Nichelle Nichols

Groundbreaking for African American actresses on American television, Nichols portrayed Uhura in Star Trek and its film sequels. From 1977 to 2015, she volunteered her time to promote NASA's programs and recruit diverse astronauts, including some of the first female and ethnic minority astronauts to join the agency.

Born in the Chicago suburb of Robbins, Nichols trained in dance and began her career as a dancer, singer, and model in Chicago. She went on to appear on stage, in television, and in film.