Star Trek actress Nichols passed away in her 89th year.
Kyle Johnson announced that his mother died of natural causes on Saturday night.
“I regret to inform” you, he wrote to the official Facebook page of his mother on Sunday.
My mother Nichelle Nichols passed away last night. We and future generations will still be able to see her light, just like ancient galaxies.
Star Trek actor Nichelle Nichols died at the age 89.
Kyle Johnson, her son, declared that his mother had “succumbed naturally to natural causes” on Saturday night. Nichols was pictured in Star Trek
“Hers was an example for all of us. It was a well-lived life.
‘I (and the rest of my family) would appreciate your patience while we grieve her death until we are able to recover enough to speak more. We request her privacy and that she be surrounded by her family and closest friends at her funeral.
Kyle signed the tribute using the Star Trek iconic slogan “Live Long and Prosper”
Nichols became one of the nation’s first Black women to star in a primetime show after being cast in 1966 as Nyota Uhura on Star Trek.
Nichols, who was originally cast on Star Trek in 1966 as NyotaUhura, became the nation’s first Black woman to appear in a primetime program.
Nichols, who was 16 years old when she entered the show business, sang with Duke Ellington and then switched to acting.
She broke the mould and became a space scientist. From 1977 to 2015, she volunteered for NASA to encourage diversity in NASA’s recruitment of minority and women astronauts. This initiative resulted in Dr. Sally Ride being hired as the country’s first female astronaut.
Nichols, an actress, played a crucial role in inspiring children of color to go into the showbiz. Nichols was also praised by Martin Luther King Jr. She continued her role in lesser-known films and sequels to Star Trek after the 70-episode Star Trek run.
Nichols’ contributions to film production earned her star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame 1992. In 2016, Nichols was also awarded a Life Career Award by the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films, becoming the first female recipient of this honor.
Many people paid tribute on Twitter to the actress, including George Takei (Star Trek co-star), who called her “trailblazing” and “incomparable”.
Chuck D, a rapper, shared an artwork in tribute to Star Trek’s late actress.
Georgia governor candidate Stacey Abrams tweeted a photo of her with the late star. She praised her for “her kindnesses and bravery”.
Hollywood legends Lynda Carter and Kate Mulgrew posted tributes online to their late starlet, Jason Alexander.
Mark Hamill, Josh Gad, and other stars honored Nichols as well as late NBA player Bill Russell when the death of each was announced on Sunday