Nichelle Nichols, Lt. Uhura on 'Star Trek, who died age 89

Actress and singer Nichelle Nichols, best known as the communications officer for Star Trek Lt. Uhura, died Saturday night in Silver City, New Mexico. he is 89 years old.
His son, Kyle Johnson, wrote on the website Uhura.com: "I regret that the great light in the sky has not shone on all of us for many years. As the ancient galaxy is now being seen for the first time, it will remain for us and future generations to enjoy. , learn, and inspire."
Nichols was one of the first black women to appear in a major television series, and her role as Lieutenant Nyota Uhura in the original television series was groundbreaking. The name of an African-American girl comes from Uhuru, which means "freedom" in Swahili.
Nichols told NPR in 2011: Ah, that won't happen until the 23rd century. Young people and adults alike see it as it is today.

In 1968, Nichols made headlines when Uhura shared an intimate kiss with Captain James T. Kirk (played by William Shatner) in an episode called "Plato's Stepchildren." Their interracial kiss on the lips was revolutionary, one of the first such moments on TV.

Nichols was born Grace Del Nichols in a Chicago suburb where her father was mayor. She grew up singing and dancing and she aspired to star in musical theater. He made his first breakthrough in her 1961 musical Kicks and Co. She was the star of Chicago brokerage Carmen Jones, and in New York she appeared in Porgy and Beth.

"For me, the highlight and epitome of my life as a singer, actor, and dancer/choreographer is to star in Broadway," he told NPR in 2011 of his popularity in Star Trek. He added that he started receiving other offers as . He decided to go to New York and perform on Broadway. ”

Nichols went to see Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry and announced he was quitting. Think about what you're trying to achieve: you're an integral part and very important to it."

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That weekend, he was asked to go to his NAACP fundraiser in Beverly Hills and meet Martin Luther King Jr., a man he said was his number one fan.

"He complimented me on the way I created the character. I thanked him. I was like, 'I wish I could march with you, Dr. King.' He said, 'No, no, no. No, you don't understand. I don't need you to march. It reflects what you do.' So I said to him, 'Thank you very much. And I miss my co-star.”

"His face became very serious," he recalls. "And he said, 'What are you talking about?' ...and he stopped me and said: "You can't do that." I was stunned. He said, "Don't you understand what this man has achieved? My wife Coretta has seen.And so that our little ones can wake up and watch.I am speechless."

Nichols returned to the series, which lasted until 1969. He also reprized his famous role in his next six feature films, including Star Trek II: Wrath of Khan, in which Uhura was promoted to Commander.

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Over the years, Nichols has also helped diversify the real-world space program, helping recruit astronauts such as Sally Ride, Judith Resnick, and Gion Bruford. And she has her own science foundation, Women in Motion.

Lynda Carter, the actress who played Wonder Woman on television in the 1970s, said, "There are many actors who become stars, but few who can run the country." You showed us and paved the way for a better future for all women in the media.Thank you, Nichelle.We will miss you.

George Takei, who played helmsman Hikaru Sulu on Star Trek, tweeted: "Today my heart is heavy and my eyes shine like the stars you are now, my dear friend."

He also posted a photo of an old friend of his, both showing a Vulcan greeting and the words: