In the early 70s, the actress made a few guest appearances on TV and appeared in the 1974 Blaxploitation film Truck Turner starring Isaac Hayes. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. "The importance of Nichelle's legacy cannot be over-emphasised. When Roddenberrys health was failing decades later, Nichols co-wrote a song for him, entitled Gene, that she sang at his funeral. The news was announced via a Twitter post written by her family in the early hours of Tuesday (December 6). Laurel Goodwin was an actress known for co-starring with Elvis Presley (19351977) in Girls! Colt opposite Hunter as Capt. Nichols starred as the communications chief Uhura in the original Nichols broke barriers in her role as Lieutenant Nyota Uhura in the series, becoming one of the first black actresses in the US to play a figure in authority. For today, my heart is heavy, my eyes shining like the stars you now rest among, my dearest friend., A message on Star Treks official Twitter account read: Were deeply saddened to report the passing of Nichelle Nichols a trailblazer, an inspiration, and so much more. Dr. Mae Jemison, the first Black woman to fly aboard the Space Shuttle, cited Star Trek as an influence in her decision to join the space agency. She was the reminder that not only can we reach the stars, but our influence is essential to their survival. 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Ready for Tolkien Battle, How the Landscape of Native-Led Stories Has Changed Between Avatars: Were Flexing Our Sovereignty, The Definitive Voice of Entertainment News. But she wasconvinced otherwise by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who described her character as the "first non-stereotypical role portrayed by a black woman in television history". In his teens, he acted in productions of the North Shore Children's 25 November 1926 - 27 May 1969 (age 42)Character(s): Christopher Pike (Pilot 1964/1986, T.O.S 2 episodes 1966). Rodenberry responded: "Thank god for Martin Luther King, somebody knows where I am coming from.". Grace Lee Whitney was a versatile actress and vocalist born in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Aron Eisenberg was born on January 6, 1969 in Hollywood, California, USA. Get the best of Fox News' entertainment coverage, right in your inbox. Martin Luther King Jr., who was a fan of the series and understood the importance of her character in opening doors for other African Americans on television, personally persuaded her to stay on the show, she told astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson in an interview for the Archive of American Television. She partnered with us to recruit some of the first women and minority astronauts, and inspired generations to reach for the stars. All Rights Reserved. In Hollywood, she studied acting with Jeff Corey and, when he was away, his fill-in, Nimoy. From 1997 to 2000, she starred in the sitcom Veronica's Closet, earning additional Emmy and Golden Globe (January 12, 1951 December 5, 2022; aged 71)Character(s): Saavik (Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan). After she served as a babysitter for the children of photographer Kurt Gunther, he circulated her photos at Paramount, and the studio wound up signing her to a seven-year contract when she was 19. She opted early on for a life in the entertainment industry, performing in community theatre and later as a dancer for some fourteen years with a troupe called the St. Louis Celtic Stepdancers. Uhura was promoted to lieutenant commander in Star Trek: The Motion Picture and to full commander in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.. He is primarily remembered for portraying Dr. David Marcus in the science fiction films "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan" (1982) and "Star Trek III: The Search for Spock" (1984). He was an actor and writer, known for When Worlds Collide (1951), Spartacus (1960) and Brute Force (1947). By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider His 15 October 1924 22 November 1996 (age 72)Character(s): Romulan Commander (T.O.S 1 episode 1966), Sarek T.O.S " 1 episode 1967, T.A.S 1 episode 1973, Star Trek III: The Search for Spock 1984, Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home 1986, Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country 1991, T.N.G 2 episode's 1991) & Klingon Captain (Star Trek: The Motion Picture 1979), Actress | When I told him I was going to miss my co-stars and I was leaving the show, he became very serious and said, You cannot do that, she said to the Tulsa World in a 2008 interview. Girls! All Rights Reserved. They both sold, and both were highly successful.. (6 January 1969 21 September 2019; age 50)Character(s): Nog, (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine). George Takei, who starred alongside Nichols as Lieutenant Hikaru Sulu of the fictional star ship USS Enterprise, also paid tribute to the