Nichelle Nichols – Now
Before her iconic role in Star Trek, Nichelle Nichols had a multifaceted career that included singing. She even had the privilege of performing alongside the legendary Duke Ellington. Due to her musical talents, Nichelle contemplated leaving the show to pursue her career on Broadway further. However, a meaningful conversation with Martin Luther King Jr. changed the course of her career. Most graciously, he told her, “You can’t. You’re part of history.” This profound statement solidified her commitment to the show.
Nichelle Nichols’s career continued to evolve, and she embarked on a mission to inspire and recruit women and minorities to work with NASA through a Women in Motion project. Her impact extended far beyond her acting career, making her a trailblazer in entertainment and the promotion of diversity and inclusion. Nichelle’s enduring journey includes her most recent role in The Young and the Restless, demonstrating that her contributions to the entertainment world remain ongoing and influential.
