Nichelle Nichols, the pioneering actress who played Lt. Nyota Uhura for over three decades in the Star Trek franchise, is being mourned around the planet.
Nichelle Nichols, who portrayed Uhura on "Star Trek" in a groundbreaking role for Black actresses, has died in Silver City, N.M. She was 89. Gilbert Bell, Nichols' talent manager and business partner of 15 years, confirmed the news Sunday. Nichols son, Kyle Johnson, posted in a statement on her Facebook page : "I regret to inform you that a great light in the firmament no longer shines for us as it has for so many years. 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. Hers was a life well lived and as such a model for us all." Johnson said his mother died of natural causes. Nichols portrayed U.S.S. Enterprise communications officer Lt. Nyota Uhura on the "Star Trek" television series from 1966-1969. She also reprised the role in six movies from the iconic sci-fi franchise. She was one of the first Black actresses to star in a primetim