George Takei, J.J. Abrams and more pay tribute to late ‘Star Trek’ actress Nichelle Nichols

George Takei and J.J. Abrams paid tribute to the late “Star Trek” actress Nichelle Nichols, who died Saturday at the age of 89.

Nichols had played Enterprise crew member Nyota Uhura on the series and multiple “Trek” films.

“I shall have more to say about the trailblazing, incomparable Nichelle Nichols, who shared the bridge with us as Lt. Uhura of the USS Enterprise,” Takei wrote on social media. “For today, my heart is heavy, my eyes shining like the stars you now rest among, my dearest friend.”

I shall have more to say about the trailblazing, incomparable Nichelle Nichols, who shared the bridge with us as Lt. Uhura of the USS Enterprise, and who passed today at age 89. For today, my heart is heavy, my eyes shining like the stars you now rest among, my dearest friend.

— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) July 31, 2022

Abrams, who directed the 2009 “Star Trek” reboot and 2013’s “Star Trek Into Darkness,” called Nichols “a remarkable woman in a remarkable role.”

“A remarkable woman in a remarkable role. Nichelle, you will be deeply missed. Sending much love and respect,” he wrote on Twitter.

 

A remarkable woman in a remarkable role. Nichelle, you will be deeply missed. Sending much love and respect. pic.twitter.com/ZRnMblXx0Z

— JJ Abrams (@jjabrams) July 31, 2022

“Star Trek” star William Shatner also paid tribute, writing, “She was a beautiful woman and played an admirable character that did so much for redefining social issues both here in the US and throughout the world.”

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Nichelle. She was a beautiful woman & played an admirable character that did so much for redefining social issues both here in the US & throughout the world. I will certainly miss her. Sending my love and condolences to her family. Bill

— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) July 31, 2022

Georgia politician and “Trek” fan Stacey Abrams posted a photograph of herself with Nichols, captioning it, “One of my most treasured photos – Godspeed to Nichelle Nichols, champion, warrior and tremendous actor. Her kindness and bravery lit the path for many. May she forever dwell among the stars.”

One of my most treasured photos – Godspeed to Nichelle Nichols, champion, warrior and tremendous actor. Her kindness and bravery lit the path for many. May she forever dwell among the stars. #RIPNichelle #Uhura pic.twitter.com/nFXHif8HEC

— Stacey Abrams (@staceyabrams) July 31, 2022

Actor Colman Domingo wrote, “Nichelle Nichols told us that we belonged in outer space. We are limitless. The heavens have gained an Uhura today.”

Nichelle Nichols told us that we belonged in outer space. We are limitless. The heavens have gained an Uhura today.

— Colman Domingo (@colmandomingo) July 31, 2022

The official NASA Twitter account posted a tribute saying: “We celebrate the life of Nichelle Nichols, Star Trek actor, trailblazer, and role model, who symbolized to so many what was possible. She partnered with us to recruit some of the first women and minority astronauts, and inspired generations to reach for the stars.”

We celebrate the life of Nichelle Nichols, Star Trek actor, trailblazer, and role model, who symbolized to so many what was possible. She partnered with us to recruit some of the first women and minority astronauts, and inspired generations to reach for the stars. pic.twitter.com/pmQaKDb5zw

— NASA (@NASA) July 31, 2022

Jason Alexander wrote, “My love for the original Star Trek is profound. Nichelle Nichols was a ground-breaker and a glorious ambassador for her show, her role and science all her life. And a truly lovely person. May she have a wonderful adventure to the final frontier.”

My love for the original Star Trek is profound. Nichelle Nichols was a ground-breaker and a glorious ambassador for her show, her role and science all her life. And a truly lovely person. May she have a wonderful adventure to the final frontier.#ripnichellenichols

— jason alexander (@IJasonAlexander) July 31, 2022