Photo: Frank Trapper/Corbis via Getty
Hollywood is grieving the loss of industry trailblazerNichelle Nicholsafterher death at age 89.
On Sunday, Nichols' son Kyle Johnson posted a statement viaFacebookannouncing the news of his mother’s death.
“Last night, my mother, Nichelle Nichols, succumbed to natural causes and passed away,” he wrote in part. “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.”
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“Hers was a life well lived and as such a model for us all,” he added.
After news of her death was made public, social media was flooded with statements from various public figures who paid tribute to the star, who was most notably known for her role in the 1960s sci-fi seriesStar Trek.
“Many actors become stars, but few stars can move a nation,“Lynda Carterwrote viaTwitter. “Nichelle Nichols showed us the extraordinary power of Black women and paved the way for a better future for all women in media. Thank you, Nichelle. We will miss you.”
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Nichols' former costarGeorge Takeialso honored her,tweeting, “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.”
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“For today, my heart is heavy, my eyes shining like the stars you now rest among, my dearest friend,” he added.
Kate Mulgrewsaid, “Nichelle Nichols was The First.”
“She was a trailblazer who navigated a very challenging trail with grit, grace, and a gorgeous fire we are not likely to see again,” Mulgrewcontinued. “May she Rest In Peace.”
William Shatner, who played James T. Kirk in theStar Trekfranchise, said he was “so sorry to hear about the passing of Nichelle.”
“One of my most treasured photos - Godspeed to Nichelle Nichols, champion, warrior and tremendous actor,” she captioned the image. “Her kindness and bravery lit the path for many. May she forever dwell among the stars. #RIPNichelle #Uhura.”
Ashley Nicole Blacknoted viaTwitterthat “Nichelle Nichols left behind such a beautiful legacy of what it really means to use the platform you have to make the world a better place.”
“I think of her example often and I hope others will too. Rest well, Lt.,” she said of the late actress.
DirectorAdam Nimoy, whose dadLeonard Nimoywas Nichols’Star Trekcostar, posted his favorite picture of Leonard and Nichols together viaTwitter.
“The importance of Nichelle’s legacy cannot be over-emphasized. She was much loved and will be missed,” he wrote.
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“Before Scotty beamed up , Before Spock threw Vulcan signs, Before Kirk told Sulu take it to Warp Factor 9 …,” he shared. “Sis Uhura.. Nichelle Nichols was gonna have that hair tight , skirt right and earrings dangling BEFORE she was dealing with outer space…”
Another costar of Nichols from the sci-fi series,Jeri Ryan, joined other cast members on Sunday to honor her,tweeting, “RIP to a true legend. Her legacy will live forever. #NichelleNichols.”
source: people.com
