On Sunday, July 31, Nichols’ son Kyle Johnson announced his mother’s passing via a statement posted to Facebook .
“Last night, my mother, Nichelle Nichols, succumbed to natural causes and passed away,” he wrote in the statement. “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 continued, “Hers was a life well lived and as such a model for us all. 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.”
The Tributes Started Rolling In Immediately
Once the news of Nichols’ death was made public, fans a public figures alike began to flood social media with statements paying tribute to the star, most notably recognized for her role in the beloved 1960s sci-fi series Star Trek .
Nichelle’s former costar George Takei was one of the first people to honor her, tweeting, “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.”
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.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) July 31, 2022
Lynda Carter also paid her respects, tweeting: “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.”
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
Georgia Governor Stacey Abrams posted a photo of herself with Nichols, going on to write: “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.”
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
Another celebrity to pay their respects was Chuck D, taking to Twitter to write: “Before Scotty beamed up , Before Spock threw Vulcan signs, Before Kirk told Sulu take it to Warp Factor 9 .. Sis Uhura.. Nichelle Nichols was gonna have that hair tight , skirt right and earrings dangling BEFORE she was dealing with outer space..”
Before Scotty beamed up , Before Spock threw Vulcan signs, Before Kirk told Sulu take it to Warp Factor 9 .. Sis Uhura.. Nichelle Nichols was gonna have that hair tight , skirt right and earrings dangling BEFORE she was dealing with outer space.. 🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/bWPR3LJwTQ
— Chuck D (@MrChuckD) July 31, 2022
See more tweets mourning the loss of Nichelle Nichols below. R.I.P. to a real legend:
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
RIP to a true legend. Her legacy will live forever.#NichelleNichols
— Jeri Ryan (@JeriLRyan) July 31, 2022
Nichelle Nichols left behind such a beautiful legacy of what it really means to use the platform you have to make the world a better place. I think of her example often and I hope others will too. Rest well, Lt.
— Ashley Nicole Black (@ashleyn1cole) July 31, 2022
My favorite photo of Dad and Nichelle Nichols on set. The importance of Nichelle’s legacy cannot be over-emphasized. She was much loved and will be missed. pic.twitter.com/1zlTd4F9BD
— Adam Nimoy (@adam\_nimoy) July 31, 2022
We lost two greats. Two people who changed their respective games.
Two Black Icons.
Rest easy Nichelle Nichols and Bill Russell. And thank you. 🖖🏾🏀 pic.twitter.com/AWyLdBDBlO
— Jill Hopkins (@Jillhopkins) July 31, 2022
