Godspeed on Nichelle Nichols, champion, warrior and great actor. His kindness and bravery lit the way for many. May she dwell forever among the stars. #RIPNichelle #Uhura pic.twitter.com/nFXHif8HEC
— Stacey Abrams (@staceyabrams) July 31, 2022
Nichelle Nichols, who played Lt. Uhura in the original STAR TREK series and broke new ground, has died aged 89.
— Stephen King (@StephenKing) July 31, 2022
Before Scotty stood up, before Spock threw Vulcan signals, before Kirk told Sulu you’re taking him to Warp Factor 9… Sis Uhura… Nichelle Nichols would have tight hair, a straight skirt, and dangling earrings BEFORE dealing with outer space. 🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/bWPR3LJwTQ
— Chuck D (@MrChuckD) July 31, 2022
Losing Nichelle Nichols and Bill Russell is A LOT. They both made America a better country than before they arrived, even though it’s still slipping https://t.co/BzqVutwmoi
— Vernon Reid (@vurnt22) July 31, 2022
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 brighter future for all women in media. Thank you, Nichelle. We will miss you. pic.twitter.com/KhUf4YM6pX
— Lynda Carter (@RealLyndaCarter) July 31, 2022
✨Nichelle Nichols✨ Her light will continue to shine. Brighter and stronger than ever. All the rest to her now and peace to her family. I can’t wait for the celebration of her life to come and all the stories that will be shared by those who knew her best. https://t.co/lK07CTahJx
— Melissa Navia (@melissaCnavia) July 31, 2022
I am so sorry to hear of Nichelle’s passing. She was a beautiful woman and played an admirable character who did a lot to redefine social issues both here in the US and around the world. I will definitely miss her. I send my love and condolences to his family. Bill
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) July 31, 2022
Everyone, @nichellisuhuru. Heartbroken by the news of her death, however, I am comforted to know that she lit the way for so many of us with her grace, beauty, talent, intelligence and commitment to humanity by courage to the stars! #goddess #queen🙏🏾♥️🌹🖖🏾 pic.twitter.com/ye08mXzs3B
— LeVar Burton (@levarburton) July 31, 2022
RIP to a true legend. His legacy will live on forever. #NichelleNichols
— Jeri Ryan (@JeriLRyan) July 31, 2022
Thank you for giving so many of us a place in the universe. #NichelleNichols pic.twitter.com/TycRdKOOfH
— Tawny “My name is Tawny” Newsome (@TrondyNewman) July 31, 2022
Nichelle Nichols – Live Long & Prosper December 1932 – July 2022
A must listen interview from the @StarTalkRadio archives. [Audio: 42m] pic.twitter.com/Ir8vUUcZLX
— Neil deGrasse Tyson (@neiltyson) July 31, 2022
Today we lost an absolute legend. #NichelleNichols pic.twitter.com/qkPqEP8x56
— Terry Matalas (@TerryMatalas) July 31, 2022
Nichelle Nichols was the first. She was a trailblazer who navigated a very challenging path with greatness, grace and a magnificent fire that we will likely never see again.
May she rest in peace. #NichelleNichols pic.twitter.com/DONSz6IV2b
— Kate Mulgrew (@TheKateMulgrew) July 31, 2022
Rest well legend 🕊✨🤍 pic.twitter.com/OdKjlCtB69
— ALIEN SUPERSTAR CRG (@celiargooding) July 31, 2022
A remarkable woman in a remarkable role. Nichelle, you will be greatly missed. Sending lots of love and respect. pic.twitter.com/ZRnMblXx0Z
— JJ Abrams (@jjabrams) July 31, 2022
RIP @NichelleIsUhura. You paved the way for us and opened the door for the rest of us who followed in your footsteps. We will be forever grateful. My heart is broken 💔😢
— Marina Sirtis (@Marina_Sirtis) July 31, 2022
Nichelle was a singular inspiration. She is the one who really opened my eyes to what Star Trek is and can be. I can’t tell you how many people have told me that she is the reason they became… an astronaut, a scientist, a writer, a linguist, an engineer… it goes on and on. 1/2
— Alex Kurtzman (@Alex_Kurtzman) July 31, 2022
My love for the original Star Trek runs deep. Nichelle Nichols was a pioneer and a glorious ambassador for her show, her role and science throughout her life. And a really lovely person. Have a wonderful adventure to the final frontier. #ripnichellenichols
— jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) July 31, 2022