William Shatner pays heartfelt tribute to late Star Trek co-star Nichelle Nichols, who he shared one of TV’s first interracial kisses with-Cydney Yeates-Entertainment – Metro

William Shatner expressed his condolences following Nichelle Nichols’s death (Picture: Film Magic/Getty)

William Shatner has paid tribute to his Star Trek co-star Nichelle Nichols following her death aged 89.

The pair made history in the sci-fi drama when their characters, Captain Kirk and Lt Uhura shared one of the first interracial kisses on television in the season three episode Plato’s Stepchildren, which aired in 1968.

Nichols’ son Kyle Johnson confirmed the news of her death on her official Facebook page on Sunday, announcing that she had died the day previous in Silver City, New Mexico.

Sharing his heartache over the news, William penned on social media: ‘I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Nichelle. She was a beautiful woman & played an admirable character that did so much for redefining social issues both here in the US & throughout the world.’

He continued: ‘I will certainly miss her. Sending my love and condolences to her family. Bill.’

William joins a slew of celebrities who have paid their respects to Nichols, including fellow Star Trek actor George Takei.

William starred alongside Nichols in the original Star Trek television series (Picture: Film Magic)

The pair shared one of the first-ever interracial kisses in television (Picture: Getty)

Takei, who played Lieutenant Hikaru Sulu of the fictional star ship USS Enterprise, said his ‘heart is heavy’ following her death.

Alongside a picture of them together, he wrote: ‘I shall have more to say about the trailblazing, incomparable Nichelle Nichols, who shared the bridge with us as Lt. Uhura of the USS Enterprise, and who passed today at age 89.

‘For today, my heart is heavy, my eyes shining like the stars you now rest among, my dearest friend.’

William said he’ll ‘certainly miss’ Nichols (Picture: Film Magic)

Captain Kathryn Janeway star Kate Mulgrew said: ‘Nichelle Nichols was The First.

‘She was a trailblazer who navigated a very challenging trail with grit, grace, and a gorgeous fire we are not likely to see again. May she Rest In Peace.’

Meanwhile, the Star Trek official Twitter account said: ‘We’re deeply saddened to report the passing of Nichelle Nichols – a trailblazer, an inspiration, and so much more. She will be deeply missed.’

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Nichols portrayed Uhura in the original Star Trek television series, which aired from 1966-69. She also reprised the role in several Star Trek movies, including 2020’s Star Trek First Frontier.

Outside of franchise, Nichols also appeared in the sci-fi series Heroes, in which she starred as the grandmother of Monica Dawson (Dana Davis), Are We There Yet?, Snow Dogs and This Bitter Earth.

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