Star Trek’s Nichelle Nichols dies at age 89

Photo by Fotos International/Courtesy of Getty Images

She was best known for her role as Uhura in the original Star Trek series. Kyle Johnson told her fans in a post.

Johnson's mother died of natural causes last night. Her light will stay for us and future generations to enjoy, learn from, and draw inspiration from.

He was born in Robbins, Illinois on December 28, 1932. Before joining the cast of Star Trek, Nichols toured with jazz artist Duke Ellington as a dancer and singer, and later starred in the 1959 film Porgy and Bess.

In 1966 she became the first black woman to play a leading role in a TV show when she was cast in Star Trek. A meeting with Dr. Martin Luther King persuaded her to stay on the show. Dr. King reminded Nichols of the significance of her role and she took back her resignation. The original Star Trek aired from 1969 to 1969.

His legacy goes beyond Star Trek. She worked with NASA to increase the number of astronauts fromunderrepresented groups. Sally Ride was the first woman to go to space and the first black man. The film, Woman in Motion, focuses on the impact of Nichols advocacy on NASA. After making a final appearance at the LA Comic Con, she decided to retire from space advocacy.

The news of her death was posted online. The daughter of Dr. King wrote on the social networking site about the importance of representation. Representation's excellence is even more important. You are well, descendant.

George Takei, best known for his role as Hikaru Sulu on Star Trek, posted a tribute to him on the social networking site. Takei says that he will have more to say about the trailblazer who shared the bridge with him as Uhura of the ship. My heart is heavy and my eyes are shining like the stars.