The death of actress Nichelle Nichols, who played Lieutenant Uhura in the classic series “Star Trek” (Star Trek) and its derivative films, has moved the arts community and fans of the “Star Trek” universe in the United States. Social networks filled with tributes and expressions of sadness on the occasion of the 89-year-old actress’s death, in homage to her pioneering spirit and the importance of playing her in the science fiction franchise.
The Twitter posts brought together several stars from the trekker universe, as well as other celebrities who were inspired by Nichols, who also played an important role for NASA in real life, helping to recruit women and blacks into the US space program.
Among the comments, George Takei, who played Mr. Sulu alongside Nichols in the original “Star Trek” series, was one of the most emotional.
“I’ll have more to say about the pioneer and incomparable Nichelle Nichols, who shared the bridge with us as Lieutenant Uhura of the USS Enterprise, and who died today at the age of 89. But today my heart is heavy and my eyes shine like the stars among the stars, may you now rest my dear friend, “Takei wrote on Twitter. “We’ve lived long and thrived together,” he added, evoking the series’ traditional Vulcan farewell: “Live long and thrive.”
We have lived a long time and we have thrived together. pic.twitter.com/MgLjOeZ98X
—George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) July 31, 2022
William Shatner of Captain Kirk, with whom Nichelle shared the first interracial kiss in TV history, witnessed the impact of the actress’s work on the series.
“I am saddened to learn of Nichelle’s death. She was a beautiful woman and played an admirable character who did so much to redefine social issues both here in the United States and around the world. I will surely miss her. I send my love and my condolences to your family, “he tweeted.
I’m so sorry about Nichelle’s disappearance. She was a beautiful woman and she played an admirable character who did a lot to redefine social issues both here in the United States and around the world. I will definitely miss you. I send my love and condolences to her family. invoice
– William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) July 31, 2022
Actress Celia Rose Gooding, who inherited the role of Nichols as newcomer Nyota Uhura in the Paramount + prologue series “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,” was honored to be able to continue her legacy.
“It made room for many of us. It reminded us that not only can we reach the stars, but that our influence is essential to their survival. Forget the shaking of the table, she built the table!”
It made room for so many of us. He reminded me that not only can we reach the stars, but that our influence is essential for their survival. Forget about shaking the table, she built it! #RIPNichelleNichols 🕊✨🖖🏾 pic.twitter.com/k1aVw15w3d
– ALIEN SUPERSTAR CRG (@celiargooding) July 31, 2022
Actor Wilson Cruz, who plays Dr. Culber in “Star Trek: Discovery” celebrated the importance of Nichols’ performance as Uhura: “Before realizing how important the performance is, Nichelle Nichols showed us. His presence and grace, illuminated who we are, as people of color and inspired us to reach our potential. Rest well, brilliant diamond in heaven. “
Before you understand how much #RepresentationMatters #NichelleNichols he modeled it for us. With her very presence and her grace she has illuminated who we are as people of color and inspired us to reach our potential. Rest well sparkling diamond in the sky https://t.co/DmeLFbg825
– Wilson Cruz (@ wcruz73) July 31, 2022
Kate Mulgrew, who was Captain Janeway in the “Star Trek: Voyager” series, shared: “Nichelle Nichols was the first. She was a pioneer who walked a very challenging path with courage, grace and a beautiful fire that probably not. we will be able to do. review. May you rest in peace. “
Nichelle Nichols was the first. She was a pioneer who has walked a very challenging path with grit, grace and a beautiful fire that we will probably never see again.
May she rest in peace. #NichelleNichols pic.twitter.com/DONSz6IV2b
– Kate Mulgrew (@TheKateMulgrew) July 31, 2022
Marina Sirtis, “Star Trek: The Next Generation” councilor Deanna Troi, cheered: “You opened the way and opened the door for the rest of us who followed you. We will be forever grateful. My heart is broken. “.
RIP @NichelleIsUhura. You led the way and opened the door for the rest of us who followed in your wake. We will always be grateful to you. My heart is broken💔😢
– Marina Sirtis (@Marina_Sirtis) July 31, 2022
Jeri Ryan, interpreter of Seven of Nine (Seven of Nine) in “Star Trek: Voyager” and “Star Trek: Picard”, called her “a true legend”: “Her legacy will live on forever”.
