Nichelle Nichols is an American actress, singer and voice artist. She began her career at the age of 16 as a singer and made her acting debut in the movie `Porgy and Bess` in 1959. She shot to fame after her role in Star Trek. She was the first black woman to be cast in a major television series in a non-stereotypical role. She worked in films like Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979), Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982), Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984), Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986), Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989) and Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991). Nichols volunteered her time to promote NASA`s programs, and to recruit diverse astronauts, including women and ethnic minorities.