George Takei Posts Heartwarming Tribute To 'Star Trek' Costar Nichelle Nichols

Over the weekend, actress and singer Nichelle Nichols passed away at age 89.

According to a statement released by her son, Kyle Johnson, on her official website, the beloved actress passed away 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.”

Shortly after her death was announced, "Star Trek" costar George Takei took to Twitter to write a short note mourning her passing. However, on Monday, he returned to Twitter with a much longer message for his Twitter followers, letting them know how close of a friend Nichelle Nichols really was.

"I have been truly moved by the tributes and messages honoring the life and work of Nichelle Nichols, our very own Lieutenant and later Commander Uhura on Star Trek," he began. "Although our original series ran only three seasons, we became bonded as the fans of our show organized, convened and ultimately pressed for movies and spin-offs of the groundbreaking show. Nichelle and I spent the following decades together as not only colleagues from the bridge of the Enterprise, but as lifelong friends."

"Much has been said about what a trailblazer and role model Nichelle was for so many young Black women, who saw in her hope and promise for their own future," he continued. "I wanted to take a moment to share some stories about Nichelle that aren’t as well known, and which highlight her lively spirit, her incredible kindness, and her warm generosity."

"Our friendship began six decades ago, before Star Trek, when she came backstage after a performance of a civil rights musical I was doing called 'Fly Blackbird' in Los Angeles. I will never forget that first meeting," he explained. "She was stunningly beautiful. But beyond her beauty, she stood out. It was a time when many African American women 'conked' their hair, which meant straightening it, as was the current fashion. Instead, Nichelle wore an enormous natural 'Afro' sphere on her head. It was natural, it was proud, and it was glorious. I knew right then that she was a singular individual."

"Back in the 1970s, after our series ended on television, I became active in local politics and even ran for city council in Los Ángeles. That required a lot of fundraising dinners and political campaigning, and I knew that I could always ask Nichelle to be our featured performer," he went on to write. "She always donated her talent and made every event feel special and glamorous. Indeed, Nichelle made a point of being at every important milestone of mine that she could, including the opening of Allegiance just a few years ago on Broadway and later in Los Ángeles. As a trained stage actress, Nichelle knew how special such occasions were to us."

Later on, "When my husband Brad and I got married, we asked Walter Koenig, who played ensign Chekov on the show, to be our best man at the wedding. We asked Nichelle to be our matron of honor. In her characteristic fashion, Nichelle declared, 'I am not a matron! If Walter can be best man, why can’t I be best lady?'"

"Noting that Walter’s 'best man' title implied the awkward title of 'best woman,' she was determined to be known as the 'best lady' to the guests," Takei recalled. "I told her, 'Of course you are.' I’m sharing a picture here of Nichelle, with us, as 'best lady' on our happy day."

"When my father passed away, Nichelle came to the funeral and she saw many Japanese Americans with envelopes," he continued. "They were handing them over to a receptionist in the lobby. She was always a curious soul, so she asked me, 'George, what are they bringing to the funeral?'"

"I said it was friends and relatives making financial contributions to support the funeral costs," he explained. "Nichelle had never heard of the Japanese tradition called koden. A few days later, an envelope arrived in the mail from her. Inside was a check for $500, a very generous koden."

"So while fans will miss and honor the famous actress who opened so many paths with her presence on the screen, I will also miss the dear friend who always let you know she was there to support you, to love you, and to go through this strange and wonderful life alongside you," he concluded. "Nichelle Nichols, you were one in a million in so many, many ways."

Takei is only one of the many who had their lives touched by her kindness and her impact on television. On Monday, Whoopi Goldberg also paid tribute to Nichols on "The View." Those interested can read her touching tribute here.