RIP to a true legend. His legacy will live on forever.#NichelleNichols
– Jeri Ryan (@JeriLRyan) July 31, 2022
Producer and director JJ Abrams, who directed the 2009 “Star Trek” reboot and its sequel, stressed that she is “an amazing woman in an amazing role.” “Nichelle, we will miss you very much,” she wrote.
An extraordinary woman in an extraordinary role. Nichelle, we will miss you deeply. Sending lots of love and respect. pic.twitter.com/ZRnMblXx0Z
– JJ Abrams (@jjabrams) July 31, 2022
Alex Kurtzman, who wrote both Abrams-directed films and currently directs Paramount +’s “Star Trek” series, said it was the actress who opened her eyes to the meaning of the franchise.
“Nichelle was a singular inspiration. She was the one who really opened my eyes to what ‘Star Trek’ is and what it stands for. I can’t tell you how many people have told me that she is the reason they became … . astronaut, scientist, writer, linguist, engineer … and continue. We are in your light and we honor you today and every day. Thank you, dear Nichelle, for paving the way for me, “he wrote.
We are in its light and we honor it today and every day. Thank you, dear Nichelle, for paving the way for me. 2/2
– Alex Kurtzman (@Alex_Kurtzman) July 31, 2022
Lynda Carter, who was the Wonder Woman of the 70s, also stressed the importance of Uhura’s interpreter: “Many actors become stars, but few stars can move a nation. Nichelle Nichols showed us the extraordinary power of women. of color and paved the way for a better future for all women in the media. Thank you, Nichelle. We will miss you. “
Many actors become stars, but few stars can move a nation. Nichelle Nichols showed us the extraordinary power of black women and paved the way for a better future for all women in the media. Thanks, Nicola. We will miss you. pic.twitter.com/KhUf4YM6pX
– Lynda Carter (@RealLyndaCarter) July 31, 2022
Jason Alexander of “Seinfeld” introduced himself as a mere trekker as he mourned the loss: “My love for the original ‘Star Trek’ runs deep. Nichelle Nichols was a pioneer and glorious ambassador for her series, her role and science all his life. And he was a really lovely person. May he have a wonderful adventure to the last frontier. “
My love for the original Star Trek runs deep. Nichelle Nichols has been a revolutionary and a glorious ambassador for her show, her role and her science throughout her life. She and she a really lovely person. May you have a wonderful adventure to the last frontier.#ripnichellenicoli
– jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) July 31, 2022
Colman Domingo, actor of “Fear the Walking Dead” and “Euphoria”, wrote: “Nichelle Nichols told us we belonged to space. We are unlimited. Today the skies have an Uhura.”
Nichelle Nichols told us we belonged to space. We are unlimited. The heavens have gained a Uhura today.
– Colman Domingo (@colmandomingo) July 31, 2022
Rapper Chuck D of the band Public Enemy also paid tribute. “Before Scotty teleported, before Spock sent signals from Vulcan, before Kirk told Sulu to take him to the speed of Warp Factor 9 … Sister Uhura … Nichelle Nichols had to have that beautiful hair, the perfect skirt and dangle earrings. BEFORE taking care of the outside space … “
Before Scotty got up, before Spock threw some Vulcan signs, before Kirk told Sulu to take him to warp factor 9 .. Sister Uhura .. Nichelle Nichols would have that tight hair, right skirt and dangling earrings BEFORE that had to do with space. 🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/bWPR3LJwTQ
– Chuck D (@MrChuckD) July 31, 2022
NASA also spoke: “We celebrate the life of Nichelle Nichols, actress, pioneer and model of ‘Star Trek’, who symbolized for many what was possible. She collaborated with us to recruit some of the first women and astronauts of the racial minorities. and inspired generations to reach for the stars. “
We celebrate the life of Nichelle Nichols, Star Trek actor, pioneer and model, who symbolized what was possible for so many. He partnered with us to recruit some of the first minority women and astronauts and inspired generations to reach for the stars. pic.twitter.com/pmQaKDb5zw
– NASA (@NASA) July 31, 2022
Source: Terra
Camila Luna is a writer at Gossipify, where she covers the latest movies and television series. With a passion for all things entertainment, Camila brings her unique perspective to her writing and offers readers an inside look at the industry. Camila is a graduate from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with a degree in English and is also a avid movie watcher.
