Star Trek: On the Death of Nichelle Nichols – How Martin Luther King Saved Uhura!

• Uhura actress Nichelle Nichols has died of natural causes at the age of 89.
• She is known from the series “Spaceship Enterprise” and a total of 6 “Star Trek” films.
• Nichols’ legacy is so far-reaching that even Martin Luther King himself convinced her not to leave.

With Nichelle Nichols, one of the most important icons of the “Star Trek” universe leaves the big stage. Nichols passed away of natural causes on July 30, 2022 at the age of 89. As Uhura, she made history in the 1960s – a history that almost didn’t exist!

Actually, Nichols wanted to get out after the first season of “Star Trek: Starship Enterprise”. The relatively small role of Uhura did not challenge her as an actress and she preferred to pursue a career on Broadway. She was persuaded to stay by none other than an activist dr Martin Luther King convinced.

The actress fondly recalled that Dr. King made it clear to her how much Uhura’s role means to the black community. Uhura is commonly referred to as the first Black character on American television who does not conform to racial stereotypes and even plays an authority role.

dr Martin Luther King made it clear to Nichols that if she left the “Star Trek” series, she would be replaced by a blonde, white woman. This is a significant damage, since Uhura has become an important symbol. and dr King should be right!

Uhura is still considered a symbol of the fight for social equality and an important influence for many young female astronauts and scientists. It is not surprising that after the end of “Spaceship Enterprise” she worked for the US space agency NASA and recruited young people.

Nichols also played the role of Uhura in the timeless “Star Trek” movies of the ’80s and ’90s. Her role of Uhura was later filled by Zoe Saldana in the new Star Trek movies directed by JJ Abrams and will also return in Star Trek 4.

Uhura also plays an important role in “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” and is played there by Celia Rose Gooding, who, like Nichols, comes from Broadway. Like many other “Star Trek” stars, Gooding has expressed his dismay at the death of the “Star Trek” icon on social media.

To honor Nichols’ legacy, we bring you the correct “Star Trek” order for a marathon. We also list all “Star Trek” releases for you!