Latest news with #NichelleNichols
Forbes
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
To Boldly Go Where No Man Has Gone Before - Sixties TV Shows Sure Did!
LOS ANGELES - FEBRUARY 16: Nichelle Nichols as Lt. Uhura, Leonard Nimoy as Commander Spock (Mr. Spock) and William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk on the bridge of the USS Enterprise on the Star Trek: The Original Series episode "Space Seed." Original air date February 16, 1967. Image is a frame grab. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) CBS via Getty Images The sixties were one of the most creative decades for the arts. Mostly known for innovative rock n' roll, now called "classic rock," it also broke ground in the areas of pop culture, dress, movies and literature. In Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 of this series on sixties television, we discussed outrageous comedy series, innovative spy shows and imaginative science fiction born in that decade (links below). But it wasn't just comedy, espionage and sci-fi. The Cold War inspired many space-themed shows, as well. Following are three of the most memorable. (1) "Star Trek": Clearly this television series stood above the rest when it came to outer space. "Star Trek" in its original form ran for only three seasons on NBC, from 1966-1969, but it had a much more pronounced effect on pop culture than any of its peers. Starring William Shatner as James T. Kirk, captain of the starship Enterprise (who actually flew to space in 2021 as part of a Blue Origin stunt), and co-starring Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock, each episode took the audience on a vicarious trip across the universe. As it boldly proclaimed, "To go where no man has gone before." Never mind that the galaxies visited were several light years apart, and that Einstein had postulated that nothing can travel faster than the speed of light (186,300 miles per second), we all suspended our disbelief for an hour each week. During Enterprise's travels, the crew encountered a number of aliens, both hostile and friendly. There were several fantasy gadgets, too, including a transporter that instantly teleported humans in the form of energy great distances, and a dilithium-crystals power source that put the spacecraft into warp drive. In an interview with this reporter a few years back, Shatner said that one of his most challenging 'Star Trek' episodes was "The Enemy Within," during which he played a good Capt. Kirk and a bad one. Shatner told me it stretched him as an actor. "I had to be imaginative, work out all of the strange things associated with drama in a one-hour show." "Star Trek" went on to spawn an entire industry of merchandise - toy spaceships, comic books, action figures - plus several movies and spin-offs. There is even an annual "Star Trek" convention where 'Trekkies" gather to celebrate together. Sometimes, members of the cast attend. THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO — Episode 1261 — Pictured: Robot B-9 arrives on November 12, 1997 — (Photo by: Margaret Norton/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images) NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images (2): 'Lost In Space': As comic relief to 'Star Trek,' this series featured a kitchen approach to space travel. The Robinsons, a family of space colonists leave an over-populated Earth in search of a new world. Their spaceship, Jupiter 2, crash lands on Priplanus after being damaged, and the crew spends the first season marooned there. During the second season, the ship is repaired and manages to take off, only to crash land again, this time on another planet. The interaction of the crew during each episode, mostly lighthearted, cordial and humorous, is one key to the series success. Included is the precocious 9-year-old son, William; wife Maureen, a biochemist played by actress June Lockhart; and the father, expedition commander John Robinson. Dr. Zachary Smith, a selfish, unlikeable character not part of the family, interferes with the Robinson's plans, often endangering the expedition. There is also a campy robot that seems to be panicked most of the time, calling out, "Danger, Will Robinson!' 'Lost In Space" ran from 1965-1968 on CBS. In 2018, the series was rebooted. LOS ANGELES - OCTOBER 25: MY FAVORITE MARTIAN cast member Ray Walston (as Uncle Martin) in the episode: 'Raffles No. 2'. Image dated October 25, 1963. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images) CBS via Getty Images (3) 'My Favorite Martian': This campy space series actually takes place on Earth. A newspaper reporter, Tim O'Hara, played by Bill Bixby, discovers a Martian (actor Ray Walton) whose spaceship has crashed and is trying to repair it. The Martian calls himself Martin and ends up posing as O'Hara's uncle when O'Hara doesn't turn him in. Comedic situations arise when Martin tries to blend in with humans while hiding his extraterrestrial powers. To complicate matters, a suspicious landlady, Lorelai Brown (actress Pamela Britton) is always snooping around. Martin disappears into thin air whenever she or anyone else tries to spot him. This series had no redeeming science value, but was pure unadulterated entertainment. "My Favorite Martian" ran from 1963-1966 on CBS, and was eventually adapted as a cartoon series and made into a feature film. Honorable mentions in space-themed sixties television go out to 'The Jetsons,' a cartoon series, and 'Fireball XL-5,' an animated series. Forbes 'Do Not Attempt To Adjust The Picture. We Are Controlling Transmission' By Jim Clash Forbes The Secret Agent Men (And Women) Of '60s Television By Jim Clash Forbes Talking Horse, Genie, Witch—The Goofy Genius Of '60s TV By Jim Clash
