Uhura on Star Trek: The Original Series was famously portrayed by Nichelle Nichols.  She served as the communications officer on the USS Enterprise and the USS Enterprise-A.  Throughout the series, she was perceived as an amiable Starfleet officer, having developed strong friendships with her colleagues.  Although she was noted for her singing talent, her being proud of her African heritage was what made her a positive role model for the African-American community.  At present, the 74-year-old actress remains active in the entertainment industry with her upcoming movies.

The former Star Trek actress has already completed filming the movie Lady Magdalene's, in which she stars as the titular character.  In the action-comedy, she teams up with an IRS agent to uncover an Al Queda plot that involves a nuclear bomb at Hoover Dam.  The film also stars Ethan Keogh and is pending for release within the year.

Also expected to hit the theaters this year is the movie Tru Loved, a romantic comedy story about a teenager who struggles to find love while being interfered by sexual politics, closed minds and closeted friends.  Nichols joins lead stars Najarra Townsend and Jake Abel.

In 2009, she will be featured in the movie This Bitter Earth, a drama about a teen piano prodigy and an eccentric former jazz singer as they explore life's triumphs and tragedies.  Nichols is attached to play Miss Clara Watkins, along with Billy Dee Williams.

Like other costars from The Original Series, Nichelle Nichols also reprised her distinguished role on succeeding Star Trek franchises. Though Uhura was a role she was popularly known for, she was also able to tap other genres on television and in film.  Her credits included Snow Dogs, Surge of Power and Are We There Yet?, and the animated series Gargoyles, in which she provided the voice of Diana Maza.


-Kris De Leon, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
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