Friends and colleagues remember ''trailblazing, incomparable'' Nichelle Nichols

Star Trek cast and crew alike came together to honor the Uhura actress.

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We recently lost Nichelle Nichols at the age of 89. The Lt. Uhura actress was an icon both on and off-screen, using her fame to advocate for civil rights and to encourage a more diverse group of astronauts at NASA. That's only the tip of the iceberg of her incredible life — that included visiting space herself, getting encouragement from Martin Luther King, Jr. and singing with Duke Ellington.

Yesterday, fans and friends alike took to the internet to share their memories and sentiments about the singer, actress and NASA employee.

"I shall have more to say about the trailblazing, incomparable Nichelle Nichols," George Takei, who shared the bridge of the Enterprise with her as Hikaru Sulu, wrote on twitter. "For today, my heart is heavy, my eyes shining like the stars you now rest among, my dearest friend. We lived long and prospered together."

He isn't the only Sulu to voice his respect — John Cho, who played Sulu in the 2009 reboot of Star Trek said "Nichelle Nichols was a huge part of why Star Trek mattered so much to me."

William Shatner, who shared a history-making kiss with Nichols on Star Trek, said "I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Nichelle. She was a beautiful woman & played an admirable character that did so much for redefining social issues both here in the US & throughout the world."

Kate Mulgrew, Captain Kathryn Janeway in Star Trek: Voyager, wrote "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."

"Nichelle was a singular inspiration. She’s the one who really opened my eyes to what Star Trek is and can be," said Alex Kurtzman. Kurtzman co-wrote the 2009 Trek movie and co-created Star Trek: Discovery, Star Trek: Picard, and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. "I can’t tell you how many people have told me she’s the reason they became… an astronaut, a scientist, a writer, a linguist, an engineer… it goes on and on. We stand in her light and honor her today and every day. Thank you, dear Nichelle, for leading the way."

Perhaps the best way to end this is on the words of Celia Rose Gooding, who is the latest person to play Uhura (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds): "She made room for so many of us. She was the reminder that not only can we reach the stars, but our influence is essential to their survival. Forget shaking the table, she built it!"

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24 Comments

eddiecantorfan 27 months ago
https://youtu.be/LIQsrvW6Ji4
RIP
NICHELLE NICHOLS
UHURA
STAR TREK:
The Original Series
RkBke 27 months ago
Great interaction with dialogue when she met Abraham Licoln....Very profound and professional...great writing and interpretation of the script...well done
jaygarrick 27 months ago
I just wanted to say that it does not appear the METV will be having a tribute to Ms. Nichols, so I am fortunate to get the Heroes and Icons channel where they have been giving tribute every night this week.
FrankCollins 27 months ago
Nichelle was stunningly and breathtakingly beautiful. I also read that she had an affair with Gene Roddenberry. I have admired her from the first time I saw her. There is a picture of her in the White House with Barack Obama, and both of them are giving the "Vulcan salute" with their fingers.
bdettlingmetv FrankCollins 27 months ago
That is true about Roddenberry and Nichelle. Gene was also involved with Majel Barrett at the time- he was a notorious womanizer. Majel told in an interview that she was informed about Gene and Nichelle and confronted them "in flagrante delicto". She said she told Gene "It's me or her- make up your mind, because you won't have us both." Gene, of course, then made Majel his last wife.
Greg 27 months ago
RIP Nichelle you left this world a better place for having been here.
Greg 27 months ago
RIP Nichelle you left this world a better place for having been here.
Gregory 27 months ago
MeTV is the best place to celebrate Nichelle's life. We'll always have Beyond Antares.
AnneBrown 27 months ago
So heartbroken and beyond words.
Retrogirl1969 27 months ago
I will always be a fan of Nichelle Nichols. I'm very saddened by her passing. She was an incredible lady,with all she accomplished in her life.She was my favorite Star Trek character R I P Lieutenant Uhuru!!!
birddog 27 months ago
RIP!! She was the class act of the crew on the bridge 😥
ELEANOR 27 months ago
She had great courage. She was involved in a traffic accident THE FIRST DAY she was due on the set. The doctor in the emergency room gave her a sedative and told her to go home and rest. Instead, with great determination, she went to the set. However, the accident and perhaps the sedative caught up with her and she suddenly fainted. But she is to be commended for just hanging in there and going to the set.
zekezeus1 27 months ago
RIP Nichelle. Your many contributions not only breaking barriers in the entertainment industry but your collaboration with NASA for equity and diversity impacted so many people. Your star will shine bright forever up in the heavens. 🌟
Runeshaper 27 months ago
She was AWESOME both on and off the screen. It's nice to see so many people recognize her wonderful personality and life contributions.
Deleted 27 months ago
This comment has been removed.
LoveMETV22 27 months ago
She does have a nice smile.
Michael 27 months ago
Nothing from Cuba Gooding jr? She played his mothnr in "Snow Dogs". Twenty years ago, it was neat to see her on screen, away fromStar Trek.
daDoctah Michael 27 months ago
She was in the second season of "Heroes", following George Takei's appearance (in a limousine with license plate number NCC-1701), in season one.
Michael, I thought of that too. My youngest son knew her better as Mrs. Brooks on Snow Dogs, he eventually saw the original Star Trek but he saw that appearance first.
GinaGalway 27 months ago
Bill, George AND Walter Koenig are still with us.
Andybandit 27 months ago
Nice tribute to Nichelle. William shatner and George Takei are the only ones still alive from Star Trek TOS.
BuckeyeBeth Andybandit 27 months ago
Walter is also still with us.
Pacificsun 27 months ago
With an additional story, is noteworthy of MeTV to help Fans and Admirers share in their recognition and grief with ongoing accolades. Am sure these extraordinary trailblazers and contributors knew up until their last days how appreciated and special they were to family, friends 𝒂𝒏𝒅 the world!!

Well said is part of the article's quote:

“As an icon both on and off-screen, using her fame to advocate for civil rights and to encourage a more diverse group of astronauts at NASA. That's only the tip of the iceberg of her incredible life — that included visiting space herself, getting encouragement from Martin Luther King, Jr. and singing with Duke Ellington.”

Thank heavens for ST Conventions to feel the love directly. Working with others for special causes. Career changing Influencer Functions. Earning a Hollywood Walk of Fame Star in 1992, as another rare distinction in perpetuity.
https://walkoffame.com/nichelle-nichols/

A wonderful reminder that people 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 be celebrated just as much while living, as after. In this case, it's been very true!
LoveMETV22 27 months ago
Thank you MeTV a fitting story, befitting a great actress.
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