STAR TREK Actress Nichelle Nichols Dies: ‘Hers Was a Life Well Lived’
By Movieguide® Contributor
Actress Nichelle Nichols, known for her role as Lieutenant Nyota Uhura in the iconic TV show STAR TREK, died on Sunday, according to a statement made by her son. She was 89 years old.
The actress also appeared in all six of the STAR TREK movies, from 1979 to 1991.
Nichols was praised for breaking stereotypes for Black actresses, and William Shatner—who played Captain Kirk—made TV history when they shared one of the first interracial kisses on television.
“I regret to inform you that a great light in the firmament no longer shines for us as it has for so many years,” her son Kyle wrote in a Facebook post.
“Last night, my mother, Nichelle Nichols, succumbed to natural causes and passed away,” the post continued. “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.”
He concluded, “Hers was a life well lived and as such a model for us all. I, and the rest of our family, would appreciate your patience and forbearance as we grieve her loss until we can recover sufficiently to speak further. Her services will be for family members and the closest of her friends and we request that her and our privacy be respected.”
Dylan Novak, aka the Celebrity Evangelist, shared a moving story about Nichols’ faith and a conversation they had at a fan convention:
I’m saddened by the news of Nichelle Nichols passing away, but I am thankful to know where she put her faith and trust.
I met Ms. Nichols in 2016, and she was very emotionally moved by the gift I had for her.
She told me, “No fan has ever cared about my eternal life before.” She went on to share her testimony of coming to know Jesus as her personal Lord and Savior.
She asked if I was going to share Jesus with William (Shatner), who was at the same comic con. I told her I was, and she handed me $100 and said, “It’s on me. Go show him Jesus’ love.”
After leaving Mr. Shatner’s line (which was right next to hers, she clapped and asked me how he responded, and told me she would start praying for him more.
Please be praying for Nichelle’s family during this difficult time.
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