Lynda Carter, George Takei, Kate Mulgrew and Other Stars Honor Nichelle Nichols After Her Death

Actress Nichelle Nichols photographed outdoors in Calabasa
Actress Nichelle Nichols photographed outdoors in Calabasa
  • Oops!
    Something went wrong.
    Please try again later.
  • Oops!
    Something went wrong.
    Please try again later.

Frank Trapper/Corbis via Getty

Hollywood is grieving the loss of industry trailblazer Nichelle Nichols after her death at age 89.

On Sunday, Nichols' son Kyle Johnson posted a statement via Facebook announcing the news of his mother's death.

"Last night, my mother, Nichelle Nichols, succumbed to natural causes and passed away," he wrote in part. "Her light however, like the ancient galaxies now being seen for the first time, will remain for us and future generations to enjoy, learn from, and draw inspiration."

Actress and Original Star Trek cast member Nichelle Nichols films her final performance for "Renegades: Ominara" at Northrop Grumman on March 5, 2021 in Manhattan Beach, California.
Actress and Original Star Trek cast member Nichelle Nichols films her final performance for "Renegades: Ominara" at Northrop Grumman on March 5, 2021 in Manhattan Beach, California.

Albert L. Ortega/Getty

RELATED: Nichelle Nichols Appears for Final Comic-Con Events in L.A. amid Conservatorship Battle

"Hers was a life well lived and as such a model for us all," he added.

After news of her death was made public, social media was flooded with statements from various public figures who paid tribute to the star, who was most notably known for her role in the 1960s sci-fi series Star Trek.

"Many actors become stars, but few stars can move a nation," Lynda Carter wrote via Twitter.  "Nichelle Nichols showed us the extraordinary power of Black women and paved the way for a better future for all women in media. Thank you, Nichelle. We will miss you."

For more on Nichelle Nichols, listen below to our daily podcast PEOPLE Every Day.

Nichols' former costar George Takei also honored her, tweeting, "I shall have more to say about the trailblazing, incomparable Nichelle Nichols, who shared the bridge with us as Lt. Uhura of the USS Enterprise, and who passed today at age 89."

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

"For today, my heart is heavy, my eyes shining like the stars you now rest among, my dearest friend," he added.

Kate Mulgrew said, "Nichelle Nichols was The First."

"She was a trailblazer who navigated a very challenging trail with grit, grace, and a gorgeous fire we are not likely to see again," Mulgrew continued. "May she Rest In Peace."

William Shatner, who played James T. Kirk in the Star Trek franchise, said he was "so sorry to hear about the passing of Nichelle."

"She was a beautiful woman & played an admirable character that did so much for redefining social issues both here in the US & throughout the world," Shatner, 91, added. "I will certainly miss her. Sending my love and condolences to her family."

American politician and lawyer Stacey Abrams also paid her tribute to Nichols by posting a picture of herself with the late star.

"One of my most treasured photos - Godspeed to Nichelle Nichols, champion, warrior and tremendous actor," she captioned the image. "Her kindness and bravery lit the path for many. May she forever dwell among the stars. #RIPNichelle #Uhura."

RELATED: Nichelle Nichols' Life in Photos

Ashley Nicole Black noted via Twitter that "Nichelle Nichols left behind such a beautiful legacy of what it really means to use the platform you have to make the world a better place."

"I think of her example often and I hope others will too. Rest well, Lt.," she said of the late actress.

Director Adam Nimoy, whose dad Leonard Nimoy was Nichols' Star Trek costar, posted his favorite picture of Leonard and Nichols together via Twitter.

"The importance of Nichelle's legacy cannot be over-emphasized. She was much loved and will be missed," he wrote.

Want to get the biggest stories from PEOPLE every weekday? Subscribe to our new podcast, PEOPLE Every Day, to get the essential celebrity, entertainment and human interest news stories Monday through Friday.

Chuck D also paid his respect to the late icon by tweeting a drawing of Nichols with a caption that referred to her character on Star Trek.

"Before Scotty beamed up , Before Spock threw Vulcan signs, Before Kirk told Sulu take it to Warp Factor 9 …," he shared. "Sis Uhura.. Nichelle Nichols was gonna have that hair tight , skirt right and earrings dangling BEFORE she was dealing with outer space…"

Another costar of Nichols from the sci-fi series, Jeri Ryan, joined other cast members on Sunday to honor her, tweeting, "RIP to a true legend. Her legacy will live forever. #NichelleNichols."