Nichelle Nichols, who has died aged 89, was a pioneer and a TV legend. Her depiction of Star Trek’s Lt Nyota Uhura helped break down barriers and show several generations of young Americans a different way forward in a country often riven by racism and racial conflict. As US President Joe Biden put it: ‘Our nation has lost a trailblazer of stage and screen who redefined what is possible for Black Americans and women”.
Needless to say, her death has been met with an outpouring of dedications, tributes and fond memories on social media. Former collaborators, Trekkers, Hollywood colleagues, friends and family have all shared their love for Nichols – and the USS Enterprise’s iconic comms officer, Lt Uhura – on Twitter.
Here are just a few of those tweets:
Former USS Enterprise shipmate George Takei
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.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) July 31, 2022
William Shatner, Captain Kirk from Star Trek
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Nichelle. 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. I will certainly miss her. Sending my love and condolences to her family. Bill
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) July 31, 2022
Adam Nimoy, son of Star Trek’s Leonard Nimoy
My favorite photo of Dad and Nichelle Nichols on set. The importance of Nichelle's legacy cannot be over-emphasized. She was much loved and will be missed. pic.twitter.com/1zlTd4F9BD
— Adam Nimoy (@adam_nimoy) July 31, 2022
Star Trek: Voyager’s Robert Picardo
A @StarTrek legend, a kind soul and a passionate advocate for women and people of color to pursue their dreams of space exploration. R.I.P. @NichelleIsUhura . pic.twitter.com/A8ZQuEXVZu
— Robert Picardo (@RobertPicardo) August 1, 2022
Brent Spiner, aka Data from Star Trek: First Contact
Farewell to a fine woman. RIP Nichelle. You were a groundbreaker.
— Brent Spiner (@BrentSpiner) July 31, 2022
LeVar Burton from Star Trek: The Next Generation
Y’all, @nichelleisuhuru.
— LeVar Burton (@levarburton) July 31, 2022
Heartbroken at the news of her passing, however, I am comforted in the knowledge that she illuminated the way for so of us many with her grace, beauty, talent, intelligence and her commitment to humanity going boldly to the stars! #godess #queen
🙏🏾♥️🌹🖖🏾 pic.twitter.com/ye08mXzs3B
The official Star Trek account
We’re deeply saddened to report the passing of Nichelle Nichols - a trailblazer, an inspiration, and so much more. She will be deeply missed. https://t.co/iBwyOPaxTP
— Star Trek (@StarTrek) July 31, 2022
The Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture, where the red Starfleet uniform worn by Nichols is on display
Today we remember Nichelle Nichols. She starred as Lieutenant Uhura on "Star Trek" wearing this uniform now in our @NMAAHC, making history for African American women in TV and film. Nichols also volunteered to recruit women and people of color for NASA. #BecauseOfHerStory pic.twitter.com/fZZqfGlomz
— Smithsonian (@smithsonian) July 31, 2022
NASA
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. pic.twitter.com/pmQaKDb5zw
— NASA (@NASA) July 31, 2022
Widows and The Help star Viola Davis
RIP Nichelle Nichols! You inspired whole generations of Black girls. Your beauty, grace, quiet intelligence.....YOUR presence was seen, felt and received! Godspeed!! 🖖🏿❤️🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/3P66HnzV9U
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) August 1, 2022
Lynda Carter, aka Wonder Woman
Many actors become stars, but few stars can move a nation. 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. pic.twitter.com/KhUf4YM6pX
— Lynda Carter (@RealLyndaCarter) July 31, 2022
Seinfeld’s Jason Alexander
My love for the original Star Trek is profound. Nichelle Nichols was a ground-breaker and a glorious ambassador for her show, her role and science all her life. And a truly lovely person. May she have a wonderful adventure to the final frontier.#ripnichellenichols
— jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) July 31, 2022
Euphoria’s Colman Domingo
Nichelle Nichols told us that we belonged in outer space. We are limitless. The heavens have gained an Uhura today.
— Colman Domingo (@colmandomingo) July 31, 2022
Nichelle Nichols, 1932-2022.