Entertainment: George Takei, Celia Rose Gooding & William Shatner Among Stars Remembering Nichelle Nichols

Star Trek fans are mourning the loss of Nichelle Nichols, who portrayed Nyota Uhuru in the original series and its film sequels, following her death on July 30 of natural causes. Among mourners are franchise stars past and present as well as other celebrities who were inspired by Nichols, a trailblazing actress who also played an integral role in recruiting diverse astronauts for NASA.

Leading the tributes was George Takei, who played Hikaru Sulu alongside Nichols.

“I shall have more to say about the trailblazing, incomparable Nichelle Nichols, who shared the bridge with us as Lt. Uhura of the USS Enterprise, and who passed today at age 89. For today, my heart is heavy, my eyes shining like the stars you now rest among, my dearest friend,” Takei shared via Twitter.

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“We lived long and prospered together,” he added.

We lived long and prospered together. pic.twitter.com/MgLjOeZ98X

— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) July 31, 2022

William Shatner worked alongside Nichols and Takei remembers the former as a “beautiful woman” who “played an admirable character.

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Nichelle. She was a beautiful woman & played an admirable character that did so much for redefining social issues both here in the US & throughout the world. I will certainly miss her. Sending my love and condolences to her family. Bill

— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) July 31, 2022

Celia Rose Gooding, who currently stars as Nyota Uhura in the Paramount+ Original Series Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, also shared a message of appreciation.

Nichelle Nichols, Lt. Uhura on 'Star Trek,' Dies at 89

Nichelle Nichols, who played Lt. Nyota Uhura on the original "Star Trek," has died at the age of 89, her son Kyle Johnson announced on her official Facebook page. "Last night, my mother, Nichelle Nichols, succumbed to natural causes and passed away," Johnson's statement read. "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.""Today, my heart is heavy, my eyes shining like the stars you now rest among, my dearest friend," Nichols' co-star George Takei tweeted.

“She made room for so many of us. She was the reminder that not only can we reach the stars, but our influence is essential to their survival. Forget shaking the table, she built it! #RIPNichelleNichols”

She made room for so many of us. She was the reminder that not only can we reach the stars, but our influence is essential to their survival. Forget shaking the table, she built it! #RIPNichelleNichols ????✨???????? pic.twitter.com/k1aVw15w3d

— ALIEN SUPERSTAR CRG (@celiargooding) July 31, 2022

Star Trek: Voyager star Kate Mulgrew shared, “Nichelle Nichols was The First.  She was a trailblazer who navigated a very challenging trail with grit, grace, and a gorgeous fire we are not likely to see again.May she Rest In Peace.”

Nichelle Nichols, Lt. Uhura on ‘Star Trek,’ has died at 89

Nichelle Nichols, who broke barriers for Black women in Hollywood when she played communications officer Lt. Uhura on the original “Star Trek” television series, has died at the age of 89. Her son Kyle Johnson said Nichols died Saturday in Silver City, New Mexico. “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,” Johnson wrote on her official Facebook page Sunday. “Hers was a life well lived and as such a model for us all." Her role in the 1966-69 series as Lt.

Nichelle Nichols was The First. She was a trailblazer who navigated a very challenging trail with grit, grace, and a gorgeous fire we are not likely to see again.

May she Rest In Peace. #NichelleNichols pic.twitter.com/DONSz6IV2b

— Kate Mulgrew (@TheKateMulgrew) July 31, 2022

J.J. Abrams and Alex Kurtzman, who are behind the 2009 film Star Trek and its follow-up Star Trek Into Darkness, tributed Nichols via Twitter.

“A remarkable woman in a remarkable role. Nichelle, you will be deeply missed. Sending much love and respect,” Abrams posted.

Kurtzman wrote, “Nichelle was a singular inspiration. She’s the one who really opened my eyes to what Star Trek is and can be. I can’t tell you how many people have told me she’s the reason they became… an astronaut, a scientist, a writer, a linguist, an engineer… it goes on and on.” We stand in her light and honor her today and every day. Thank you, dear Nichelle, for leading the way.”

