The death of pioneering actress Nichelle Nichols, best known for her decades-long portrayal of Lt. Nyota Uhura on “Star Trek” and its myriad movies and spinoffs, reverberated through both the entertainment world and world at large Sunday, just hours after she died of natural causes at the age of 89.
First, and foremost:
Adam Nimoy, son of the late Leonard Nimoy who portrayed Mr. Spock on the massively influential science fiction series, shared a rare behind-the-scenes look at his father’s longstanding friendship with Nichols.
[ ‘Star Trek’ star Nichelle Nichols dead at 89 ]
Meanwhile, actor and astronaut William Shatner, who shared one of the first interracial kisses in TV history with Nichols as the iconic Capt. James T. Kirk, praised both her skill and reach.
The New York Times took the opportunity to remind readers of one of Nichols’ most high-profile fans.
In turn, Nichols’ name became almost interchangeable with the term “groundbreaking” in terms of television and the color barrier. Her reputation as a trailblazing professional elicited tributes from both influencers, co-stars and even contemporary superheroines.
Nichols’ co-stars did not hold back.
The tributes, however, were by no means limited to fellow actors and entertainers.
Nichelle Nichols through the years Las Vegas, UNITED STATES: Nichelle Nichols (R), Walter Koenig (C) and George Takei (L), the actors who portrayed Lt. Uhura, Ensign Chekov and Lt Sulu respectively in the original Star Trek television series, recall memories of filming the show 40 years ago, at the Star Trek convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, 19 August 2006. Thousands of fans beamed into Las Vegas this weekend to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Star Trek, the enduring science fiction television franchise whose cult appeal transcends boundaries of space and time. AFP PHOTO / Robyn BECK (Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images) (ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)
Nichelle Nichols through the years LOS ANGELES - SEPTEMBER 15: Nichelle Nichols as Lieutenant Uhura in the STAR TREK episode, "Charlie X." Season 1, episode, 2. Original air date September 15, 1966. Image is a screen grab. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) (CBS Photo Archive/CBS via Getty Images)
Nichelle Nichols through the years LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 28: Actresses Zoe Saldana and Nichelle Nichols arrive at the 2009 BET Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on June 28, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images) (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Nichelle Nichols through the years HOLLYWOOD - MARCH 2: (L to R) Actors Nichelle Nichols, William Shatner, James Doohan and Leonard Nimoy pose during the TV Land Awards 2003 at the Hollywood Palladium on March 2, 2003 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Frank Micelotta/Getty Images) (Frank Micelotta/Getty Images)
Nichelle Nichols through the years LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 28: Actress Nichelle Nichols arrives at the 2009 BET Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on June 28, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images) (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Nichelle Nichols through the years LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 28: Actresses Zoe Saldana, Nichelle Nichols and singer Keri Hilson onstage at the 2009 BET Awards at the Shrine Auditorium on June 28, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by John Shearer/WireImage) (John Shearer/WireImage via Getty Images)
Nichelle Nichols through the years LOS ANGELES - SEPTEMBER 15: Nichelle Nichols as Lieutenant Uhura in the STAR TREK episode, "Charlie X." Season 1, episode, 2. Original air date September 15, 1966. Image is a screen grab. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) (CBS Photo Archive/CBS via Getty Images)
Nichelle Nichols through the years LOS ANGELES - SEPTEMBER 15: Nichelle Nichols as Lieutenant Uhura and Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock in the STAR TREK episode, "Charlie X." Season 1, episode, 2. Original air date September 15, 1966. Image is a screen grab. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) (CBS Photo Archive/CBS via Getty Images)
Nichelle Nichols through the years LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 21: George Takei and Nichelle Nichols at the 2008 Outfest Closing Night Gala at The Orpheaum Theatre on July 21, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alexandra Wyman/WireImage) (Alexandra Wyman/WireImage via Getty Images)
Nichelle Nichols through the years LAS VEGAS, NV - AUGUST 04: Actresses Nichelle Nichols and Whoopi Goldberg on day 2 of Creation Entertainment's Official Star Trek 50th Anniversary Convention at the Rio Hotel & Casino on August 4, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images) (Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images)
