Nichelle Nichols

Guide Note

Nichelle Nichols is an American singer, actress, and voice actress best known for playing Lieutenant Uhura in the Star Trek franchise.

Fast Facts

1. Born: December 28, 1932
2. Birth Name: Grace Nichols
3. Birth Place: Robbins, Illinois
4. Had the first televised interracial kiss, with William Shatner
5. 1992: Received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Early on in Nicholes' career she performed as a singer in New York clubs such as the "Blue Angel" and the Playboy clubs. In between singing jobs she also worked as a model, posing for catalogs and was featured on the cover of Ebony magazine. Her first big break came in 1966 when she was offered the part of Lieutenant Uhura in the Star Trek TV series. When the series ended in 1966 Nichols' continued to work on various projects and revised her role in seven of the Star Trek big screen movies. Other films credited to her are Snow Dogs, Are We There Yet? and Heroes.

"I'm a fan of the fans. I love them. They're fabulous. I love being around them. I love their madness and their caring. I love watching them take off for a weekend, don the costumes, and become characters from the 23rd century and beyond. I thank the fans for giving us -- me -- so much support and love. I want them to know I love them. They'll always be my friends. I'll see the fans, always. They can rest assured of that. (on fans of "Star Trek")."

"All the people in Star Trek will always be known as those characters. And what characters to have attached to your name in life! The show is such a phenomenon all over the world."

"I was very blessed in always knowing what I wanted to do, and by the grace of God I've been able to succeed in my chosen career."