Zoe Saldaña Pays Tribute to Nichelle Nichols: ‘A True Star’

variety.com:

Wilson Chapman editorA day after the death of “Star Trek” star Nichelle Nichols, fellow Lieutenant Uhura performer Zoe Saldaña penned a tribute to the pioneering actor.From 1966 to 1969, Nichols portrayed the character of Nyota Uhura — the communications officer of the USS Enterprise — in the pioneering science fiction series “Star Trek,” later reprising the role in six films released between 1979 and 1991.

Nichols’ performance as Uhura was hugely significant as one of the first Black women on American television to be portrayed in a position of power, and the actor was famously convinced by Dr.

Martin Luther King Jr. not to leave the series after the first season. Saldaña would portray an alternate universe version of the character in the 2009 “Star Trek” reboot film, as well as two film sequels in 2013 and 2016.

In an instagram post on Monday, Saldaña wrote about Nichols death and her impact as a Black woman in the entertainment industry, saying that “We have lost a true star — a unique artist who was ahead of her time always.”“She’s an icon, an activist and most importantly an amazing woman — who blazed a trail that has shown so many how to see women of color in a different light,” Saldaña wrote in her post. “Her strive for equality was unwavering.”Saldaña also discussed first meeting Nichols after being cast as Uhura in the 2009 film, calling it a “very special moment” in her life, and saying that the actor helped her feel confidant playing the iconic character.“Her energy was infectious every time I was in her presence.