Nichelle Nichols: Net Worth, Age, Height & Everything You Need To Know About The Late Star Trek Actress

Summary Despite her iconic role in Star Trek, Nichelle Nichols' net worth was $500,000 at the time of her passing, primarily from conventions and acting.

Nichols, at 5'3", was a trailblazer on and off the screen, inspiring diversity in NASA, recruiting female and Black astronauts, and supporting STEM.

Nichols' advocacy for space exploration led to historic recruitment, including astronauts like Sally Ride, showcasing her lasting impact.

Nichelle Nichols' net worth is surprising given her status as TV royalty. Born Grace Dell Nichols on December 28, 1932, Nichols was a trailblazing actress and singer best known for her role as Lieutenant Nyota Uhura in the original Star Trek series. Nichols broke barriers as one of the first Black women to be cast in a major network TV series, helping to redefine how people of color were portrayed on screen. Her on-screen kiss with William Shatner (Captain James T. Kirk) in 1968 made television history as one of the first interracial kisses aired in the United States.

Beyond her groundbreaking work in the Star Trek: The Original Series cast, Nichols was a talented performer in theater and music, which is how her career began in Chicago. Nichols passed away on July 30, 2022, at 89, leaving behind a legacy of inspiring future generations. Her personal life included two marriages and one son, Kyle Johnson, who helped manage her estate in her later years. However, despite being television royalty and being a part of multiple historical moments, Nichelle Nichols' net worth is a surprise.

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Nichelle Nichols' Net Worth

The Star Trek Actor Made $10,000-$50,000 Per Convention Appearance

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At the time of Nichelle Nichols' death in 2022, her estimated net worth was around $500,000 (via Celebrity Net Worth). Her wealth came primarily from her acting career, spanning over six decades, particularly her iconic role as Uhura. Although Star Trek was not initially a financial success during its original run, the subsequent series syndication and the franchise’s cultural resurgence brought renewed attention and earnings to Nichols and her co-stars.

In addition to Star Trek, she appeared in other TV shows and films, such as Truck Turner, The Supernaturals, and Snow Dogs. She also had a successful voice acting career, lending her voice to animated series like Gargoyles and Futurama. Furthermore, Nichols supplemented her income through memorabilia sales and by releasing albums showcasing her musical talents, including Down to Earth and Out of This World. However, appearing at conventions likely earned Nichols most of her earnings after her Star Trek tenure. The actor earned anywhere between $10,000-$50,000 per appearance.

A documentary about Nichelle Nichols, the revealing Woman in Motion, was released in 2019 and is available to stream on Peacock, Paramount+, Vudu, and Tubi.

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Nichelle Nichols' Age & Height

The Star Trek Actor Died At 89 Years Old & Was 5 Feet 3 Inches

Nichelle Nichols was 89 years old when she passed away on July 30, 2022. She was born on December 28, 1932, under the astrological sign of Capricorn. Capricorns are often known for their determination, ambition, and leadership qualities, all of which were reflected in Nichols' trailblazing career.

Standing approximately 5 feet 3 inches (1.60 meters) tall (via Celebheights.com), Nichols maintained a graceful presence throughout her life. Her elegance and charisma made her a standout both on and off the screen, and she became a role model for countless people worldwide. She continued to inspire through her advocacy and public appearances, proving that age was no barrier to pursuing passions.

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Nichelle Nichols Was A NASA Volunteer For 37 Years

Nichols Recruited Some Of The First-Ever Female & Black Astronauts

Nichelle Nichols made history not only in entertainment but also in the field of space exploration. After her successful portrayal of Lieutenant Uhura, she leveraged her fame to advocate for diversity in NASA. From 1977 to 2015, Nichols served as a volunteer and spokesperson for the agency (via Grin), promoting various space programs and helping recruit some of the first female and Black astronauts.

Nichelle Nichols's ashes were sent into space (via The Guardian), following another Star Trek star, James Doohan.

Her journey with NASA began in the late 1970s when she became involved in a campaign encouraging women and minorities to apply for astronaut positions. Nichols' efforts were instrumental in diversifying NASA's ranks, and they led to the recruitment of notable astronauts like Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, and Guion Bluford, the first African American astronaut (via NASA).

Her work did not stop there. She actively participated in educational initiatives and outreach programs to inspire underrepresented communities to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Nichelle Nichols' passion for space exploration was evident in her dedication to these causes, and she continued to champion NASA's mission until her health began to decline.

Sources: Celebrity Net Worth, The Guardian, Celebheights.com, Grin, NASA