Sonequa Martin-Green on Finding Her 'Worth' as First Black Female 'Star Trek' Captain.

Who was the black lady on Star Trek?

Nichelle Nichols (/nɪˈʃɛl/ nish-EL; born Grace Dell Nichols; December 28, 1932 – July 30, 2022) was an American actress, singer and dancer whose portrayal of Uhura in Star Trek and its film sequels was groundbreaking for African American actresses on American television.

What is Nichelle Nichols famous for?

Actress Nichelle Nichols, who was the first African-American woman to play a lead role on television — Communication Officer Lieutenant Uhura on the popular sci-fi television show “Star Trek” — was told one evening that a fan would like to meet her.

How many siblings did Nichelle Nichols have?

Nichelle Nichols was one of 10 children born to parents Lishia and Samuel Nichols in Robbins, Illinois, a Chicago suburb. She was a singer and dancer before turning to acting and finding fame in her groundbreaking role of Lt. Nyota Uhura in the Star Trek (1966) series.

Who is nichelle on Star Trek: Strange New Worlds?

As Lt. Uhura, Nichelle Nichols was a landmark character whose presence on the bridge of the USS Enterprise was an inspiration in the 1960s.

Black History Month Spotlight: Star Trek’s Nichelle Nichols

Does Spock marry Uhura?

At the beginning of the third movie, we learn that Spock and Uhura decided to break up, after Spock mentioned his dilemma about going back to New Vulcan, getting married and helping to rebuild instead of going through his Starfleet carrier.

Why did Nichelle Nichols leave Star Trek?

Fed up with racist insults on set and longing to make her way as a Broadway musical star, Star Trek actress Nichelle Nichols already had given showrunner Gene Roddenberry her letter of resignation when she met Martin Luther King, Jr., at a Beverly Hills fundraiser.

Did Nichelle Nichols have a relationship with Gene Roddenberry?

During the early '60s, before “Star Trek,” Nichols had an affair with Gene Roddenberry that lasted several years, according to her autobiography. The affair ended when Roddenberry realized he was in love with Majel Hudec, whom he married.

When was Nichelle Nichols diagnosed with dementia?

This battle comes as Nichols, 88, continues to grapple with dementia, with which she was first diagnosed in 2013.

Who was the first black woman on Star Trek?

On this day in 1966

Nichelle Nichols became one of the first Black women to play a lead role on television, portraying Communication Officer Lt. Uhura on “Star Trek.”

Who encouraged Nichelle Nichols to stay on Star Trek?

Back in 2010, during an interview with StarTrek.com, Nichols recounted how Dr. King inspired her and how she'd inspired him and his family, and why she chose to heed his personal request to remain with Star Trek: The Original Series.

Did Nichelle Nichols do her own singing on Star Trek?

While Star Trek: Strange New Worlds used digital tools to enhance its stars' singing voices for its musical episode, Nichelle Nichols on the Original Series didn't need such assistance. Nichols was an accomplished singer and stage performer before her role as Uhura and her skills can be seen on display in the series.

What are some interesting facts about Nichelle Nichols?

In 1991, Nichols became the first African American to place her handprints and signature in the concrete outside Mann's (Graumans) Chinese Theater. Just a few short weeks later, in January 1992, Nichols was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Who is the transwoman in Star Trek?

In 2020, “Discovery” introduced Blu Del Barrio as Adira and Ian Alexander as Grey, the first explicitly nonbinary and transgender characters, respectively, in “Trek” history.

How did Nichelle Nichols change the world?

At a time when Black women were seldom seen on screen, Nichelle's portrayal as Nyota Uhura on Star Trek held a mirror up to America that strengthened civil rights,” said Administrator Bill Nelson. “Nichelle's advocacy transcended television and transformed NASA.

What ethnicity is Nichelle Nichols?

In 1966, Nichols was cast as Lieutenant Commander Uhura in Star Trek, which marked one of the first times that an African American actress was portrayed in a non-stereotypical role on television.

Did Kirk kiss Uhura?

Each character tries to resist, but eventually Kirk tilts Uhura back and the two kiss as the aliens lasciviously look on. The smooch is not a romantic one. But in 1968 to show a Black woman kissing a white man was a daring move.

What is the meaning of Uhura?

"Uhura" comes from the Swahili word uhuru, meaning "freedom". Nichols states in her 1994 book Beyond Uhura that the name was inspired by Robert Ruark's 1962 book Uhuru, which she had with her on the day she read for the part.

Why did Spock and Uhura break up?

By 2263, Uhura and Spock experienced a time-out in their relationship as a consequence of Spock's increasing beliefs that he ought to be helping his people rebuild on New Vulcan, and thus leave Starflee.

What did MLK say to nichelle Nichols?

At first, Nichols said she went speechless. Eventually, though, she said she mustered the courage to say to King, “I wish I could be out there marching with you.” She said to her utter surprise, King told her: “No, no, no .. you don't understand. We don't need you on ... to march.

What is the most controversial Star Trek episode?

Who did Spock have a child with?

T'Val (mirror), daughter of Spock and Saavik.

Who did Spock mate with?

During The Search for Spock, Saavik (Robin Curtis) mated with Spock to keep him from dying during the Pon Farr he experienced while rapidly aging on the Genesis Planet. The film only implied that the two had been intimate, but there were plans for Saavik to be pregnant with Spock's baby in subsequent movies.

What is Spock's girlfriend name?

Later life. In 2267, when Spock began suffering from pon farr, he returned to Vulcan to mate with T'Pring.