George Takei, William Shatner, J.J. Abrams and Other 'Star Trek' Personalities Pay Tribute to Nichelle Nichols

George Takei and J.J. Abrams were among the major figures in the "Star Trek" franchise to pay tribute to Nichelle Nichols. The actress, who played Nyota Uhura, a capable team member and commander of Enterprise, died on Saturday night at the age of 89. Nichols portrayed Uhura in the original series and the first six "Trek" films. She also voiced the character in "Star Trek: The Animated Series".

"Last night my mother, Nichelle Nichols, succumbed to natural causes and passed away," Nichols' son, Kyle Johnson, said in a statement on the actress' official Facebook page. “His light however, like the ancient galaxies seen now for the first time, will remain for us and future generations to enjoy, learn and be inspired by. His life was well lived and as such a role model for all of us."

George Takei, co-star of Nichols' "Star Trek," who portrayed Hikaru Sulu in the original series and films, was one of the first voices to pay tribute to the actress.

"I will have more to say about the incomparable and pioneering Nichelle Nichols, who shared the deck with us as Lieutenant Uhura of the USS Enterprise," Takei wrote. "For today my heart is heavy, my eyes shine like the stars among which you now rest, my dearest friend."

“Star Trek” star William Shatner, with whom Nichols shared one of the first interracial kisses on television, also expressed his condolences.

"She was a beautiful woman and she played an admirable character who did so much to redefine social issues here in the United States and around the world," Shatner wrote.

Celia Rose Gooding, who plays Uhura in the new Paramount+ series 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,' has paid tribute to the actress who originated the role.

Georgian politician and die-hard 'Trek' fan Stacey Abrams shared a photo of her and Nichols, hailing the star as a "champion, warrior and awesome actor".

"Star Trek: Voyager" star Kate Mulgrew called Nichols "a pioneer who walked a very difficult path with courage, grace, and a magnificent fire that we are unlikely to see again."

J. J. Abrams, who directed the 2009 "Star Trek" reboot and its 2013 follow-up "Star Trek Into Darkness," called Nichols "a remarkable woman in a remarkable role."

Marina Sirtis, who played counselor Deanna Troi in 'Star Trek: The Next Generation' and its four feature film adaptations, said Nichols "opened the door for us."

Lynda Carter, who portrayed Wonder Woman in the 1970s DC Comics television series, shared that Nichols "showed us the extraordinary power of black women and paved the way for a brighter future for all women in the world." media".

Alex Kurtzman, who is the lead executive producer of ongoing "Star Trek" shows for Paramount+, called Nichols a "singular inspiration" and recounted the countless people he's met who have quoted the actress as inspiration to pursue a career in science, writing, education and entertainment.

See more tributes to Nichols below:

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