Nichelle Nichols, "Star Trek" actress, passed away at 89

Nichols’ son Kyle shared the news on her official Facebook page

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Nichols was well-known for her performance as Lieutenant Nyota Uhura on the first three seasons of the 1966–1969 television programme.

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In addition, she appeared in all six "Star Trek" movies from 1979 through 1991.

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Kyle added in the post: "Hers was a life well lived and as such a model for us all.”

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Nichols experienced a mild stroke in 2015 in addition to other health problems.

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She was also reportedly suffering from dementia and involved in a guardianship battle.

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She earned accolades for breaking stereotypes for black actresses, with the Rev.

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When she voiced misgivings about continuing to work on the TV series, Martin Luther King Jr. personally urged her to stick with the project.

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