Nichelle Nichols (Lt. Uhura) dead

[id10t]

Cast into a ground breaking role. Inspired a bunch of young women.

May her memory be a blessing.



A sad announcement was posted online today, reports CNN:
"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 said in a statement shared to Nichols' official site on Sunday. "Hers was a life well lived and as such a model for us all."

Nichols died from natural causes, he said...

George Takei, who portrayed the USS Enterprise's helmsman Hikaru Sulu, posted a touching tribute to his co-star.

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

"We lived long and prospered together," he added with a photo of the pair making the iconic Vulcan salute.

It was Nichols herself who came up with the name "Uhura" for her character, she revealed years in a 2010 interview. After the series Nichols authored the science fiction novels Saturn's Child and Saturna's Quest, as well as a memoir titled Beyond Uhura — Star Trek and Other Memories.

But Nichols also served on the board of directors of the National Space Society (a charity advocating for space advocacy) — and maintained ties to other real-world space agencies. "Nichols was always interested in space travel," according to a NASA web page. "She flew aboard the C-141 Astronomy Observatory, which analyzed the atmospheres of Mars and Saturn on an eight hour, high altitude mission." But in addition, "From the late 1970's until the late 1980's, NASA employed Nichelle Nichols to recruit new astronaut candidates" (including Dr. Sally Ride).

[Tobra]

She was going to quit Star Trek after a year

MLK Jr apparently heard about it, called her and asked her not to. She was a role model, a black woman who was one of the lead characters on a network show, uncommon at the time.

[flatbutt]

RIP Ms Nichols.

[dw1]

Fyi, she was also a notable and quite talented jazz vocalist and dancer.

During the late 1940s, Nichols was discovered by jazz legend Duke Ellington and toured with both Ellington and Lionel Hampton (!!!!) as a lead singer and dancer.

Her acting career began in the film Porgy and Bess (1959); and her first television role was on “The Lieutenant” (1964). Nichols went on to record two albums, including “Down to Earth” (1968), and “Out of This World” (1991).

Thank you and R.I.P.

[otto_kretschmer]

It looks like Shatner will outlive all of them and get the last word.

[Baz]

[Racerbvd]

Originally Posted by dw1

Fyi, she was also a notable and quite talented jazz vocalist and dancer.

During the late 1940s, Nichols was discovered by jazz legend Duke Ellington and toured with both Ellington and Lionel Hampton (!!!!) as a lead singer and dancer.

Her acting career began in the film Porgy and Bess (1959); and her first television role was on “The Lieutenant” (1964). Nichols went on to record two albums, including “Down to Earth” (1968), and “Out of This World” (1991).

Thank you and R.I.P.

Wow, I didn't know about the Jazz connection. She was truly a talented, inspiring Lady, and the first Biracial screen kiss. How is it that Captain Kirk never died of space herpes, well Bones was always there..
R.I. P., you were truly a great lady.