The actor who played the original Lt Uhura in Star Trek has died. Nichelle Nichols was aged 89.
She was one of the first Black female actors to achieve worldwide fame thanks to her role on the original TV smash. Her son Kyle Johnson announced her death via Facebook on Sunday (July 31).
He said it was with regret that he told fans: "Last night, my mother, Nichelle Nichols, succumbed to natural causes and passed away. 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.
He said that hers was a "life well lived" and asked for people to be patient and respectful while Nichelle was grieved by her loved ones.
"I, and the rest of our family, would appreciate your patience and forbearance as we grieve her loss until we can recover sufficiently to speak further. Her services will be for family members and the closest of her friends and we request that her and our privacy be respected."
He signed off with the familiar Star Trek farewell: "Live Long and Prosper". Nichols was born in Robbins, Illinois, in 1932 and grew up in Chicago.
She was an actor and a singer, releasing two albums and even singing in her role in Star Trek. Her first appearance as Lt Uhura was in 1966.
After the cancellation of Star Trek, Nichele worked with NASA to recruit minority and female personnel. In June 2015, Nichols suffered a mild stroke.
