Nichelle Nichols, who played “Star Trek” communications officer Lieutenant Uhura in the 1960s television series and shared the first interracial kiss on American television with William Shatner, has died at the age of 89, according to USA Today.
In a Facebook post, her son Kyle Johnson revealed his mother’s passing. Family friend Sky Conway clarified to USA TODAY that Nichols died Saturday evening in Silver City, New Mexico, describing her as “truly transformational” and “an amazing person.”
“I regret to inform you that a great light in the firmament no longer shines for us as it has for so many years,” Johnson wrote on Facebook. “Last night, my mother, Nichelle Nichols, succumbed to natural causes and passed away. Her light however, like the ancient galaxies now being seen for the first time, will remain for us and future generations to enjoy, learn from, and draw inspiration.
“Hers was a life well lived and as such a model for us all.”
Johnson stated that a private service for relatives and close friends would be held, and he signed his statement with the phrase “Live Long and Prosper.”
In 2015, Nichols suffered a stroke.
Star Trek’s Nichelle Nichols on Uhura’s Radical Impact
Nichelle Nichols was an actress, singer, and dancer best known for her portrayal of Nyota Uhura in Star Trek: The Original Series and its film sequels has died at the age of 89. pic.twitter.com/IXjnR6agP9
— IGN (@IGN) July 31, 2022
The legendary Nichelle Nichols has died at 89.
— Yashar Ali 🐘 (@yashar) July 31, 2022
Her son Kyle announced the news of her passing.
Nichols was a trailblazer.
She was one of the first Black actors to play a major role on a television series and the type of role she had on Star Trek was groundbreaking. pic.twitter.com/cA8KKnmdTb
We lost two greats. Two people who changed their respective games.
— Jill Hopkins (@Jillhopkins) July 31, 2022
Two Black Icons.
Rest easy Nichelle Nichols and Bill Russell. And thank you. 🖖🏾🏀 pic.twitter.com/AWyLdBDBlO
✨Nichelle Nichols✨ Her light will keep shining. 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. https://t.co/lK07CTahJx
— Melissa Navia (@melissaCnavia) July 31, 2022
