Sad to hear about Nichelle Nichols suffering a stroke. Hailing frequencies way open right now for a healthy recovery. pic.twitter.com/AiJS8JJuI6
— Enterprise Extra (@EnterpriseExtra) June 4, 2015
Nichelle Nichols, 82, best known for her role in the “Star Trek” television series and movie franchise, suffered a minor stroke Thursday, her agent confirmed.
“Last night while at her home in LA, Nichelle Nichols suffered from a mild stroke,” her agent, Zach McGinnis wrote in a statement on her Facebook page. “She is currently undergoing testing to determine how severe the stroke was. Please keep her in your thoughts.”
Nichols played Lt. Nyota Uhura in the original TV series and film, which helped to break down color barriers when the series began in 1966, notes CNN.
Nichols was a TV rarity when “Star Trek” began in 1966: a black woman in a notable role on a prime-time series. There had been African-American women on TV before, but they often played maids or domestics; Nichols’ Uhura was an integral part of the multicultural “Star Trek” crew.
The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. called it “the first nonstereotypical role portrayed by a black woman in television history.”
Actor George Takei, Nichols’ “Star Trek” compatriot, sent along his best wishes via Twitter on Thursday. “We don’t have any diagnosis on her condition but our thoughts are with her,” he said.
Good friend #NichelleNichols was hospitalized late Wed night. We are sending her all our good thoughts and well wishes.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) June 5, 2015
Takei was not the only one to tweet well wishes to the star.
@karanashley I shall pray for her. — Vaatiwithblue (@Vaatiwithblue) June 4, 2015
Some “Star Trek” fans are still mourning the loss of Leonard Nimoy, who passed away earlier this year.
Dear G-d, we lost Leonard Nimoy this year. Please don’t make us have to endure the loss of Nichelle Nichols too. We aren’t ready.
— Amadi (@amaditalks) June 4, 2015
Get well, Ms. Nichols!
SOURCE: CNN | PHOTO CREDIT: Twitter| VIDEO CREDIT: NDN
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