Nichelle Nichols of Star Trek Fame Passes Away at 89

American actress Nichelle Nichols who was famously known for her role in the TV series Star Trek, passed away on Saturday night. She was 89. 

Her son Kyle Johnson said that she died of natural causes.

In a statement posted on Facebook, Mr Johnson wrote: “I regret to inform you that a great light in the firmament no longer shines for us as it has for so many years.”

“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.”

Nichelle starred in six Star Trek films, “Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country”, being the last one. 

Casting Nichelle Nichols in Star Trek broke racial stereotypes back then thereby giving credibility and opportunities to other black actors in the entertainment industry. 

Nichelle played a strong character Lt Uhura in Star Trek that shattered gender stereotypes. Dr Martin Luther King described her character as the “first non-stereotypical role portrayed by a black woman in television history.”

Besides working as an actress Nichelle also became an ambassador for US space agency NASA in order to influence more women including minority women to join the space program. 

She criticised the space agency for not recruiting minority as well as qualified women. Post this, NASA  hired her to help them recruit women. 

Nichols "symbolized to so many what was possible" and "inspired generations to reach for the stars," NASA said on Twitter.

She was typecasted after her role in Star Trek and hence found it difficult to find roles. It was during this time when she played a foul-mouthed madam in the film "Truck Turner" (1974) starring Isaac Hayes. She was a recurring character on the television show "Heroes" in 2007.

The actress was also a trained dancer and singer. She was married twice and had one child.