By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices
Nichelle Nichols is brining her old black magic to 'Heroes.'
The 75-year-old actress, who made TV history on the seminal sci-fi series 'Star Trek,' is currently starring on the hit NBC drama as Nana, a New Orleans sage who experienced great loss during the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.
Now in financial hardship, Nana moved back to her once-flooded home, where she cares for her granddaughter Monica Dawson – an avenging angel aiming to bring justice to the corrupt Crescent City. "Nana is tough and undaunted and - like the blues - she just keeps rising to the occasion," the Illinois born actress told TV Guide.
Series regular Micah is also a part of Nana's family dynamic – she's his great aunt.
Widely known for her role on as Uhura from 'Star Trek' during the 1960s, Nichols broke the stereotype barrier among African American actresses by playing a non-stereotypical role.
Fast forward 40 years later, she's ready for a new close-up.
"It's a quite marvelous, magical story, with wonderful things emerging," she added.
Comments: (69)
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By: K on 3/17/2009 11:50AM
She looked good on "Snow Dogs"too
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By: Lovely on 10/26/2007 8:59AM
She looks great!
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By: Derose on 10/26/2007 10:02AM
Nichelle Nichols, a unique name for an extraordinary woman. I have watched all of the old and new spin-off series of Star Trek. But I will always admire the character and beauty of Lieutenant Nyota Uhura. During her time on Star Trek, Nichelle Nichols, set the standard for black woman to follow. The kiss between (William Shatner) Capt. Kirk, a white man and Lieutenant Uhura, a black woman, will always stand out in my mind. Even if it was a forced situation. Like the forced desegregation during that time. (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) During the first year of the series, Nichols was tempted to leave the show, as she felt her role lacked significance, but a conversation with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. changed her mind. Dr. King personally encouraged her to stay on the show, telling her that he was a big fan of the series and told her she "could not give up"... for she was playing a vital role model for young black children and women across the country. It is also often reported that Dr. King additionally added that "Once that door is opened by someone, no one else can close it again." Accounts of this conversation vary: In Beyond Uhura, Nichols says they spoke at a civil-rights rally. Thank God, she had the wisdom to listen to Dr. Martin Luther King, and stayed on the Star Trek series.
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By: Themthereeyez on 10/26/2007 11:08AM
Damn I wanna know her diet plan if she's 75 - she looks amazing! Go 'head on girl, I'm not even mad.
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By: lexisb on 10/26/2007 11:51AM
She is amazing!!!! Black don't crack, but she didn't even get a line.
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By: Jaynee on 10/26/2007 2:27PM
Wow! She's still beautiful.
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By: John H. Montgomery Jr. on 10/26/2007 5:51PM
I'D MARRY HER.
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By: J. Neil Schulman on 10/26/2007 5:52PM
I'd be remiss not to mention thst Nichelle Nichols stars in the title role of Lady Magdalene's, an indie suspense romantic comedy we filmed in summer of 2006. The fabulous Miss Nichols plays -- coincidentally enough -- a New-Orleans brothel madam who moves her operation to Pahrump, Nevada after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita -- only to find herself in the middle of an al Qaeda plot. Check our her music video of "Rahab the Harlot" and the movie's trailer on the official website.
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By: John H. Montgomery Jr. on 10/26/2007 5:57PM
LENA HORNE ,STEP ASIDE.
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By: JC on 10/26/2007 6:47PM
She's A Very Attractive Woman. "I've Never Seen Such Beauty At 75 Years Of Age"! "May GOD Continue To Bless Her".
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