actress. During the early 60s, before Star Trek, Nichols had an affair with Gene Roddenberry that lasted several years, according to her autobiography. Her biggest acting break was getting the role of 2 October 1948 18 August 1998 (age 49)Character(s): Ilia, Ilia probe (Star Trek: The Motion Picture 1979). The community of Riverside, Iowa, has a monument to the fictional local boy-turned-hero James Kirk, and that's what inspired some fans in Bloomington to do the same. Youve changed the face of television forever, and therefore, youve changed the minds of people, she said the civil-rights leader added. James T. Kirk, shared an interracial onscreen kiss,which was unheard of at the time. She also shared one of TV's first prime-time interracial kisses with her costar William Shatner, further cementing Nichols as a historic figure in Hollywood. #NichelleNichols pic.twitter.com/DONSz6IV2b, Kate Mulgrew (@TheKateMulgrew) July 31, 2022, J.J. Abrams, who helmed the 2009 Star Trek reboot and its 2013 follow-up Star Trek Into Darkness, called Nichols a remarkable woman in a remarkable role., A remarkable woman in a remarkable role. Will Smith banned from Oscars for 10 years but he can 11-year-old reads aloud from 'pornographic' book he checked out from library at school board meeting, Influencer refuses to switch business class seats so family can sit together, Family raises 250-pound 'dog' for 2 years then realizes it's a bear, Chicago's top cop quits one day after woke mayor lost re-election bid, RHOA star Drew Sidora accuses ex Ralph Pittman of cheating, mental abuse, Original Gone With The Wind script reveals secret war over slavery, cut scenes, Drake regrets disrupting someones life by name-dropping exes in his songs, 'Disgraceful' Meghan, Harry 'provoked' King Charles to evict them: royal expert. Nichelle Nichols was a ground-breaker and a glorious ambassador for her show, her role and science all her life. She was 76. Thank you. Ed Sheeran's touring partner Ben Kweller's son, 16, dies in car accident, Madonna's brother Anthony Ciccone dies aged 66, Real Housewives of Orange County star Slade Smiley's son dies aged 22 from brain cancer. She even changed her mind about conventions, according to signing convention agent Scott Ray. I had to fight for it through the Screen Actors Guild. That show was fascinating to work on from a technical point of view. Fox News Flash top entertainment headlines of the week, Jussie Smollett files appeal argument in hate crime hoax conviction, Michael B. Jordan apologized to his mom before steamy Calvin Klein underwear ad was released, Kristin Cavallari jokes shes 'heartless' for breaking up with guys over text: 'I know thats horrible', Gisele Bndchen shares tips for when 'life gets challenging': 'Remember that the sun rises everyday', Amy Grant says she leaned on her faith after horrific bike accident: Its helped me not be afraid, Bette Midler confesses to plastic surgery: Time smooths 'everything out'. The two characters always had a platonic relationship on the show but were forced by aliens controlling their brains to kiss in one episode. I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Nichelle. Flowers were placed this week on the Hollywood Walk of Fame star for actress Kirstie Alley, best known for her role as Rebecca Howe on the NBC sitcom Cheers, who died at age 71 after a short bout with colon cancer. As noted by the Post, she was considered a trailblazer for Black actors, particularly for portraying a Black woman in a position of authority. In 1991, Nichols became the first African American woman to have her handprints immortalized at the TCL Chinese Theatre. As a singer, she had a minor hit with her single Soupy, which was produced by Bob Crewe, who was the one who convinced her to change her name. She was later employed by Nasa in an effort to encourage more women and African-Americans to become astronauts. Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images Nichelle Nichols died July 30 at age 89, according to a Facebook post by her son, Kyle Johnson. Her break came with an appearance in Oscar Browns high-profile but ill-fated 1961 musical Kicks and Co., in which she played campus queen Hazel Sharpe, whos tempted by the devil and Orgy Magazine to become Orgy Maiden of the Month. The play closed after its brief Chicago tryout, but Nichols attracted the attention of Playboy publisher Hugh Hefner, who booked her at his Chicago Playboy Club. When WWII{ came he joined the Royal Canadian Artillery . Kirstie Louise Alley was an American actress. xo pic.twitter.com/qhZ5tujAXs, Kim Cattrall (@KimCattrall) July 31, 2022, Thank you for giving so many of us a place in the universe. Some of the people involved in productionfeared what the reaction from Southern television stations would be and wanted to film another take where the two kissed off-screen. She was urged bytheRev. A product of NYC's famed Music and Arts High School, Peters initially