If you saw the original Star Trek, you will remember Nichelle Nichols as Uhura, a translator and communications officer aboard the Enterprise. Of course, Ms. Nichols has reprised many other roles during her time in show business. Whether you know the illustrious and celebrated long-time actress from Heroes, The Young and the Restless, or another role, you will likely recognize that she is a woman of considerable talent. Nichols has broken many barriers during her time in show business, and has had a very interesting career and life.
If you want to get to know this performer a little bit better, please read on to learn Five Things You Didn’t Know about Nichelle Nichols.
Her Kiss with William Shatner Was a First
During the 1960s when the original Star Trek series was filmed, interracial relationships were still somewhat taboo. So, when Nichelle Nichols kissed William Shatner on a 1968 episode of Star Trek, she broke down quite a barrier for any African-American who worked in television. Plus, her role as a communications officer was among the first roles in which someone of color was not cast as a servant.
She Personally Knew Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
At one point during her tenure on Star Trek, she felt like leaving the show. Despite normalizing a new role for an African-American, her true passion was for Broadway. However, when she had a conversation with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. himself, he talked her into staying with Star Trek. Dr. King called himself Nichelle Nichols’ biggest fan, and told her that she was a part of history. He also let her know that he would only let his young children stay up late to watch her show. He didn’t even entertain the notion of her leaving the show, instantly telling Nichols, “you can’t”.
She Worked for NASA
After the original Star Trek was cancelled, Nichelle Nichols decided to volunteer for a special project with NASA. They tasked her with recruiting minority and female personnel for various positions. She thus contributed to the hiring of the first American female astronaut, Sally Ride, as well as some other important and influential figures in NASA history.
Obama Had a Crush on Her
Back in 2012, Nichelle Nichols met Obama in the Oval Office. During their meeting, she asked about a tweet he had posted a few months back. In the tweet, he admitted that he was a Trekker and had a huge crush on Nichols. When she asked him about it in person, he confirmed his crush and his love for the original Star Trek.
She Has an Asteroid
Asteroid 68410 was discovered in August of 2001, by Michael Collins and Minor White (two famous astronomers). They elected to name their discovery after their favorite actress, Nichelle Nichols. Now designated 68410 Nichols, the actress and songstress will forever be memorialized in the sky. Nichelle Nichols recently celebrated her 85th birthday. She has already achieved so much in life, but there is no doubt in our minds that she will continue to achieve more until the day of her death.
Follow Us
