She was best known for her role in the original Star Trek series. Fans, friends, colleagues, and admirers are paying tribute to the performer, who inspired countless people through both her acting and her advocacy. She was old.
In the early '60s, she sang and performed in musicals, but it was her portrayal of Uhura in the TV show that made her famous. As one of the first Black characters on American television not in a menial role, Uhura was celebrated as an equal member of the Star Trek cast.
As a result, Nichols became a powerful figure of positive Black representation, inspiring people such as NASA astronauts, as well as becoming the celebrity crush of President Barack Obama.
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When Star Trek's run was still in its first season, she considered leaving for a role on Broadway, but didn't realize how much she had impacted the show. She was dissuaded from meeting Dr. Martin Luther King after he told her how important her work was. He persuaded her to stay after learning that she intended to leave.
We talked a long time about what it all meant and what images on television tell us about ourselves. It changed my career and was one of the most important things in my life. After that, I took my role more seriously.
The inspiration for viewers for all three seasons was provided by Nichols. One year after interracial marriage was legalized in the U.S., the kiss between Captain Kirk and Uhura in Season 3 is considered a significant step towards representation of interracial relationships on television.
Even after Star Trek's run ended, Nichols continued to look to the stars. America's first female and first black astronauts were recruited by this project.
She was involved in leadership of the Space Cadets of America as well as serving on the board of the National Space Institute. NASA's highest form of recognition for a non-government employee is the agency's distinguished public service medal.
NASA remembers her as an inspiration and symbol of a brighter future.
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Lieutenant, please rest in peace.
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