Nichelle Nichols, a trailblazing American actress, singer, producer, and author, had a net worth of approximately $500,000 at the time of her passing on July 30, 2022. Best known for her iconic role as Lieutenant Uhura on the original “Star Trek” series (1966-1969), Nichols left a lasting impact not only on the world of entertainment but also on space exploration, civil rights, and pop culture.
| Nichelle Nichols Net Worth | $500,000 |
| Date of Birth | December 28, 1932 |
| Place of Birth | Robbins, Illinois |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actress, Singer, Producer, Author |
Early Life
Born Grace Dell Nichols on December 28, 1932, in Robbins, Illinois, Nichelle was the daughter of Salish and Samuel Nichols. Her father, a factory worker who also served as mayor of Robbins, had a significant influence on her life. Growing up with a love for the arts, Nichelle began her career in show business as a teenager, working as a dancer for Duke Ellington’s band at just 16. Her talent was undeniable, and Ellington soon promoted her to lead singer, setting the stage for a remarkable career.
Star Trek and Beyond
Nichelle Nichols’ career took a defining turn in 1966 when she was cast as Lieutenant Uhura in the groundbreaking television series “Star Trek.” Her portrayal of Uhura was historic, as it marked one of the first times an African-American woman was depicted in a position of authority on American television. Despite considering leaving the show to pursue a career on Broadway, Nichols was convinced to stay by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who emphasized the importance of her role in representing African-Americans in media.
The role of Uhura not only brought Nichols fame but also helped her break barriers. In a 1968 episode of “Star Trek,” Nichols made history by sharing the first interracial kiss on U.S. television with co-star William Shatner. She reprised her role as Uhura in six “Star Trek” films, becoming a beloved figure at fan conventions, where she earned significant income, sometimes as much as $50,000 per appearance.
Beyond “Star Trek,” Nichelle Nichols enjoyed a diverse career in film, television, music, and literature. She appeared in over 60 acting credits, including popular films like “Snow Dogs” (2002) and “Are We There Yet?” (2005). Nichols also produced films such as “Lady Magdalene’s” (2008) and “Unbelievable!!!!!” (2020) and authored several books, including her memoir “Beyond Uhura: Star Trek and Other Memories” (1994) and two science-fiction novels.
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Nichols lent her voice to numerous animated projects, including “Gargoyles” and “Futurama,” and released two music albums, showcasing her versatility as an artist.
Personal Life
Nichelle Nichols was married twice, first to dancer Foster Johnson in 1951, with whom she had a son, Kyle. Her second marriage was to Duke Mondy in 1968, which ended in divorce in 1972. Nichols was also in a romantic relationship with “Star Trek” creator Gene Roddenberry before the series began.
In her later years, Nichols faced health challenges, including a mild stroke in 2015 and a diagnosis of dementia in 2018. Despite these difficulties, she continued to inspire fans and advocate for diversity.
Work with NASA
Nichols’ influence extended beyond entertainment. After “Star Trek,” she worked with NASA to recruit women and minorities to the astronaut program. Her efforts led to the recruitment of notable figures such as Dr. Sally Ride and Colonel Guion Bluford. Nichols also served on the board of governors for the National Space Society and participated in various NASA missions.
In recognition of her contributions, NASA named an asteroid after her, 68410 “Nichols,” in 2001. Her legacy as a global ambassador for space exploration and diversity is as significant as her role on “Star Trek.”
Nichelle Nichols Awards
Throughout her career, Nichelle Nichols received numerous accolades, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1992 and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films in 2016. Her role in “Star Trek” and her contributions to the entertainment industry and space exploration have cemented her status as a cultural icon.
Real Estate
In 1983, Nichelle Nichols purchased a home in Woodland Hills, California, for $110,000. In August 2021, her son sold the property for nearly $2.2 million.
Nichelle Nichols Net Worth
Nichelle Nichols net worth was $500,000 when she died.