Star Trek fans have been mourning the death of trailblazing actress Nichelle Nichols, who died at the weekend. The 89-year-old broke down barriers in her role as Lieutenant Uhura, becoming one of the first black actresses in the US to play a figure in authority. READ MORE: Star Trek actor Jenifer Lien's sad demise after axe - naked arrest to shocking mugshot The news of her death broke earlier this week after the star died of natural causes on Saturday night, her son Kyle Johnson confirmed.He said: "I regret to inform you that a great light in the firmament no longer shines for us as it has for so many years."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."In 1968, she and Star Trek's William Shatner broke new ground when they shared one of TV's very first interracial kisses.Following the death of the famous Nichelle, it means only three of the main actors from Star Trek are still alive.Here Nadine Linge boldly goes and discovers what happened to the Star Trek cast… As Kirk, Shatner led the USS Enterprise for three series between 1966 and 1969, as well as in seven films based on the series.
He’s worked continually since, starring in TV shows TJ Hooker and Boston Legal as well as two Miss Congeniality films. Now 91, he’s currently presenting The UnXplained on Sky History, and has written books and released albums.
Last year he went into space for real aboard Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin craft – making him the oldest person to do so at the age of 90.
He didn’t always get on well with the rest of the Star Trek cast, with Leonard Nimoy revealing they had a professional rivalry.
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