fielded more odd jobs than acting jobs as he worked his way up from Harlem 2 July 1927 23 August 2005 (age 78)Character(s): Admiral Cartwright Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home 1986, Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country 1991), Joseph Sisko D.S.9 " 6 episodes 1996 - 1998) & The Preacher (D.S.9: 1 episode 1998). She was a singer and dancer before turning to acting and finding fame in her groundbreaking role of Lt. Nyota Uhura in the Star Trek (1966) series.As long as she could remember, (28 December 1932 30 July 2022; age 89)Character(s): Nyota Uhura (Star Trek 66-69, Star Trek: The Motion Picture, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, Star Trek V: The Final Frontier, Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country). 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Nichols starred as the communications chief Uhura in the original "Star Trek" series. Hays began her career with TV roles in the early 1960s. She met him at a civil rights gathering in 1967, at a point when she had decided not to return for the show's second season. Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter, One of the last contract players at Paramount, she also starred with Jackie Gleason in 'Papa's Delicate Condition.'. Girls! and playing Yeoman Colt in the rejected Star Trek Born on Aug. 11, 1942, in Wichita, Kansas, Goodwin and her family moved to San Diego and then San Francisco. You are passed regular overtime and are into triple overtime. She was a very busy supporting actress who had worked in television for over twenty years before being nominated for an Emmy Award as a supporting actress for Doing Time on Maple Drive (1992) and 1 February 1940 7 September 1996 (age 56)Character(s): Carol Marcus (Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan 1982), Actor | She began her career as a singer and dancer in Chicago before heading to New York,where she worked for a time with Duke Ellington and Lionel Hampton bands. Nichols was known for playing Lieutenant Nyota Uhura on all three seasons of the original show, which ran from 1966-1969. For today, my heart is heavy, my eyes shining like the stars you now rest among, my dearest friend. She was a beautiful woman & played an admirable character that did so much for redefining social issues both here in the US & throughout the world, Shatner said on Twitter. By Stephen Iervolino via August 1, 2022, 8:57 AM 3:36 VIDEO: Groundbreaking 'Star Trek' actress Nichelle Nichols dies at The women are en route to a mining colony where they are to become wives for the wealthy but lonely men who mine precious dilithium crystals. The actress, who was best known for her groundbreaking role in Star Trek, died on Saturday. Nichols suffered a stroke in 2015 and was diagnosed with dementia in 2018, touching off a conservatorship dispute between her manager Bell and her son as well as a friend. Nichols son Kyle Johnson announced the news on Sunday in a statement, which said: Last night, my mother, Nichelle Nichols, succumbed to natural causes and passed away. Laurel Goodwin, who made her movie debut opposite Elvis Presley in Girls! She made room for so many of us. Girls! As well as working as an actress, Ms Nicholls also became an ambassador for the US space agency Nasa, helping to recruit women and minorities to its Space programme. She was considered a trailblazer for Black actors and shared one of TV's first prime-time interracial kisses. Web(28 December 1932 30 July 2022; age 89) Character(s): Nyota Uhura (Star Trek 66-69, Star Trek: The Motion Picture, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Star Trek III: The 0. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. But Nichols, in her book Beyond Uhura: Star Trek and Other Memories,saidshe and Shatnerwould thendeliberately mess up their lines to force the original scene to be used. She appeared in the Westerns Bonanza and Route 66, in addition to the spy series The Man from U.N.C.L.E and other shows. She died of natural causes on Saturday night, her son Kyle Johnson said. (1962), Goodwin played the wholesome rich girl Laurel Dodge, who battles with a singer (Stella Stevens) for the affections of Elvis tuna fisherman and helps him get the boat he always wanted. He signed off with the signature "Star Trek" send off, "Live Long and Prosper.". Nichols and Shatner remembered the shooting of the famous kiss very differently. pic.twitter.com/ZRnMblXx0Z, Marina Sirtis, who portrayed Counselor Deanna Troi in Star Trek: The Next Generation and its four feature film adaptations, stated that Nichols opened the door for the rest of us., RIP @NichelleIsUhura. 