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‘Nichelle Nichols was a trailblazer’: George Takei, Kate Mulgrew, and others remember ‘Star Trek’ co-star

NASA wrote, 'We celebrate the life of Nichelle Nichols, Star Trek actor, trailblazer, and role model, who symbolized to so many what was possible'

Nichelle Nichols, who played Lieutenant Uhura in the original 'Star Trek' series, died at the age of 89. Following the actress' death, tributes started pouring in for the groundbreaking legend, from the cast of 'Star trek'.

On July 31, her son Kyle Johnson made the announcement on Nichols' Instagram account with the caption, "Last night, my mother, Nichelle Nichols, succumbed to natural causes and passed away. 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." Soon after this, fans and her former colleagues shared their condolences and paid tribute to the incredible life that Nichols lived. George Takei, who co-starred with Nichols on 'Star Trek', tweeted, "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. For today, my heart is heavy, my eyes shining like the stars you now rest among, my dearest friend." He further wrote while sharing a photo, "We lived long and prospered together."

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While JJ Abrams, the director of the 2009 'Star Trek' reboot film, wrote, "A remarkable woman in a remarkable role. Nichelle, you will be deeply missed. Sending much love and respect." Wilson Cruz, who played one half of the final frontier's first gay couple on 'Star Trek: Discovery', said, "Before we understood how much #RepresentationMatters #NichelleNichols modeled it for us. With her very presence & her grace she shone a light on who we as people of color are & inspired us to reach for our potential. Rest well glittering diamond in the sky."

On the other hand, Celia Rose Gooding, who plays Uhura in the new Paramount+ series 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds', tweeted a photo of Nichols, writing "Rest well, legend." Kate Mulgrew, who played Captain Kathryn Janeway in 'Star Trek: Voyager', praised Nichols for leading the way for actresses. She wrote, "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. May she Rest In Peace."

Meanwhile, Stacey Abrams, who appears as the President of United Earth in 'Star Trek: Discovery', tweeted a photo of her and Nichols. She wrote, "One of my most treasured photos - Godspeed to Nichelle Nichols, champion, warrior and tremendous actor. Her kindness and bravery lit the path for many. May she forever dwell among the stars. #RIPNichelle #Uhura."

NASA pays tribute

The official Twitter account of NASA recognized Nichols' contribution, who promoted NASA's programs for recruiting diverse astronauts from 1977 to 2015 and paid tribute to the actress and activist, saying, "We celebrate the life of Nichelle Nichols, Star Trek actor, trailblazer, and role model, who symbolized to so many what was possible. She partnered with us to recruit some of the first women and minority astronauts, and inspired generations to reach for the stars." The official 'Star Trek' account also paid tribute to the actress, sharing a link to an article dedicated to Nichols on the Star Trek website. They wrote, "We're deeply saddened to report the passing of Nichelle Nichols – a trailblazer, an inspiration, and so much more. She will be deeply missed."