US actress Nichelle Nichols, best known for her role as Uhura in “Star Trek” (“Star Trek”), died on Saturday (30th) at the age of 89. According to her son Kyle Johnson, she died of natural causes.
“Last night my mother, Nichelle Nichols, succumbed to natural causes and died,” Johnson wrote on the actress’ Instagram on Sunday (31).
“However, like the ancient galaxies that are now being seen for the first time, its light will remain for us and future generations to enjoy, learn from, and inspire,” he continued. “Her life was well lived and as such a role model for all of us.”
Nichelle played Lieutenant Uhura in the original cast of the series “Star Trek” which aired between 1966 and 1969. She reprized the role in other films in the franchise released in subsequent years.
The actress appeared with actor William Shatner, who played Captain Kirk, one of the first interracial kissing scenes on American television. The moment was aired in the episode “Plato’s Stepchildren” which aired in 1968.
She also worked with NASA, the US special agency, to encourage women and African Americans to become astronauts.
2 of 2 Actress Nichelle Nichol plays Lieutenant Uhura on Star Trek — Photo: Disclosure
Actress Nichelle Nichol plays Lieutenant Uhura in Star Trek Photo: Disclosure