Nichelle Nichols through the years HOLLYWOOD - MARCH 28: Actress Nichelle Nichols and actor Gene Roddenberry attending the screening of "Jimmy Hollywood" on March 28, 1994 at Paramount Studios in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images) (Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
Nichelle Nichols through the years HOLLYWOOD - NOVEMBER 17: Actress Nichelle Nichols attending Nineth Annual Diversity Awards on November 17, 2001 at the Hollywood and Highlands Ballroom in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images) (Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
Nichelle Nichols through the years HOLLYWOOD - JUNE 6: Actresses Nichelle Nichols and Whoopi Goldberg attending 25th Anniversary Party for Star Trek on June 6, 1991 at Paramount Studios in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images) (Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
Nichelle Nichols through the years HOLLYWOOD - DECEMBER 5: Actress Nichelle Nichols and actor George Takei attending "Star Trek Signature Ceremony" on December 5, 1991 at Mann Chinese Thater in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images) (Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
Nichelle Nichols through the years LOS ANGELES - NOVEMBER 22: Nichelle Nichols as Uhura and William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk in the STAR TREK episode, "Plato's Stepchildren." Original air date, November 22, 1968. Season 3, episode 10. Image is a screen grab. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) (CBS Photo Archive/CBS via Getty Images)
Nichelle Nichols through the years LOS ANGELES - JUNE 4: Nichelle Nichols as Commander Uhura in the movie, "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan." Release date, June 4, 1982. Image is a screen grab. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) (CBS Photo Archive/CBS via Getty Images)
Nichelle Nichols through the years LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 01: Actress Nichelle Nichols (L) and actor George Takei attend the 2014 LA Asian Pacific Film Festival opening night for 'To Be Takei' at Directors Guild Of America on May 1, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Imeh Akpanudosen/Getty Images) (Imeh Akpanudosen/Getty Images)
Nichelle Nichols through the years Stars of the original television series "Star Trek," Leonard Nimoy (L), Nichelle Nichols (2R) and George Takei (R), pose with actor Walter Koenig (2L) as he is honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Hollywood, California September 10,1 2012. Koenig, who portrayed the Russian character "Chekov", is the final "Star Trek" cast member to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. from the 1966-1969 series. AFP PHOTO / Robyn Beck (Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP/GettyImages) (ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)
Nichelle Nichols through the years NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 16: Actors Angie Dickinson, Nichelle Nichols, Stefanie Powers and Linda Evans attend the Pioneers of Television photocall at the 92nd Street Y on January 16, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images) (Jemal Countess/Getty Images)
Nichelle Nichols through the years Actors George Takei, Nichelle Nichols, William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy and Walter Koenig accept the 25th Anniversary Reunion: "Star Trek II The Wrath of Khan" during the 2007 Spike TV Scream Awards at The Greek Theater on October 19, 2007 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/FilmMagic) (Jason Merritt/TERM/FilmMagic via Getty Images)
Nichelle Nichols through the years American actors Leonard Nimoy, George Takei, Walter Koenig, DeForest Kelley, Nichelle Nichols, and Canadian William Shatner on the set of Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (Photo by Paramount Pictures/Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images) (Paramount Pictures/Corbis via Getty Images)
Nichelle Nichols through the years Actress Nichelle Nichols photographed outdoors in Calabasas. (Photo by Frank Trapper/Corbis via Getty Images) (Frank Trapper/Corbis via Getty Images)
Nichelle Nichols through the years Aboard the main deck of the USS Enterprise are (left to right): Chekov (Walter Koenig), Uhura (Nichelle Nichols), Scotty (James Doohan), and Sulu (George Takei). (Bettmann/Bettmann Archive via Getty Images)
Nichelle Nichols through the years LOS ANGELES - MARCH 29: Nichelle Nichols as Lt. Uhura in the STAR TREK: THE ORIGINAL SERIES episode, "Assignment: Earth." Season 2, episode 26. Original air date was March 29, 1968. Image is a screen grab. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) (CBS Photo Archive/CBS via Getty Images)
Nichelle Nichols through the years HEAD OF THE CLASS - "For Better, For Worse" - Airdate: March 2, 1988. (Photo by ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images) WILLIAM G. SCHILLING;NICHELLE NICHOLS (ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Con)
