“She was a beautiful woman and played a wonderful character who did so much to highlight social issues here in the US and around the world. I will definitely miss her, my condolences to her family and sending them so much love,” Shatner wrote on Twitter Sunday evening about the actress with whom he made history on the series. Star Trek. Shatner and Nichols shared their first interracial kiss on American television in 1968.

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Nichelle Nichols as Uhura and William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk in the Star Trek series season three 1968

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also Star TrekFellow George Takei thought about the death of Nichols, who turned 89. “I have more to say about the pioneering and unique Nichelle Nichols. But today my heart is broken and my eyes are shining like the stars you rest in between now, my dear friend.”

Adam Nimoy shared a photo of his father Leroy, who played Spock on the original Star Trek series, with Nichols. “The importance of Nichel’s legacy cannot be overemphasized. She was so loved and we will miss her.” JJ Abrams, who directed the 2009 Star Trek reboot, tweeted a photo of Nicholas in her role as First Lieutenant Uhura in Star Trek, writing: “An unforgettable woman in an unforgettable role. Nichelle, you will be sorely missed. Much love and respect” .

Activist Bernice King, daughter of Martin Luther King, Jr., shared a photo of Nichols, writing: “Acting is important. Excellence in acting is even more important. Thank you Nichelle Nichols. Rest in peace Grandpa.”

NASA previously responded to Nichols’ death. “We celebrate the life of Star Trek actress Nicholl Nichols, the pioneer and ideal that showed so many people what is possible,” the US airline said on Sunday. “She worked with us to attract some of the first women and minorities as astronauts, and she has inspired generations.”