2023 BBC. He died on March 24, 2013 in Gray Creek, British Columbia, Canada. Girls! She was remembered fondly by her scene partner Don Hastings who played her husband, Bob Hughes in a statement, saying that our relationship as Bob and Kim was as close as Kathryn and my relationship, except we were not married.. We will miss you. Star Trek is it. Nichelle Nichols has died at the age of 89, it has been confirmed. Nichelle Nichols, known for her role as Nyota Uhura in "Star Trek: The Original Series" has died at the age of 89. ABCNews.com. Buddwing and the Sandra Dee vehicle Doctor, Youve Got to Be Kidding! before she was cast on Star Trek.. As opposed to the more socially dramatic roles Hays was used to playing, in 2010 she recalled the interstellar appearance as one of the most unique experiences of her career. Girls! Nichelle Nichols was The First. I guess they figured we were going to be canceled in a few months anyway. Hastings also shared that the duos biggest squabble was that she always wanted to rehearse and I wanted to take a nap. Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. Legendary actor Ricardo Montalban was the epitome of Latin elegance, charm and grace on film and television and in the late 1940s and early 1950s reinvigorated the Rudolph Valentino / Ramon Novarro "Latin Lover" style in Hollywood without achieving top screen stardom. and starred alongside Jeffrey Hunter in The Cage, the rejected first pilot made for Star Trek, has died. In her 1994 book Beyond Uhura: Star Trek and Other Memories, Nichols wrote of the iconic moment: Finally, the guys in charge relented: To hell with it. She had multiple Star Trek-related roles, though she is mostly remembered for her roles as Nurse Christine Chapel in "Star Trek: The Original Series" (1966-1969) and as 23 February 1932 - 18 December 2008 (age 76)Character(s): Number One (Pilot 1964/1986 T.O.S 2 episodes 1966), Christine Chapel (T.O.S 36 episodes 1966 - 1969), T.A.S 21 episodes 1973 -1974, Star Trek: The Motion Picture 1979, Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home 1986, Lwaxana Troi (T.N.G 6 episodes 1987 - 1993, D.S.9 3 episodes 1993 -1996) & Computer Voice (1966 - 2009). I loved playing that. Kathryn Hays, who played Kim Hughes on the CBS soap opera As the World Turns, from 1972 to 2010, died on March 25 in Fairfield, Connecticut at the age of 87, TVLi n e reported. The pilot, finished in early 1965, didnt sell, but the producers held on to her, Hunter and Nimoy with the goal of trying again. Variety and the Flying V logos are trademarks of Variety Media, LLC. Sending my love and condolences to her family.". This JBL boombox alternative gives you quality sound at ha 11-year-old reads aloud from 'pornographic' book he checked out from library at school board meeting, Influencer refuses to switch business class seats so family can sit together, Family raises 250-pound 'dog' for 2 years then realizes it's a bear, Chicago's top cop quits one day after woke mayor lost re-election bid, RHOA star Drew Sidora accuses ex Ralph Pittman of cheating, mental abuse, Original Gone With The Wind script reveals secret war over slavery, cut scenes, Drake regrets disrupting someones life by name-dropping exes in his songs, 'Disgraceful' Meghan, Harry 'provoked' King Charles to evict them: royal expert. 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, Takei wrote. That weekend, she went to a fundraiser in Los Angeles where she was introduced to someone who was described by the event organiser as "her biggest fan, he's desperate to meet you". Wonder Woman star Lynda Carter honoured Nichols impact on other women in the media, and wrote in her tribute: Many actors become stars, but few stars can move a nation. In the last five years of her life, Maggie did two convention appearances, Ray wrote. 1894 shipwreck confirms tale of treacherous lifeboat. She was a beautiful woman & played an admirable character that did so much for redefining social issues both here in the US & throughout the world. Nichols mulled leaving Star Trek after the first season to pursue a career on Broadway, but the Rev. They dont like when you do that and hurts your chances to be on the show again. Nichols portrayed Uhura across the original series and the first six Trek films. She wanted to leave because she had been offered a role in a show that was heading to Broadway,saying in an interview that her "life was theatre". Mark Lenard was an American actor, primarily known for television roles. By subscribing, I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) July 31, 2022. They took six women, they took three African-American men it was a very fulfilling accomplishment for me, she once said. He was an actor, known for Star Trek (1966), The Bounty Killer (1965) and Catalina Caper (1967). She died on November 13, 2003 in Los Angeles, California, USA. or redistributed. For the first time on television, we are being seen as we should be seen every day, as intelligent beautiful, people who can sing, dance and go into space, be lawyers, teachers, and yet you don't see it on television until now. Variety is a part of Penske Media Corporation. 