Yahoo
26-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Star Trek' Actress: 'William Shatner Was Interesting, Let's Put It That Way'
'Star Trek' Actress: 'William Shatner Was Interesting, Let's Put It That Way' originally appeared on Parade. The original Star Trek TV series ran for just three seasons between 1966 and 1969 on NBC, though it spawned dozens of TV shows and films that followed. But the original still holds a special place in fans' hearts. The original series starred Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, Nichelle Nichols, George Takei and as the crew of the USS Enterprise, but it also welcomed many memorable guest stars over its three seasons. One such notable guest star is of Father Knows Best, The Andy Griffith Show and The Odd Couple. She appeared in the season 2 episode "Metamorphosis," in which she played Assistant Federation Commissioner Nancy Hedford on a peacekeeping mission. In the episode, Hedford has contracted Sukaro's disease, which will eventually kill her, but the team discovers a man named Zefram Cochrane (Glenn Corbett) marooned on an unknown planet with an entity made up of electrical energy that restored his youth and keeps him young. In the end, Hedford ends up merging with the entity and remaining with Cochrane on the planet where they can have a life and live out their remaining years together. In a new interview with Woman's World, Donahue, 88, reflects on her memorable Star Trek appearance, including what it was like working with Shatner, with whom she shared most of her scenes. 'I went to a Star Trek convention in Las Vegas a few years ago, and that was quite amazing, although Star Trek certainly became a phenomenon very early on. You could see that that was going to have legs for a long time. And William Shatner was interesting, let's put it that way," said goes on to say that he was "a little tough" on her because she was nervous in the dress rehearsal. "He was a little tough on me in the beginning, because, like I said, I'm not good at rehearsals, I think I scare people or used to scare people in rehearsals, 'cause it always seemed to me as though they thought that I wasn't going to be able to do it right. I guess I kind of pull that out of the fire at the last minute. "He got a little annoyed with me during the table read, and the director said, 'Just leave her alone, will you?' But it was fine. He saw that I was professional about my work and giving my best. That's all you can ask somebody, is to do their best, and it's what I've always tried to do," said also added that she and Shatner "ended up getting along fine." Donahue also reflected on her decades-long career in show business, saying that her life "sounds quite unbelievable" at times. "If I were hearing it from someone, I'd say, 'Oh come on, that can't possibly be true.' But all told, it was all just so magical. Honestly, I've had a lot of fun," said Donahue. 🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 'Star Trek' Actress: 'William Shatner Was Interesting, Let's Put It That Way' first appeared on Parade on Jul 26, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 26, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Nichelle Nichols Space Camp for Teen Girls to Open in 2026, Honoring Late 'Star Trek' Icon's Legacy (Exclusive)
A new space camp for teen girls is set to open in January, named for the late Star Trek actress Nichelle Nichols The camp, a product of the actress's namesake foundation, aims to bring science and technology education to a new generation Other stars from the Star Trek universe are on board with the project, singing its praises in an exclusive chat with PEOPLEStar Trek's Nichelle Nichols broke barriers in her time on Earth, and three years after her death, she's continuing to open doors for women and girls. In January, the Nichelle Nichols Foundation will launch the Nichelle Nichols Space Camp, a weekend-long experience for female teens 14 to 18 at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Ala. According to the website, "Students will work as a team and confront mission scenarios that require dynamic problem solving and critical thinking — 21st century learning skills required in the workplace." For Nichols' former Star Trek costar, William Koenig, it's the perfect fit. "It's a positive project to be involved in," the 88-year-old tells PEOPLE exclusively. "Creating a career which is so exciting and so full of promise is great." Star Trek: Prodigy's Bonnie Gordon, 39, will serve as a mentor at the camp, a job she calls a "no-brainer" to take. "Not only am I a huge fan of space exploration and science, I'm just a big fan of mentoring young girls and children in science," she tells PEOPLE. "I feel like there's so much here on Earth that we have yet to explore and so much that NASA and space programs have accomplished in space, advancing technologies. There's just so much we can learn where everything's connected." Plus, she adds, "Pushing these young women to be whatever they want to be, pushing the boundaries of not just space, but science and their own personal discoveries, is just a dream come true for me." Gordon crossed paths with Nichols in their shared time in the Star Trek universe at fan conventions and events. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "I'm very lucky to have met her," she shares. "You could see the joy she felt when meeting fans, especially the women she'd inspired." Koenig feels the same. "She was extremely warm-hearted," he says. "We had a lot of laughs together. She was the first person who came over to me from the series and introduced herself; I remember that and I thought it was very sweet. We got along quite well over the years." Nichols — who died in July of 2022 at 89 years old — enjoyed decades in the spotlight thanks to her screen work, her music career and her activism to help more women succeed in the field of astronomy. Her breakout role came when Gene Roddenberry cast the actress as Lt. Nyota Uhura on the original Star Trek series. When the show first aired in 1966, Nichols was one of the first Black women to play a major role on primetime television. Following the end of the science-fiction series, Nichols worked to recruit diverse astronauts to NASA, including women and people of color. Among those who were recruited as a result of the program was Sally Ride, the first female American astronaut. Not long after her death, her ashes were sent into space via a Celestial Memorial Spaceflight. "I don't think people realize how groundbreaking she was, not just in entertainment, but in science, because so many little girls who watched Star Trek growing up saw that they could have a future in science," Gordon says. "There's so much that she's left behind. She was a big believer in the philosophy of infinite diversity and infinite combinations, which is basically the Vulcan philosophy." While she's excited for the actual content of camp — simulations, moon walks and more — Gordon is thrilled "to be part of something that moves life forward," she says. "There's so much happening right now where people are trying to cut and constrain when it comes to science, where people who are different or have different values or views are being constrained," she says. "I feel like now is the time to break those boxes open and work together. We can find common ground on so many different levels if we communicate with others and not let hate or anger blind us." The Nichelle Nichols Foundation does just that, she adds. And she hopes to see the camp grow and thrive for years to come. "I know the goal is to make this program bigger and better," she adds. "This is just the beginning. And if it continues to grow, that just means it's going to give even more opportunities to young women in the future." Registration for the Nichelle Nichols Space Camp is now open. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Star Trek' icon lives on with new Nichelle Nichols Space Camp to inspire young women to aim for the stars
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. "Star Trek" royalty Nichelle Nichols passed away in 2022 but her legacy endures. Most well-known for her her memorable portrayal of Communications Officer Lt. Nyota Uhura in "Star Trek: The Original Series" and six final frontier feature films, Nichelle Nichols has now inspired a new educational endeavor fueled to blast off next year via the Nichelle Nichols Foundation. The Nichelle Nichols Space Camp launches from January 17-19, 2026 at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, with its upcoming class of students ready to take that brave step into the great beyond as preparation for a career as a future astronaut. Beginning in 1982, this world-renowned program has ignited the imaginations and dreams of children by duplicating aspects of NASA's rigorous astronaut training regimen by valuing leadership and teamwork. Prospective star voyagers heralding from all 50 states, territories, and 150 countries will gather to mirror the optimistic ideals of "Star Trek's" United Federation of Planets. These adventurous students will participate in a wide range of teambuilding lessons and activities including simulated interplanetary life on Mars, model rocketry, cubesat construction, Vulcan philosophy, 3D printing, spacesuit testing, artificial gravity experiences and a dizzying spin in a Multi-Axis Trainer. Enriched by Space Camp's engaging programs in the disciplines of space, aviation, and robotics, the experience is offered for girls aged 14 to 18 to spur the interests of budding space pioneers, aerospace engineers and planetary scientists. This special weekend nurtures the next generation of ambitious pioneers drawn towards careers in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math). "We are honored to work with the Nichelle Nichols Foundation to continue providing our world-class Space Camp program to a diverse community of young people," states Dr. Kimberly Robinson, CEO/Executive Director of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. "Together, we can inspire a spirit of discovery to change lives and change the world for the better through a passion for exploration." RELATED STORIES: — — — Board members, coordinators, and spokespersons for the foundation include Kyle Johnson, son and heir of Nichelle Nichols; Walter Koenig ("Star Trek's" Pavel Chekov); Bonnie Gordon ("Star Trek: Prodigy"); and Nichols' longtime friend, Herb Jefferson Jr. (TV's "Battlestar Galactica"). The Nichelle Nichols Space Camp is currently searching for private and corporate sponsorships with a multitude of different contribution levels to choose from. These tax deductible donations will aid in funding scholarships for twelve young women to attend this remarkably transformative program. To donate or sponsor a cadet today please visit the official campaign site.
