American singer, actress and executive producer Nichelle Nichols was born on December 28, 1932 in Robbins, Illinois. As she studied in New York and Los Angeles, she sang at the Blue Angel and Playboy Clubs, as well as appearing onstage in the title role of the musical Carmen Jones. She also toured Europe, Canada and the United States with the Lionel Hampton and Duke Ellington bands, continuing to perform as a singer. She would later to go on to her most famous role, communications officer Uhura in the original Star Trek sci-fi series, as well as continuing to work on television in shows such as The D.A., Ironside, Gargoyles, and Batman: The Animated Series.
Uhura is portrayed by Nichelle Nichols in the science fiction cult classic television series Star Trek. A native of Africa and fluent in Swahili, she joins the crew of the USS Enterprise in 2266, serving as a lieutenant and as chief communications officer under the command of Captain James T. Kirk. Uhura constantly proves herself a proficient bridge officer and technician, capable of manning the starship’s helm when the need arises. She is later promoted to the rank of lieutenant commander, and then commander, and becomes an instructor at Starfleet Academy.
(Image courtesy of SFPod.net)
-Nichelle's role as "Lt. Uhura" on Star Trek (1966) was the first time that an African American actress was portrayed in a non-stereotypical role. Previously, African American female actresses were depicted as maids or housekeepers.
-Nichelle and Star Trek (1966) co-star William Shatner shared the first interracial kiss on American television. This resulted in a deluge of mail, 99% of which was positive.
-Comedian Whoopi Goldberg lists Nichelle as a huge influence on her deciding to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.
-Since the mid-1980s, she served on the Board of Governors of the National Space Society.
-Star on the Walk of Fame
-1980 Nominated for a Saturn Award Best Supporting Actress for Star Trek: The Motion Picture
-2006 Nominated for a TV Land Award for Most Memorable Kiss (with William Shatner) for Star Trek (1966)
-2007 Nominated for a TV Land Award for TV Moment That Became Headline News for Star Trek (1966) (first interracial kiss on TV)
-2008 Tru Loved
-2007 Heroes
-2007 Star Trek: Of Gods and Men
-2007 Escape from Heaven
-2006 Lady Magdalene's
-2005 Are We There Yet?
-2002 Snow Dogs
-Futurama (TV) "Where No Fan Has Gone Before"
-2000 Futurama (TV) "Anthology of Interest I"
-1994 Star Trek: Judgment Rites (VG)
-Batman: The Animated Series (TV)
-1992 Star Trek: 25th Anniversary Enhanced (VG)
-1991 Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country
-1989 Star Trek V: The Final Frontier
-1986 The Supernaturals
-Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home
-1984 Star Trek III: The Search for Spock
-1982 Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
-1979 Star Trek: The Motion Picture
-1974 Truck Turner
-1973 Star Trek: The Animated Series (TV)
-1966 Star Trek (TV)
-1966 Mister Buddwing
-1964 The Lieutenant (TV)
-1959 Porgy and Bess
-Abraham Lincoln: What a charming Negress. Oh, forgive me, my dear. I know in my time some used that term as a description of property.
-Uhura: But why should I object to that term, sir? In our century, we've learned not to fear words.
[Sulu is acting psychotically]
-Sulu: I'll protect you, fair maiden.
-Uhura: Sorry, neither.
-Uhura: All decks, alert system B-2. Repeat: go to Alert condition Baker 2. Seal off all main sections. Stand by.