Fans of classic science fiction are in mourning today as it has been confirmed Nichelle Nichols best rememebered for playing Nyota Uhura in the original Star Trek series from 1966 and the original 6 films has died aged 89. Her son Kyle Johnson confirmed the news. Nichols had been in ill health for many years and was battling a conservationship with former manager and caretaker Gilbert Bell who many felt was taking advantage of the ailing actress in her final years.
Nichols first prominent role came in Kicks and Co. and other appearances followed in Gene Roddenberry's first series The Lieutenant. It was there she met the creative individual who would create the show that would define her future and legacy as a performer.
Needless to say her role in Star Trek left an impact on the likes of Martin Luther King Jr, Whoopi Goldberg and inspired many women to serve in NASA. Nichols herself remained a volunteer to recruit many for progames from 1977 until 2015.
She could also be seen in other films and television such as Truck Turner and Heroes. Fans of animation and comic books heard her voice in Futurama, Gargoyles, Batman The Animated Series and Spider-Man The Animated series where she voiced Miriam, Blades mother and Queen of the Vampires.
When asked what Uhura's first name was it was eventually settled to be "Nyota" meaning "Star" in Swahili. Her last name "Uhura" came from the Swahili word "Uhuru" which meant "Freedom." Today one the brightest stars on Earth has gone out but will forever be among us in the galaxy at large.
RIP. Our condolences to Ms. Nichol's family, friends and the many lives she touched over the years.
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