Nichelle Nichols through the years SAN DIEGO, CA - JULY 19: Nichelle Nichols speaks onstage at the "From The Bridge" Panel during Comic-Con International 2018 at San Diego Convention Center on July 19, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images) (Mike Coppola/Getty Images)
Nichelle Nichols through the years Nichelle Nichols arriving at the "TV Land Awards: A Celebration of Classic TV." (Photo by Frank Trapper/Corbis via Getty Images) (Frank Trapper/Corbis via Getty Images)
Nichelle Nichols through the years LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 10: Signs of support are seen at a rally for actress and civil rights activist Nichelle Nichols to free her from her conservatorship at Stanley Mosk Courthouse on January 10, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images) (Rich Fury/Getty Images)
Nichelle Nichols through the years LAS VEGAS, NV - AUGUST 4: Actress Nichelle Nichols on day 2 of Creation Entertainment's Official Star Trek 50th Anniversary Convention at the Rio Hotel & Casino on August 4, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images) (Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images)
Nichelle Nichols through the years LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 05: Dr. Mae Jemison (L) and and Kyle Johnson are seen onstage at the Nichelle Nichols Finale Celebration during 2021 Los Angeles Comic Con at Los Angeles Convention Center on December 05, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Chelsea Guglielmino/Getty Images) (Chelsea Guglielmino/Getty Images)
Nichelle Nichols through the years MANHATTAN BEACH, CA - MARCH 05: Actress and Original Star Trek cast member Nichelle Nichols films her final performance for "Renegades: Ominara" at Northrop Grumman on March 5, 2021 in Manhattan Beach, California. (Photo by Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images) (Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images)
Nichelle Nichols through the years LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 19: Actors Nichelle Nichols, Sonequa Martin-Green and William Shatner pose at the Premiere Of CBS's "Star Trek: Discovery" held at The Cinerama Dome on September 19, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images) (Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images)
Nichelle Nichols through the years LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 31: Kyle Johnson (L) and his mother, actress Nichelle Nichols, attend the 18th annual Official Star Trek Convention at the Rio Hotel & Casino on July 31, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images) (Gabe Ginsberg/Getty Images)
Nichelle Nichols through the years MANHATTAN BEACH, CA - MARCH 05: "Renegades: Ominara" film set visit with Original Star Trek cast member and actress Nichelle Nichols who portrays Ominara poses with her younger character actress Loren Lott at Northrop Grumman on March 5, 2021 in Manhattan Beach, California. (Photo by Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images) (Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images)
Nichelle Nichols through the years LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 28: Actress Nichelle Nichols arrives for her 85th birthday celebration held at La Piazza/The Grove on December 28, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images) (Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images)
Nichelle Nichols through the years LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 28: Singer Carmen Carter, actress Nichelle Nichols and performer Chantel Steinreich arrive for Nichelle Nichols' 85th Birthday Celebration held at La Piazza/The Grove on December 28, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images) (Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images)
Nichelle Nichols through the years LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 16: Actress Nichelle Nichols attends the Rio Vista Universal's Valkyrie Awards and Holiday Party on December 16, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Greg Doherty/Getty Images for WAV) (Greg Doherty/Getty Images for WAV)
Nichelle Nichols through the years LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 28: Nichelle Nichols and Kerry O'Quinn attend the Opening Night Of "Allegiance" at Japanese American Cultural & Community Center on February 28, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Greg Doherty/Getty Images) (Greg Doherty/Getty Images)
Nichelle Nichols through the years LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 05: Nichelle Nichols and son Kyle Johnson attend Day 3 of the 2021 Los Angeles Comic Con held at Los Angeles Convention Center on December 5, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images) (Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images)
Nichelle Nichols through the years LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 19: Michelle Yeoh and Nichelle Nichols attend the after party for the premiere of CBS's "Star Trek: Discovery" at the Dream Hotel on September 19, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Todd Williamson/Getty Images) (Todd Williamson/Getty Images)