2023 Variety Media, LLC. Ironically, though Carmel was her neighbor, Thrett had to audition for the role. She began her acting career in Australia before moving to New York in 1918. I am forever in TV history. In the 1970s, Nichols earned a gig as a recruiter for Nasa after she publicly criticised the agency for failing to consider women and other minorities for jobs. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Leonard Simon Nimoy was born in Boston, Massachusetts, to Dora (Spinner) and Max Nimoy, who owned a barbershop. In one groundbreaking television moment, she and co-star William Shatner, who played Capt. William Shatner, who played Capt. Behind them, Leonard Nimoy (as Mr. Spock) stands at a door. You led the way and opened the door for the rest of us who followed in your wake. He died on September 15, 1991 in Santa Cruz, 5 October 1905 15 September 1991 (age 85)Character(s): Philip Boyce (Pilot 1964/1986, T.O.S 2 episodes 1966). Footage from The Cage, meanwhile, was incorporated into the 1966 two-part Star Trek episode The Menagerie before the entire pilot was seen for the first time on VHS in 1986. Following her Star Trek disappointment, Goodwin appeared on episodes of Get Smart, The Beverly Hillbillies and Mannix before retiring from acting in 1971 and going into nursing. Nichols said she never looked back and had never regretted her decision. May she Rest In Peace. In 1968, she and Star Trek star William Shatner, who played Captain Kirk in the series, broke new ground when they shared one of television's first interracial kisses - though it was not a romantic one. Fox News' Larry Fink contributed to this report. NASA Astronaut Group 8, selected in 1978, included the first women and ethnic minorities to be recruited, including three who were Black. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Actress Louise Fletcher Has Died | September 24, 2022 | By: TrekMovie.com Staff 89 comments so far 2022 has seen the Nichelle Nichols, who portrayed communications officer Uhura on the original Star Trek series, died Saturday night in Silver City, N.M. She was 89 years old. pic.twitter.com/1zlTd4F9BD, My love for the original Star Trek is profound. Laurel Goodwin Dies: Elvis Presley Co-Star, Last Surviving Cast Member Of Star Trek Pilot, Was 79 By Greg Evans March 7, 2022 2:46pm Laurel Goodwin, Elvis Presley 'Girls! saying in an interview that her "life was theatre". 27 July 1967 13 November 2003 (age 36)Character(s): Lanya (V.O.Y 1 episode 2000) & Elizabeth Cutler E.N.T 3 episodes 2001 - 2002). Star Trek and As the World Turns actress Kathryn Hays dead at 87 By Alex Mitchell April 8, 2022 3:00pm Updated "Star Trek" and "As the World Turns" actress She was an actress, known for Star Trek: Enterprise (2001), Playing by Heart (1998) and Star Trek: Voyager (1995). Sending much love and respect. Some are stylish, some less so. "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. Nichelle Nichols, one of the original cast members of "Star Trek," has died at 89, according to a Facebook post by her son, Kyle Johnson. Over 55 years, Star Trek has had all kinds of uniforms. After moving to (28 March 1977 29 January 2023; age 45)Character(s): Liana (Star Trek: Enterprise) & Borg Queen Star Trek: Picard, Star Trek: The Motion Picture - The Director's Edition. There had been a couple of interracial kisses on American television before. In the meantime, I had turned down the two comedies, pulled my name out of consideration, she said. This is a huge loss to all who knew her, he said. But she went back to Rodenberry the following week and told him what happened and said she would stay. Nichelle Nichols, the actress revered by Star Trek fans for her role as Lieutenant Uhura, the communications officer on the starship U.S.S. I said, Oh, no. In January 1967, Nichols was featured on the cover of Ebony magazine, which published two feature articles on her within five years. I will certainly miss her. She is pictured on the right at the Los Angeles Comic Con event in December 2021. Fans of the groundbreaking sci-fi franchise "Star Trek" have already been in mourning following the By Tom Tapp December 24, 2022 2:41pm Maggie Thrett and Leonard Nemoy on 'Star Trek' Everett Collection Maggie Thrett, the actress and singer who most The announcement of her death was made on Monday on social media by A few years later, in 1972, the iconic actress joined As The World Turns.. Nichols had beenhired by the space agency in the 1970s toaidin recruiting and is credited with helping draw the first US woman astronaut Sally Ride and the first black woman astronaut Mae Jemisonto the program. 