Nichelle Nichols Tributes Led by 'Star Trek' Actor William Shatner and NASA

Tributes from the Star Trek cast have started to flood in after the death of Nichelle Nichols.

Nichols, who played the role of Lieutenant Uhura in the original Star Trek series, died on Saturday, July 30, in New Mexico, United States, at age 89.

Her fellow cast members, along with others, paid tribute and gave heartfelt messages on social media.

The late actress was best known for playing Nyota Uhura in the Star Trek series as well as in the film adaptations. She had begun her career as a dancer and a singer.

Nichelle Nichols Tributes

George Takei, the actor who played Sulu in Star Trek, tweeted: "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."

He then posted another tweet, with an image of the two, and a caption that read: "We lived long and prospered together."

William Shatner, who played the role of James T. Kirk in the original Star Trek series, tweeted: "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"

Kate Mulgrew, who previously played Captain Kathryn Janeway in Star Trek: Voyager, also praised the late Nichols.

"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," she tweeted.

Georgia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams also shared a message on Twitter, alongside a picture of her and Nichols: "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."

Who Was Nichelle Nichols?

Nichelle Nichols was an American actress, singer and dancer. She played Lieutenant Uhura for a total of 69 episodes of Star Trek from 1966 to 1969. Later, she also played Uhura between 1979 and 1991, in the Star Trek movies.

In her time off camera, she spent her time encouraging and promoting NASA's programs, to help recruit more diverse astronauts. She did this from 1977 to 2015.

NASA's official twitter paid tribute to the actress: "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."

What Was Nichelle Nichols' Cause of Death?

Her son, Kyle Johnson, posted a message on Nichols' official website, saying she died from natural causes.

The statement read:

"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.

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.

Live Long and Prosper,

Kyle Johnson"