As announced by the actor’s official website and social media channels today, 89-year-old Star Trek legend Nichelle Nichols passed away on July 30.

The statement published on the official Nichelle Nichols website on July 31, 2022, penned by Nichols’ son Kyle Johnson:

Dear Friends, Fans, Colleagues, World,

I regret to inform you that a great light in the firmament no longer shines for us as it has for so many years.

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

Known the world over as the always-present Lieutenant Uhura in the original Star Trek television series, subsequent Animated Series, and six classic Trek films, Nichols continued to make public appearances on the convention circuit to meet fans decades after her final franchise appearance (in 1991’s Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country), and concluded her ‘farewell tour’ in December 2021.

Through the magic of archival audio, Uhura made a surprise holographic appearance in Star Trek: Prodigy‘s first season, as young Dal (Brett Gray) summons the best of Starfleet to help him train for service.

Born Grace Nichols, the actress often spoke about her encounter with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during production of the Original Series, who encouraged her to stay with Star Trek when she explored a departure.

Nichols also worked with NASA to help grow the ranks of the US space agency during the 1970s and 1980s. Last June, a new 90-minute documentary about Nichols’ life, Star Trek career, and her contributions to NASA’s recruiting efforts debuted from Shout! Studios.

Woman in Motion: Nichelle Nichols, Star Trek, and the Remaking of NASA is available to stream for free on the Shout! Factory website and through a Paramount+ subscription, and can be purchased through a number of other streaming services.

As she battled growing dementia issues over the last few years, a legal struggle over control of the actress’ financial assets became part of mainstream news as her son, former manager, and close friend each fought to take the reigns of Nichols’ care.

Our deepest sympathies go out to Nichelle Nichols’ family and friends, and to all those inspired by her role in bringing the classic Star Trek adventure to life.