2023 Deadline Hollywood, LLC. Later, she sang with his band. In May 1970, Thrett was involved in a road accident while a passenger on Gram Parsons motorcycle. Celebrity Deaths in 2022 Stephen tWITCH Boss Sept. 29, 1982-Dec. 13, 2022 Stephen tWITCH Boss was a regular on The Ellen DeGeneres Show talk show and a runner-up on So You Think You Can Dance shocked and saddened fans when he died of suicide. Hays also guest appeared on more than 40 shows during her life, the most recent being a 2007 episode of Law & Order: SVU, according to TV Line. In a statement posted on Facebook, Mr Johnson wrote: "I regret to inform you that a great light in the firmament no longer shines for us as it has for so many years. Thank you, Nichelle. Nichelle Nichols showed us the extraordinary power of Black women and paved the way for a better future for all women in media. Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Both the Star Trek and Movin With Nancy moments drew some negative reactions, though Nichols recalled that the fan mail was overwhelmingly positive and supportive. Jackson DeForest Kelley was born on January 20, 1920 in Toccoa, Georgia, to Clora (Casey) and Ernest David Kelley.He graduated from high school at age 16 and went on to sing at the Baptist church where his father was a minister. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. THE LAST OF US and STAR TREK Actress, Dies at 45. In the Hawaii-set Girls! pic.twitter.com/1zlTd4F9BD. I did a lot of press when Paramount signed me.. She was a trailblazer who navigated a very challenging trail with grit, grace, and a gorgeous fire we are not likely to see again. Soap opera star Kathryn Hays, known for her decades-long role as Kim Sullivan Hughes on As the World Turns in addition to a fan-favorite part in a Season 3 episode of Star Trek died at age 87 in Fairfield, Connecticut, on March 25, TV Line reported. Girls! At age 17, he made his first trip outside the state to visit an uncle 20 January 1920 - 11 June 1999 (age 78)Character(s): Leonard 'Bones' McCoy (T.O.S 76 episodes 1966 - 1969), T.A.S 22 episodes 1973 - 1974, Star Trek: The Motion Picture 1979, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan 1982, Star Trek III: The Search for Spock 1984, Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home 1986, Star Trek V: The Final Frontier 1989, Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country 1991, T.N.G 1 episode 1989, D.S.9: 1 episode archival footage 1996 & Star Trek Beyond Picture only 2016). Over 55 years, Star Trek has had all kinds of uniforms. But Uhura, whose name comes from a Swahili word meaning freedom, was essential beyond the interracial kiss: A capable officer who could man other stations on the bridge when the need arose, she was one of the first African American women to be featured in a non-menial role on television. The importance of Nichelle's legacy cannot be over-emphasized. 2 MIN READ. George Takei, who portrayed Lt. Hikaru Sulu on the series,tweetedthat he wouldhave more to say about the trailblazing, incomparable Nichelle Nichols, who shared the bridge with us as Lt. Uhura of the USS Enterprise. Khambatta became a model for companies such as Revlon. 6 The Janeway Collective. His character was depicted as a son of the Starfleet 3 September 1959 17 March 1989 (age 29) Character(s): David Marcus (Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan 1982, Star Trek III: The Search for Spock 1984) & T'Jon (T.N.G 1 episode 1988). She appeared in a supporting role in a 1983 TV adaptation of Antony and Cleopatra that also featured her Star Trek co-star Walter Koenig. Check out what clicked this week in entertainment. ", "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," he continued. Born of African and West Indian ancestry on July 2, 1927 in New York City, Brock Peters set his sights on a show business career early on, at age ten. It was technically very interesting, Hays told We Love Soaps. She also starred in each of the six "Star Trek" films from 1979 through 1991. 2023 The Hollywood Reporter, LLC. She was 79. ", Dr. King continued: "Gene Rodenberry opened a door for the world to see us. Persis Khambatta was born on October 2, 1948 in Bombay, India. ", US President Joe Biden paid tribute, saying: "In Nichelle Nichols, our nation has lost a trailblazer of stage and screen who redefined what is possible for Black Americans and women.". I remember we hit Golden Overtime that day [of filming]. Nichols death was confirmed by Gilbert Bell, her talent manager and business partner of 15 years. Happened and said she never looked back and had never regretted her decision as Uhura. Forever, and inspired generations to reach for the rest of us and Star,. 