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Tag: Nichelle Nichols

  • Nichelle Nichols, Uhura of ‘Star Trek,’ Suffers Mild Stroke, Is ‘Resting Comfortably’

    Nichelle Nichols, who starred in the original Star Trek series as Lieutenant Uhura, has reportedly suffered a mild stroke.

    According to Nichelle Nichols’ rep Michael Conley, the 82-year-old actress has been hospitalized and is stable.

    “Nichelle Nichols is resting comfortably and undergoing tests. We do not have a prognosis yet but everyone’s prayers and well wishes are appreciated,” he told ABC News.

    A statement was also posted to Nichelle Nichols’ Facebook page on Thursday.

    “Last night while at her home in LA, Nichelle Nichols suffered from a mild stroke. She is currently undergoing testing to determine how severe the stroke was. Please keep her in your thoughts,” it read, signed by Zach McGinnis from Galactic Productions.

    Nichelle Nichols, who has worked well into her 80s, was most recently featured in the show Heroes and feature films including The White Orchid opposite Jennifer Beals and Omaha Street with Dennis Haysbert. . She is also much admired for her groundbreaking work on the Star Trek television series, as well a feature films, including The Wrath of Khan and The Search for Spock.

    According to ABC, “her role in Star Trek was groundbreaking in the late 1960’s as one of the first black women featured in a role of authority. She also kissed show star William Shatner during one episode, which is thought to be one of the first interracial kiss on TV.”

    Some of her former co-stars have posted words words of encouragement on social media, including George Takei.

    “We understand #NichelleNichols has been rushed to the hospital. We don’t have any diagnosis on her condition but our thoughts are with her,” he tweeted.

    We understand Nichelle Nichols has been rushed to the hospital. We don't have any diagnosis on her condition but our thoughts are with her.

    Posted by George Takei on Thursday, June 4, 2015

  • Nichelle Nichols Remembers Star Trek Costar Leonard Nimoy, Whose Heart Was ‘Bigger Than the Universe’

    Nichelle Nichols, who played Lt. Nyota Uhura on the original Star Trek television series, remembered costar Leonard Nimoy Friday as “a true force of strength and his character was that of a champion.”

    “Leonard’s integrity and passion as an actor and devotion to his craft helped transport STAR TREK into television history,” Nichelle Nichols said in a statement to People magazine. “His vision and heart are bigger than the universe. I will miss him very much and send heartfelt wishes to his family.”

    The legendary Leonard Nimoy died Friday after a battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

    Many of Leonard Nimoy‘s costars have said the actor has stood up for them over the years, including Nichelle Nichols.

    Post by Nichelle Nichols.

    “When it came to the attention of the cast that there was a disparity in pay in that George [Takei] and I were getting the same pay but Nichelle was not getting as much, I took it to Leonard and he took it to the front office and they corrected that,” said costar Walter Koenig.

    Leonard Nimoy confirmed the incident to TrekMovie.

    “There was also the case where George and Nichelle we’re not hired to do their voices in the animated series,” said Leonard Nimoy. “I refused to do Spock until they were hired. Mr. Roddenberry started calling me the conscience of Star Trek.”

    Nichelle Nichols’ role on Star Trek helped break barriers for the representation of people of color on television.

  • Star Trek’s Uhura Stopped in LAX for Meth

    Nichelle Nichols is 81 years old. So when meth fell out of her suitcase at LAX airport, it stands to reason that security was a bit shocked. Talk about “boldly going.” But, as there usually is, there is more to the story.

    According to a report from TMZ, Nichols, famous for playing Lieutenant Uhura on the original Star Trek television show and films, was catching a flight at LAX. Nichols was in a wheelchair, and she had an assistant accompanying her, a male in his 20s. One of the suitcases with Nichols’ name tag on it fell to the ground, came open, and law enforcement saw a bag of meth and drug scales fall out.

    After looking deeper into the situation, officials determined that the bag did not belong to Nichols, but had been attached to hers and tagged with her name. It actually belonged to her companion. Apparently Nichols had no knowledge of the meth. Her companion was detained. Nichols was allowed to board her plane and continue on her way.

    Nichols’ rep contacted TMZ to tell them that the only thing that LAX officials found in the man’s luggage was an e-cigarette. But TMZ claims that’s not what LAX officials say.

    Nichols most famous role as Uhura also landed her in the history books along with William Shatner for the First Interracial Kiss on Television.

    Even at 81 years of age, Nichols is still a regular at Trek conventions and events across the country. She also appeared in the television series Heroes, playing Nana. Fellow Trek veteran George Takei also appeared on the show, as did Zachary Quinto, years before he would be cast as Spock in the Trek reboot films.

  • Obama, Uhura Tells Us To Live Long, Prosper

    Obama, Uhura Tells Us To Live Long, Prosper

    The picture in question has hit its “viral” stage popularity, and considering the people in it, as well as the subject matter, it only makes sense. It’s not often we get to see the Leader of the Free World and the best communications officer in the galaxy together, sending a message of peace and prosperity. Clearly, the planets have aligned, bringing us the following gem:

    (image)
    Click for larger image

    With President Obama is Nichelle Nichols, otherwise known as the original Lieutenant Uhura (sorry, Zoe, but Nichelle still rules), and they are offering the universal sign for goodwill and long life, made popular by the Vulcan race, most notably, Commander Spock.

    The image was posted on Nichols’ twitpic page, and while it was taken at the end of February, the image was posted 14 hours ago. At this point, the image has already amassed close to 200,000 views. None of her other images have eclipsed the 10,000 views plateau, which is great indication of the image’s viral popularity.

    Considering the fallout after Obama slashed NASA’s budget, he clearly needs all the intergalactic assistance he can find. Good thing for him, Lt. Uhura was willing to comply.

    In light of the image, it’s hard not wonder what Obama’s approval rate is among Star Trek fans.