Hailing frequencies closed: Nichelle Nichols passes away (Star Trek news).
Nichelle Nichols, the famous Star Trek actress whose portrayal of a Black American lieutenant on a starship’s bridge set a precedent for minority depiction in Hollywood, passed away on Saturday (30th July 2022). She was 89.
The most well-known role she was recognised for playing was Nyota Uhura in Star Trek: The Original Series and its film sequels. Nichols’ depiction of Uhura on U.S. television broke new boundaries for African American actors. Nichols dedicated her time from 1977 through 2015 to promote NASA projects and to find diverse astronaut candidates, such as women and members of underrepresented ethnic groups.
In the Trek universe, Uhura is the Enterprise crew’s communications officer and translator with expertise in philology, linguistics, and encryption. She was one of the first black characters to be featured in a non-menial capacity on an American television series and an integral element of the original series’ multicultural cast.
Played by Nichelle, Uhura made her debut appearance in the episode “The Man Trap,” joining the USS Enterprise crew as a lieutenant and taking over as chief communications officer. She is shown as a competent bridge officer who, when necessary, took over command of the ship’s helm, navigation, and scientific stations. When she wasn’t on duty, Uhura loved singing for her other crew members, oftentimes with Spock playing the Vulcan lyre.
The actress’s son Kyle Johnson posted a confirmation of her passing on Instagram on Sunday, July 31st 2022.
Goodbye, Nichelle, you were a classic and inspired everyone who came after you.
