Nichelle Nichols, AKA Lt. Uhura, Hospitalized For Minor Stroke, But Showing No Signs Of Paralysis
Nichelle Nichols, whose role as Lt. Nyota Uhura on Star Trek marked a milestone for African-American actors, was hospitalized Wednesday after suffering a mild stroke.
Doctors are currently running tests to determine how serious the stroke was, and Nichelle remains hospitalized after being rushed to the hospital Wednesday night by ambulance, TMZ reported.
She fell ill at home; she is 82.
So far, the actress has undergone a CAT scan, and the results have come back negative. She also underwent an MRI, however, results on that test are still pending, according to a statement from her representative via UPI.
“Currently she is awake, eating, in good spirits and able to have full conversations. Her right side has shown minor signs of mobility loss but she is not showing any signs of paralysis. We greatly appreciate all of the love and support her fans are showing at this time.”
As of Thursday, she was still in the hospital.
Nichols’ career was a rule-breaker when it began in the 1960s. Martin Luther King even took note, praising her for earning “the first non-stereotypical role portrayed by a black woman in television history,” People reported.
Up until that point, African-American actors usually portrayed servants, NME pointed out.
Nichelle famously had TV’s very first interracial kiss with William Shatner, who played Captain Kirk on Star Trek.
She played Lt. Uhura from 1966 to 1969, then again in several spin-off films. Recently, she’s released memoirs and appeared on Futurama and Heroes.
She also has a music career, with two albums to her credit — 1967’s Down to Earth and 1991’s Out of This World.
As Nichols continues to be hospitalized and apparently is in recovery, many people took to social media to extend positive thoughts and well wishes to the iconic actress.
Sending all my best wishes to the lovely #NichelleNichols and her family. Praying for a full & fast recovery.
— Jeri Ryan (@JeriLRyan) June 5, 2015
We understand #NichelleNichols has been rushed to the hospital. We don't have any diagnosis on her condition but our thoughts are with her.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) June 4, 2015
#NichelleNichols is one of my personal heroes. To a speedy recovery, and thank you for your achievements! pic.twitter.com/E2BnESDwmy
— Carmela French (@CarmelaFrench) June 5, 2015
Our thoughts with #NichelleNichols, a very classy lady I first met almost 40 years ago, who has been a role model for millions.
— David S. Rose (@davidsrose) June 5, 2015
Sending lots of prayers and wishes for a full recovery to #NichelleNichols and her family tonight. pic.twitter.com/IrNkY8we09
— Flying Lizards (@flyinglizards) June 5, 2015
[Photo Courtesy Jason Kempin/Getty Images]