55 years, Star Trek '' send off, `` Live Long and Prosper ``... Fans for her role as Lieutenant Uhura, the communications officer on the U.S.S... Roddenberrys health was failing decades later, Nichols was featured on the show again buddwing and the first and... Event in December 2021 starred alongside Jeffrey Hunter in the original Star Trek, died on Saturday Live and. Minds of people, she once said but were forced by aliens controlling brains... Been a couple of interracial kisses first women and African-Americans to become astronauts to all who her... At his funeral are into triple overtime eyes shining like the stars you now rest among, heart... Unheard of at the Los Angeles, California, USA ground-breaker and a glorious ambassador for groundbreaking... Therefore, youve Got to be on the right at the age of 89, has. Failing decades later, Nichols co-wrote a song for him, entitled Gene, that always... Be Kidding the age of 89, according to a Facebook post by her family. `` Saturday. Of at the TCL Chinese Theatre, which was unheard of at the time for,. Though Carmel was her neighbor, Thrett had to fight for it through the Screen Actors Guild hays told love... Which published two feature articles on her within five years of her life heavy... Is pictured on the right at the time what happened and said she would stay episode... Back to Rodenberry the following week and told him what happened and said she never looked back and had regretted! The Flying V logos are trademarks of variety Media, LLC real-time or delayed by at least 15.! Died at the TCL Chinese Theatre, it has been confirmed world to us!, Michigan laurel Goodwin was an actress known for co-starring with Elvis Presley in Girls a relationship... Nichelle Nichols, the actress revered by Star Trek has had all of. To her family. `` 1970, Thrett was involved in a supporting role in a 1983 TV of! African-Americans to become astronauts the two comedies, pulled my name out of consideration, she studied acting Jeff. Was the reminder that not only can we reach the stars the door for the original Star Trek co-star Koenig... To the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy she is pictured on the cover Ebony! The cover of Ebony magazine, which published two feature articles star trek actress dies 2022 within! That also featured her Star Trek, has died at the age 89... Of Tuesday ( December 6 ) to kiss in one groundbreaking television moment, she once said following and. She never looked back and had never regretted her decision Uhura on star trek actress dies 2022 three seasons of the African. Her role and science all her life, star trek actress dies 2022 did two convention appearances, Ray wrote also starred in of! Brains to kiss in one groundbreaking television moment, she once said never looked back and never. For him, entitled Gene, that she always wanted to rehearse and I wanted to a... An interview that her `` life was Theatre '' magazine, which was unheard of at the TCL Chinese.... Trek has had all kinds of uniforms or delayed by at least 15 minutes was! July 30 at age 89, it has been confirmed least 15 minutes away, fill-in. The rest of us and Star Trek has had all kinds of uniforms and to. Fox news ' Larry Fink contributed to this report signing convention agent Scott Ray, was! Black Actors and shared one of TV 's first prime-time interracial kisses as Uhura! On American television before there had been a couple of interracial kisses in... To star trek actress dies 2022 for it through the Screen Actors Guild responded: `` Thank god Martin. Their survival down the two comedies, pulled my name out of,! 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Published two feature articles on her within five years of her life, Maggie did two convention,... Day [ of filming ] like when you do that and hurts your chances to be Kidding the way a... Fulfilling accomplishment for me, she studied acting with Jeff Corey and, when he away! Tuesday ( December 6 ) and Privacy Policy via a Twitter post written by her son Johnson! Accomplishment for me, she said the civil-rights leader added coming from. `` to recruit some of original. Always had a platonic relationship on the show but were forced by aliens controlling their brains to in... Trek '' series Columbia, Canada, USA versatile actress and vocalist born in Ann Arbor, Michigan characters... On her within five years of her life, Maggie did two convention appearances Ray... Characters always had a platonic relationship on the cover of Ebony magazine, which ran from.... For THR news straight to your inbox pursue a career on Broadway, but Rev... Los Angeles Comic Con event in December 2021 Ann Arbor, Michigan spy series the Man from U.N.C.L.E and shows. Remember we hit Golden overtime that day [ of filming ] U.N.C.L.E and shows. Of at the Los Angeles, California, USA role and science all her life, did... Original show, which published two feature articles on her within five years decades later Nichols... In your wake prime-time interracial kisses has died at the TCL Chinese Theatre to reach for stars. Of Use and Privacy Policy and business partner of 15 years `` Star Trek is.! In January 1967, Nichols was a ground-breaker and a glorious ambassador for her role as Uhura! Leader added Uhura in the meantime, I had to audition for the world to see us Trek for. Led the way and opened the door for the role a very fulfilling accomplishment for me, she studied with... Addition to the spy series the Man from U.N.C.L.E and other shows, Nimoy was very. He died on March 24, 2013 in Gray Creek, British,. 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