Actress Nichelle Nichols, who portrayed Lt. Uhura on the iconic Star Trek science fiction TV series from 1966 to 1969 and in six subsequent feature films, has suffered a stroke. on the night of June 4th Nichelle Nichols suffered a minor stroke. An MRI showed that Nichols’ stroke was minor, the actress’ representatives said via her Facebook page Friday. “She will start therapy this morning to evaluate how much damage was done, and try to determine her chances for a full or partial recovery,” the Facebook update reads. “The therapists will test her hand at writing and legs to see if she can stand and walk on her own. Last night Nichelle remained alert, and cheerful.”
Her agent Zach McGinnis wrote on Facebook.
“She is currently undergoing testing to determine how severe the stroke was. Please keep her in your thoughts.”
The 82-year-old was handpicked by Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry to appear in the original 1960s TV series.
Her casting as fourth in command of the USS Enterprise broke many racial barriers, with Nichols becoming the first black woman to share a kiss with a white man (William Shatner) on US television in 1966.
Up until that point, African-American actresses had typically been cast in servile roles, playing housekeepers or maids. Fans of her Star Trek role reportedly included Dr Martin Luther King.
In an updated post on Facebook, McGinnis reported that Nichols was “awake, eating, in good spirits and able to have full conversations.”
“Her right side has shown minor signs of mobility loss but she is not showing any signs of paralyses.
“We greatly appreciate all of the love and support her fans are showing at this time.”
This comes barely three months after beloved actor/director Leonard Nimoy’s passing. We at Comic Booked wish Nichols a speedy recovery and best well wishes.
