Star Trek actress Nichelle Nichols dead at 89

Groundbreaking TV actress Nichelle Nichols, who famously portrayed Lt. Nyota Uhura on the original “Star Trek” series, has died at 89.

Her family announced Sunday on Nichols’ Facebook page that she died from natural causes.

“Last night, my mother, Nichelle Nichols, succumbed to natural causes and passed away. Her light however, like the ancient galaxies now being seen for the first time, will remain for us and future generations to enjoy, learn from, and draw inspiration,” her son Kyle Johnson wrote.

“Hers was a life well lived and as such a model for us all.

“I, and the rest of our family, would appreciate your patience and forbearance as we grieve her loss until we can recover sufficiently to speak further. Her services will be for family members and the closest of her friends and we request that her and our privacy be respected.”