Nichelle NicholsNationality:
American Birthdate:
12/28/1932 Birthplace:
Robbins, Illinois Celeb News
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biography
Dynamic, sinuous African-American character actor and singer who has become almost exclusively identified with her role as the intelligent, loyal, Swahili-born Lieutenant Uhura, communications officer aboard the starship Enterprise on the TV and feature film fantasy fanfest, "Star Trek". Discovered by Duke Ellington in her mid-teens, she toured with both Ellington and Lionel Hampton as a lead singer and dancer, which led to bit parts in Hollywood musicals such as "Porgy & Bess" (1959). After Gene Roddenberry cast her in a 1964 episode of his police drama "The Lieutenant," he remembered her
Credits
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milestones
Year
Milestone
Began her singing career at age 16 with Duke Ellington in a ballet she created for one of his musical suites; later sang with his band
Toured as a singer through the United States, Canada and Europe; worked for Lionel Hampton's band
1964
Met Gene Roddenberry when she acted on a series he was producing, "The Lieutenant" (date approximate)
1965
First notable feature film role, in "Mr. Buddwing"
1967
Played featured role of Lt. Uhura on NBC science-fiction series, "Star Trek"
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