Celebrities Mourn the Death of Star Trek's Nichelle Nichols

Celebrities are mourning the death of Star Trek actor Nichelle Nichols, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 89.

Nichols played Enterprise crew member Lt. Nyota Uhura on the series and in several of the Star Trek films.

Nichols' son, Kyle Johnson, shared the news of her death on her website on Sunday, saying, "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." He added, "Hers was a life well lived and as such a model for us all."

When Star Trek first premiered in 1966, Nichols was one of the few Black women in a major role on a primetime TV series. She was also a part of one of the first interracial kisses on television, when her character kissed James T. Kirk, played by William Shatner.

Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. called Nichols' role in the series "the first non-stereotypical role portrayed by a Black woman in television history."

After the original Star Trek's three-season run, Nichols also helped NASA make the agency more diverse, recruiting astronauts Sally Ride, Judith Resnik, Guion Bluford, and more.

Following news of Nichols' death, a number of notable figures, including George Takei, J.J. Abrams, William Shatner, Stacey Abrams, and Jason Alexander have paid tribute to the actor over social media.

"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," Takei wrote on Twitter. "For today, my heart is heavy, my eyes shining like the stars you now rest among, my dearest friend."

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

And co-star Shatner wrote, "I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Nichelle. She was a beautiful woman & played an admirable character that did so much for redefining social issues both here in the US & throughout the world. I will certainly miss her. Sending my love and condolences to her family. Bill."

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Nichelle. She was a beautiful woman & played an admirable character that did so much for redefining social issues both here in the US & throughout the world. I will certainly miss her. Sending my love and condolences to her family. Bill

— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) July 31, 2022

A remarkable woman in a remarkable role. Nichelle, you will be deeply missed. Sending much love and respect. pic.twitter.com/ZRnMblXx0Z

— JJ Abrams (@jjabrams) 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

Nichelle Nichols told us that we belonged in outer space. We are limitless. The heavens have gained an Uhura today.

— Colman Domingo (@colmandomingo) July 31, 2022

My love for the original Star Trek is profound. Nichelle Nichols was a ground-breaker and a glorious ambassador for her show, her role and science all her life. And a truly lovely person. May she have a wonderful adventure to the final frontier.#ripnichellenichols

— jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) July 31, 2022

Even NASA paid tribute to the trailblazing actor, saying, "We celebrate the life of Nichelle Nichols, Star Trek actor, trailblazer, and role model, who symbolized to so many what was possible. She partnered with us to recruit some of the first women and minority astronauts, and inspired generations to reach for the stars."

We celebrate the life of Nichelle Nichols, Star Trek actor, trailblazer, and role model, who symbolized to so many what was possible. She partnered with us to recruit some of the first women and minority astronauts, and inspired generations to reach for the stars. pic.twitter.com/pmQaKDb5zw

— NASA (@NASA) July 31, 2022

Nichols is survived by her son, Kyle Johnson.

Deena ElGenaidi's writing has been featured in Nylon, MTV News, Insider, The AV Club, and more. You can follow her on Twitter @deenaelg.