A Conversation with Star Trek's Nichelle Nichols [July 18, 2011]

Summary

In this episode of Star Talk Radio, actress Nichelle Nichols shares her experience as Lieutenant Uhuru in the original Star Trek television series. She talks about her background in musical theater and how she never imagined being on film or television. Nichols initially thought Star Trek would be a small role that would help her get closer to starring on Broadway. However, after the first season, she wanted to leave the show to pursue her theater career. Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek, convinced her to stay, reminding her of the importance of her role in representing people of color in the future.

Nichols also recounts her meeting with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who praised her role on the show and its significance for the black community. King convinced Nichols to stay on the show, telling her that her role was heavily ordained and a gift from God. Nichols then met with Roddenberry, who tore up her resignation letter and credited King for understanding the importance of the show in promoting equality.

The context highlights the impact of representation in media and how Star Trek played a role in promoting diversity and equality. Nichols also shares a touching story about meeting Whoopi Goldberg, who credits Nichols for inspiring her to pursue acting and eventually landing a role on Star Trek: The Next Generation. The interview ends with a discussion of Nichols' historic on-screen kiss with William Shatner.

In addition to Nichols' personal experiences, the episode also touches on the power of science fiction to tell social and cultural stories, and the importance of shows with meaningful lessons. The episode concludes with a closing statement from Neil deGrasse Tyson, announcing an upcoming interview and encouraging listeners to "keep looking up."