A remarkable woman in a remarkable role. Nichelle, you will be deeply missed. Sending much love and respect. pic.twitter.com/ZRnMblXx0Z

— JJ Abrams (@jjabrams) July 31, 2022

Nichelle was a singular inspiration. She’s the one who really opened my eyes to what Star Trek is and can be. I can’t tell you how many people have told me she’s the reason they became… an astronaut, a scientist, a writer, a linguist, an engineer… it goes on and on. 1/2

Hollywood Remembers Nichelle Nichols as 'Ground-Breaker' Who Showed 'the Extraordinary Power of Black Women'

The death of "Star Trek" legend Nichelle Nichols Sunday opened the flood gates of mourners, who remembered her not only for her cosmic contribution to the entertainment industry as one of the first Black women featured in a major TV series but also for the warmth and generosity of her soul. George Takei, who worked alongside her on the Enterprise bridge during the 1966-1969 run of the original "Star Trek," was grief-stricken by the news, writing, "my heart is heavy, my eyes shining like the stars you now rest among, my dearest friend.

— Alex Kurtzman (@Alex_Kurtzman) July 31, 2022

More tributes can be found below.

RIP to a true legend. Her legacy will live forever.#NichelleNichols

— Jeri Ryan (@JeriLRyan) July 31, 2022

Today we lost an absolute legend. #NichelleNichols pic.twitter.com/qkPqEP8x56

— Terry Matalas (@TerryMatalas) July 31, 2022

Many actors become stars, but few stars can move a nation. Nichelle Nichols showed us the extraordinary power of Black women and paved the way for a better future for all women in media. Thank you, Nichelle. We will miss you. pic.twitter.com/KhUf4YM6pX

— Lynda Carter (@RealLyndaCarter) July 31, 2022

One of my most treasured photos – Godspeed to Nichelle Nichols, champion, warrior and tremendous actor. Her kindness and bravery lit the path for many. May she forever dwell among the stars. #RIPNichelle #Uhura pic.twitter.com/nFXHif8HEC

— Stacey Abrams (@staceyabrams) July 31, 2022

Trailblazer. Inspiration. Icon.

Thank you for being you & boldly opening the door to a galaxy for generations of believers ????????✨ #restinpeace #NichelleNicols pic.twitter.com/ze98A7oSsw

— Tiffany Smith (@Tiffany_Smith) July 31, 2022

Representation matters.

Excellence in representation matters even more.

Thank you, #NichelleNichols.

Rest well, ancestor. ???? pic.twitter.com/LV6e1UYyzG

Nichelle Nichols Used Her 'Star Trek' Fame to Get Women Into Space (Video)

As Trekkies around the world mourn and reflect on the legacy of "Star Trek" icon Nichelle Nichols, those who have actually traveled into the final frontier are honoring the actress' pivotal work in getting women and people of color into NASA's astronaut program. On Paramount+, alongside all of Nichols' "Star Trek" adventures, the documentary "Woman in Motion" chronicles how Nichols used her fame as Enterprise officer Lt. Uhura to challenge NASA to seek out a more diverse set of astronauts during the development of its space shuttle program, leading to a partnership between the space agency and Nichols' program Women in Motion.

— Be A King (@BerniceKing) July 31, 2022

We celebrate the life of Nichelle Nichols, Star Trek actor, trailblazer, and role model, who symbolized to so many what was possible. She partnered with us to recruit some of the first women and minority astronauts, and inspired generations to reach for the stars. pic.twitter.com/pmQaKDb5zw

— NASA (@NASA) July 31, 2022

This has been quite a day.

I just wanted to share this story about Nichelle Nichols that comic book artist @AfuaRichardson told on #UnitedShades.

Rest In Peace Nichelle Nichols. #RIPNichelleNichols pic.twitter.com/EFDx0vDfMi

— W. Kamau Bell (@wkamaubell) July 31, 2022

My love for the original Star Trek is profound. Nichelle Nichols was a ground-breaker and a glorious ambassador for her show, her role and science all her life. And a truly lovely person. May she have a wonderful adventure to the final frontier.#ripnichellenichols

— jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) July 31, 2022

RIP @NichelleIsUhura. You led the way and opened the door for the rest of us who followed in your wake. We will be forever grateful. My heart is broken????????

— Marina Sirtis (@Marina_Sirtis) July 31, 2022

Nichelle Nichols told us that we belonged in outer space. We are limitless. The heavens have gained an Uhura today.

— Colman Domingo (@colmandomingo) July 31, 2022

Rest in peace to TV legend and pioneer Nichelle Nichols. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/3Ton8A6y5w

— Prime Video (@PrimeVideo) July 31, 2022

It is with great sorrow that we report the passing on the legendary icon Nichelle Nichols. No words. #roddenberry #RIPNichelle #StarTrek pic.twitter.com/wQkB0OZ9t5

— ???????????? ❤ ???????? ???????????????? ???????????????? (@roddenberry) July 31, 2022

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