Nichelle Nichols, known for playing communications officer lieutenant Uhura in the original Star Trek television series has passed away at the age of 89. Nichols son Kyle confirmed the news at her Sliver City New Mexico home Saturday. According to him she passed away from natural causes. Nichols was a trailblazer for African American female actors, playing a vital role in Star Trek’s original run, rather than serving as a stereotype or as some sort of servant. She was also part of one of the first interracial kisses on television with co-star William Shatner, something unheard of in the 1960s.
