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How did Nichelle Nichols die? ‘Star Trek’ actress, 89, was one of the first Black women on TV

In 1991, Nichelle Nichols became the first African American woman to have her handprints immortalized at the TCL Chinese Theatre

The ‘Star Trek’ family has lost another icon after David Warner. Nichelle Nichols, the actor who became a Star Trek legend with her portrayal of Lt Nyota Uhura, is no more. The actress, who broke barriers as one of the first Black female leads on television, died at the age of 89.

Her son, Kyle Johnson, informed her fans in a post on Nichols’ Instagram account where he wrote, “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,” Johnson added. He further wrote, “Hers was a life well lived and as such a model for us all. I, and the rest of our family, would appreciate your patience and forbearance as we grieve her loss until we can recover sufficiently to speak further.” 

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Trailblazer was a word used by many to mourn the passing of the actress. "RIP. A hugely important trailblazing actor in our world who showed America the future and 4th in command of the Starship Enterprise in the hopeful universe humanity strives to realize. You will be missed, respected and remembered.  Forever. #Uhura #NichelleNichols #StarTrekTOS," wrote one fan. While another said, "Nichelle Nichols was a trailblazer that, as a young Trekkie, I didn't understand or realize - she was just cool. A remarkable woman who will be missed." One more individual said, "My heart is broken today. This woman was a trailblazer, an ally, a queen and so much more. RIP Nichelle Nichols."

Among many fans, some remembered her for breaking ground for Black women. One wrote, "I was always proud of Nichelle Nichols. Her grace and beauty were unparalleled. She lifted up black people and let the whole world see us in a new light. Her example is a good path to be emulated. You will be missed. Rest in power." While another person, who pointed out Nichols' interracial kiss in television history on 'Star Trek' with her co-star William Shatner, which was then a courageous move on the part of her, commented by saying, "Nichelle Nichols was one was half of the first interracial kiss on television. As she aged, she gave credence to the idea that black don't crack. It's always sad to me when another significant piece of my childhood dies. Sail on, madam."

Nichols' life and career

According to the National Space Society, for which Nichols was on the board of governors, she was born in Illinois as Grace Nichols and was discovered in Chicago by composer and musician Duke Ellington as a teenager while working as a dancer and choreographer.

Nichols starred in the 1959 film 'Porgy and Bess', as well as 'The Lieutenant' television series in 1964. She appeared on 'Star Trek' in its debut season in 1966. Initially, she considered leaving the show, feeling her character lacked depth. However, after meeting Martin Luther King Jr, who was a fan of the show, she decided to stay. And in 1991, Nichols became the first African American woman to have her handprints immortalized at the TCL Chinese Theatre.