On Sunday, July 31st the world was saddened by the news of Nichelle Nichols, who passed away at age 89.
The announcement of her passing was announced by her son, Kyle Johnson, 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,” Johnson wrote.
He continued, “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 closet of her friends and we request that her and our privacy be respected.”
The tributes for Nichols quickly began to flood social media from her fans, friends, and people who loved her.
See some of the tributes below.
My favorite photo of Dad and Nichelle Nichols on set. The importance of Nichelle's legacy cannot be over-emphasized. She was much loved and will be missed. pic.twitter.com/1zlTd4F9BD
— Adam Nimoy (@adam_nimoy) July 31, 2022
I shall have more to say about the trailblazing, incomparable Nichelle Nichols, who shared the bridge with us as Lt. Uhura of the USS Enterprise, and who passed today at age 89. For today, my heart is heavy, my eyes shining like the stars you now rest among, my dearest friend.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) July 31, 2022
RIP Nichelle Nichols a true glamour girl pic.twitter.com/86Og7jtMUr
— Mr. Thing (illusion panel hater) (@beyonceseyelid) July 31, 2022
One of my most treasured photos – Godspeed to Nichelle Nichols, champion, warrior and tremendous actor. Her kindness and bravery lit the path for many. May she forever dwell among the stars. #RIPNichelle #Uhura pic.twitter.com/nFXHif8HEC
— Stacey Abrams (@staceyabrams) July 31, 2022
https://twitter.com/tnwhiskeywoman/status/1553818139183423488?s=21&t=-Q87NRwwA_Qxiw6JndB6sA
Omg Uhura 🥺 RIP Nichelle Nichols! I’m soooo sad!
— Raya (@RayaCharlyene) August 1, 2022
Nichelle Nichols played the role of Lt. Nyota Uhura on the hit show “Star Trek: The Original Series” in 1966 and stayed there for three seasons.
She was also known for being a part of the first interracial kiss on prime time television, when her character kissed Captain James T. Kirk, played by William Shatner.
During a 2014 interview, Nichols spoke about the kiss and said it “changed television forever and it also changed the way people looked at each other.”
Nichelle Nichols death comes hours after we reported that 11-time NBA Champion and legend Bill Russell passed away at age 88.
Our thoughts and prayers are with both of their families and loved ones during this time.