Nichelle Nichols

American actress (1932–2022) / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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Nichelle Nichols (/nɪˈʃɛl/, born Grace Dell Nichols; December 28, 1932 – July 30, 2022)[1] was an American actress, singer, and dancer best known for her portrayal of Uhura in Star Trek and its film sequels. Nichols' portrayal of Uhura was groundbreaking for African American actresses on American television.[2] From 1977 until 2015, Nichols volunteered her time to promote NASA's programs and recruit diverse astronauts, including some of the first female and ethnic minority astronauts.[3][4]

Quick facts: Nichelle Nichols, Born, Died, Education, Occu...
Nichelle Nichols
A grinning afro-haired Nichelle Nichols
Nichols in 1979
Born
Grace Dell Nichols

(1932-12-28)December 28, 1932
DiedJuly 30, 2022(2022-07-30) (aged 89)
EducationEnglewood High School
Occupations
  • Actress
  • singer
  • dancer
Years active1959–2019
Notable creditNyota Uhura in Star Trek
Spouses
  • Foster Johnson
    (m. 1951; div. 1951)
  • Duke Mondy
    (m. 1968; div. 1972)
ChildrenKyle Johnson
Close

Nichols was born in Robbins, Illinois, a Chicago suburb. She trained in dance, and began her career as a dancer, singer, and model in Chicago. She went into stage acting, and had a television and film career.