Nichelle Nichols: Five things about 'Star Trek' icon dead at 89

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Nichelle Nichols, beloved for playing the iconic role of Nyota Uhura in the Star Trek TV series and its films, has died aged 89 , deadline reported. The actress' death was announced by her son, Kyle Johnson, on July 31, according to the outlet, and reporter Yashar Ali both to break the sad news and share Kyle's message. "I regret to inform you that a great light in the firmament no longer shines for us as it has for so many years," Kyle wrote at the start of the post.

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"Last night my mother, Nichelle Nichols, succumbed to natural causes and passed away," he continued. "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.”