Star Trek: The Original Series is a beloved sci-fi series. The creator of the original series has passed away.
She was a pioneer when it came to media representation and diversity in television. She leaves a beautiful legacy and a legion of fans who still adore her.
The actress died at the age of 89.
She was best known for her role as Lt. Uhura in Star Trek. Kyle Johnson confirmed the news on her Facebook page.
“Friends, Fans, Colleagues, World. I regret to inform you that a great light in the firmament no longer shines for us as it has for so many years,” the post reads, “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.”
The post was beautiful to honor a woman.
“Hers was a life well lived and as such a model for us all.”
She was an early example of stellar diversity in television. She shared a kiss with her character. William Shatner’s portrayal of Captain Kirk in the episode “Plato’s Stepchildren” is known as the first interracial kiss on American television.
She was loved and will be for a long time.
NASA asked for her help in recruiting more women and other minorities into its space program because so many people looked to her as an inspiration.
May she rest in peace.
