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Nichelle Nichols, Uhura of ‘Star Trek,’ Suffers Mild Stroke, Is ‘Resting Comfortably’

Nichelle Nichols, who starred in the original Star Trek series as Lieutenant Uhura, has reportedly suffered a mild stroke. According to Nichelle Nichols’ rep Michael Conley, the 82-year-old actr...
Nichelle Nichols, Uhura of ‘Star Trek,’ Suffers Mild Stroke, Is ‘Resting Comfortably’
Written by Pam Wright
  • Nichelle Nichols, who starred in the original Star Trek series as Lieutenant Uhura, has reportedly suffered a mild stroke.

    According to Nichelle Nichols’ rep Michael Conley, the 82-year-old actress has been hospitalized and is stable.

    “Nichelle Nichols is resting comfortably and undergoing tests. We do not have a prognosis yet but everyone’s prayers and well wishes are appreciated,” he told ABC News.

    A statement was also posted to Nichelle Nichols’ Facebook page on Thursday.

    “Last night while at her home in LA, Nichelle Nichols suffered from a mild stroke. She is currently undergoing testing to determine how severe the stroke was. Please keep her in your thoughts,” it read, signed by Zach McGinnis from Galactic Productions.

    Nichelle Nichols, who has worked well into her 80s, was most recently featured in the show Heroes and feature films including The White Orchid opposite Jennifer Beals and Omaha Street with Dennis Haysbert. . She is also much admired for her groundbreaking work on the Star Trek television series, as well a feature films, including The Wrath of Khan and The Search for Spock.

    According to ABC, “her role in Star Trek was groundbreaking in the late 1960’s as one of the first black women featured in a role of authority. She also kissed show star William Shatner during one episode, which is thought to be one of the first interracial kiss on TV.”

    Some of her former co-stars have posted words words of encouragement on social media, including George Takei.

    “We understand #NichelleNichols has been rushed to the hospital. We don’t have any diagnosis on her condition but our thoughts are with her,” he tweeted.

    We understand Nichelle Nichols has been rushed to the hospital. We don't have any diagnosis on her condition but our thoughts are with her.

    Posted by George Takei on Thursday, June 4, 2015

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