oe Saldana says that late Star Trek actress Nichelle Nicols “not solely prospered, however helped so many to prosper” following her demise aged 89.
The US actress, who additionally performed Nichol’s well-known position of communications officer Lt Uhura, praised the veteran performer as a “true star” who was “forward of her time at all times”.
Information of Nichols’ demise was introduced by her son Kyle Johnson on her official Fb web page on Sunday, which said that she had died the day earlier in Silver Metropolis, New Mexico.
In a put up shared to social media on Monday, Saldana mentioned she had had “huge sneakers to fill” taking up the position of Uhura, however that Nicols had “made me really feel secure”.
“I’m saddened to be taught of Nichelle Nichols’ passing. We’ve misplaced a real star- a novel artist who was forward of her time at all times,” she mentioned in a prolonged Instagram put up.
“She’s an icon, an activist and most significantly a tremendous woman- who blazed a path that has proven so many how one can see ladies of coloration in a distinct mild.
“Her try for equality was unwavering.”
She continued: “Assembly Nichelle was actually a really particular second in my life. Her vitality was infectious each time I used to be in her presence.
“She satisfied me in believing that something was achievable, in the event you put your coronary heart into it.
“I knew I had huge sneakers to fill once I was chosen to play Uhura, and Nichelle made me really feel secure, advised me to play her with all the arrogance on the planet.
“My hope is that we proceed to maintain her reminiscence alive by celebrating her wonderful physique of labor, and by spreading the message of peace and equality amongst all individuals. She lived a protracted, impactful life and never solely prospered, however helped so many others prosper too.
“It’ll be onerous to overlook what she mentioned and onerous to overlook what she did, and it’ll definitely be unimaginable to overlook how she made us really feel.
“Relaxation in energy Queen Nichelle.”
Different members of the Star Trek household paid tribute to Nicols following the information, describing her as a “trailblazer”.
George Takei, who starred as Lieutenant Hikaru Sulu of the fictional starship USS Enterprise, mentioned his “coronary heart is heavy” following the information and later shared a number of lengthier tributes to his “dearest pal”.
Sharing a number of tales that “aren’t as well-known” he mentioned “Nichelle and I spent the next a long time collectively as not solely colleagues from the bridge of the Enterprise, however as lifelong pals”.
“Whereas followers will miss and honor the well-known actress who opened so many paths along with her presence on the display screen, I may also miss the pricey pal who at all times let you realize she was there to assist you, to like you, and to undergo this unusual and fantastic life alongside you.
“Nichelle Nichols, you have been one in one million in so many, some ways.”
Kate Mulgrew, who portrayed Captain Kathryn Janeway on Star Trek: Voyager, praised Nichols for pathing the way in which for feminine actresses.
Sharing a photograph of Nichols in her Lt Uhura position to Twitter, Mulgrew wrote: “Nichelle Nichols was The First.
“She was a trailblazer who navigated a really difficult path with grit, grace, and a stunning fireplace we’re not prone to see once more. Could she Relaxation In Peace.”
Whereas actress Jeri Ryan, who performed Borg drone Seven of 9 in Star Trek: Voyager, mentioned: “RIP to a real legend. Her legacy will reside eternally” in her tribute.
The Star Trek official Twitter account additionally wrote: “We’re deeply saddened to report the passing of Nichelle Nichols – a trailblazer, an inspiration, and a lot extra. She can be deeply missed.”
