Who Is Nichelle Nichols? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Nichelle Nichols was born on December 28, 1932, and she passed away on July 30, 2022. In 2025, she would have been remembered as a pioneer who broke barriers for African American women in Hollywood. Nichols was best known for her role as Lieutenant Nyota Uhura in the original "Star Trek" series, a role that showcased her talents and positioned her as a trailblazer in the industry. Throughout her life, Nichols was an advocate for diversity and representation, inspiring countless individuals in the arts and beyond.
| Occupation | Autobiographer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 28, 1932 |
| Age | 89 Years |
| Birth Place | Robbins, Illinois, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country | Mexico |
| Date of death | 30 July, 2022 |
| Died Place | Silver City, New Mexico, U.S. |
Popularity
Nichelle Nichols's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Nichelle Nichols stood at a height of approximately 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm). Her weight was around 130 pounds (59 kg), though these figures can vary based on age and health conditions. Known for her striking beauty and elegance, Nichols had a classic hourglass figure, which made her a standout figure in the entertainment industry throughout her career.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout her life, Nichelle had several high-profile relationships. She was married twice; her first husband, musician Foster A. Smith, and later to actor and civil rights activist, Raymond E. Johnson. Despite her romantic history, Nichelle remained fiercely independent and often focused on her professional life and activism. As of 2025, while she no longer has active relationships, her legacy remains deeply woven into the fabric of entertainment history.
Disliking her name, Nichols asked her parents for a new one; they suggested Nichelle, which they said meant "victorious maiden" (from Nike and the suffix -elle). The family later moved into an apartment in the Woodlawn neighborhood of Chicago, where Nichols attended Englewood High School, graduating in 1951. From age 12, she studied dance at the Chicago Ballet Academy.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of her passing in 2022, Nichelle Nichols had an estimated net worth of approximately $10 million. Her wealth came from a combination of her work in film and television, public speaking engagements, and appearances at conventions celebrating her work in "Star Trek." While lucrative, her earnings were also supplemented by her investment in advocacy and education related to the arts, which allowed her to leave a lasting impact.
Career, Business, and Investments
Nichols had an extensive and multifaceted career, which went far beyond her initial fame as an actress. After "Star Trek," she became involved in various philanthropic efforts, particularly in supporting NASA and encouraging young people, especially women and minorities, to pursue careers in science and technology. She also took part in voice acting, stage performances, and wrote books about her life experiences and the importance of representation in media.
In addition to her artistic endeavors, Nichols was savvy in business and engaged in various investments that focused on technology and cultural initiatives. Her business acumen helped her maintain a thriving lifestyle even beyond her decades-spanning acting career.
Born in the Chicago suburb of Robbins, she trained in dance, and began her career as a dancer, singer and model in Chicago. As an actor, she appeared on stage, in television and in film.
Social Network
Nichols was active on social media during her lifetime, primarily using platforms like Twitter and Instagram to engage with fans, share her experiences, and advocate for causes dear to her heart. Even in 2025, her contributions to social media are remembered fondly by followers, showcasing her commitment to her fans and the impact of her messages of empowerment and diversity.
In her role as Lieutenant Uhura, Nichols kissed white actor William Shatner (as Captain James T. Kirk) in the November 22, 1968 Star Trek episode "Plato's Stepchildren". It has been cited as the first example of an interracial kiss on U.S. television, although several earlier instances have been identified.
The Shatner/Nichols kiss was considered groundbreaking, even though it was portrayed as having been forced by alien telekinesis. There was some praise and almost no dissent. In her autobiography Beyond Uhura, Star Trek and Other Memories, Nichols cited a letter from a white Southerner who wrote, "I am totally opposed to the mixing of the races.
However, any time a red-blooded American boy like Captain Kirk gets a beautiful dame in his arms that looks like Uhura, he ain't gonna fight it." During the Comedy Central Roast of Shatner on August 20, 2006, Nichols jokingly referred to the kiss and said, "What do you say, let's make a little more TV history ... and kiss my black ass!"
Education
Nichols attended Chicago's Kennedy-King College and later transferred to the Los Angeles campus of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) where she pursued a career in music and drama. Her education laid the foundation for a rich and fulfilling career in entertainment and advocacy, enabling her to utilize her artistic talents and passion for social change effectively.
