Whoopi Goldberg Remembers 'Star Trek Legend' Nichelle Nichols On 'The View'

On Monday's episode of "The View," moderator Whoopi Goldberg paid tribute to the late actress and singer Nichelle Nichols.

According to a statement released by her son, Kyle Johnson, on her official website, the beloved actress passed away at age 89 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," Johnson wrote. "Hers was a life well lived and as such a model for us all."

On Monday's episode of "The View," "The Stand" actress took a moment to weigh in on her passing.

On Monday's episode of the ABC daytime talk show, the panel discussed the many celebrities who had passed away over the weekend, including Bill Russell, Pat Carroll, and Heather Gray. Whoopi got visibly emotional when she talked about the "Star Trek legend," who she referred to as a "trailblazer, a heroine, and an extraordinary woman."

In comments transcribed by Deadline, Whoopi went on to say that Nichols “inspired millions and millions of people,” including her, for her role as communications officer Lt. Nyota Uhura in "Star Trek: The Original Series."

“Nichelle was the first Black person I’d ever seen who made it to the future,” Whoopi recalled. “She was head of communications. This show and this woman was a beacon that said yes we’ll be there. And it just made me feel like that was an amazing thing and she helped propel other women to go into space.”

Whoopi also said that she was a friend of the late talent, adding, “I was lucky enough to spend time with her over the years. She was my friend and she’ll be missed.”

Captain Kirk himself, William Shatner, tweeted, "I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Nichelle. She was a beautiful woman & played an admirable character that did so much for redefining social issues both here in the US & throughout the world. I will certainly miss her. Sending my love and condolences to her family. Bill."

Nichols appeared in one of the first interracial kisses ever seen on television screens when her character kissed Captain Kirk. When asked about the kiss in an interview with CNN in 2014, Nichols said that scene "changed television forever, and it also changed the way people looked at one another."

George Takei tweeted, "I shall have more to say about the trailblazing, incomparable Nichelle Nichols, who shared the bridge with us as Lt. Uhura of the USS Enterprise, and who passed today at age 89. For today, my heart is heavy, my eyes shining like the stars you now rest among, my dearest friend."

Adam Nimoy, the son of the late "Star Trek" actor Leonard Nimoy, tweeted, "My favorite photo of Dad and Nichelle Nichols on set. The importance of Nichelle's legacy cannot be over-emphasized. She was much loved and will be missed."