Star Trek actor Nichelle Nichols died, on Saturday. She was 89 years old. The actor is best known for playing Nyota Uhuru in the original movies of the science-fiction franchise, and actor Zoe Saldana brings the role to life in the 2009 Star Treks and its two sequels. 

The Avatar actor posted on Instagram, saying “We have lost a true star- a unique artist who was ahead of her time always”. The 44-year-old added, “She’s an icon, an activist and most importantly an amazing woman- who blazed a trail that has shown so many how to see women of color in a different light. Her strive for equality was unwavering. Meeting Nichelle was truly a very special moment in my life. Her energy was infectious every time I was in her presence. She convinced me in believing that anything was achievable, if you put your heart into it.” 

Saldana was aware of having big shoes to fill, when she took over Nichols’ part but the Guardians of the Galaxy movie actor recalled how Nichols made her “feel safe” and told Saldana “to play her with all the confidence in the world”. 

The actor continued in her tribute, “My hope is that we continue to keep her memory alive by celebrating her amazing body of work, and by spreading the message of peace and equality amongst all people. She lived a long, impactful life and not only prospered, but helped so many others prosper too”. 

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In the franchise, Uhuru appears as a communications officer and translator specializing in cryptography, linguistics, and philology. The character’s an important part of the Star Trek crew as they embark on adventures and marked a change in American television. Uhuru became one of the first black characters with a non-menial role. 

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Saldana ended her tribute with a takeaway from a Maya Angelou quote, saying “It’ll be hard to forget what she said and hard to forget what she did, and it will certainly be impossible to forget how she made us feel.”