Her son Kyle Johnson confirmed the news onher official Instagram account.
“Last night, my mother, Nichelle Nichols, succumbed to natural causes and passed away.
Nichols joined Ellington’s tour as a ballet dancer, but ended up as the lead singer.
Star Trek Day paid tribute to Uhura actress Nichelle Nichols, who died at the age of 89.Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images
She toured all over North America and Europe with Ellington, as well as, Lionel Hampton’s band.
During her acting career, Nichols starred in sixStar Trekmovies from 197991.
Nichols appeared in the long-running daytime soap operaThe Young and the Restlessas recently as 2016.
Nichelle Nichols as Lt. Nyota Uhura in ‘Star Trek.'.CBS via Getty
In 1992, Nichols was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Nichols was nominated twice for the Sarah Siddons Award for Best Actress for her performances inThe BlacksandKicks and Company.
She later remarried songwriter Duke Mondy.
The pair divorced in 1972.
“Live Long and Prosper.”
