Actress Nichelle Nichols played Lt. Uhura in the original television series Star Trek. It was a supporting role that has, in decades since, catapulted her to royalty status at the recent Shore Leave event in Baltimore’s Hunt Valley. It was impressive to see how stunning she looked (at the age of 74) and very much on top of her game when fielding questions during a question-and-answer session. She contributed significantly to the progressive changes and perceptions of the civil rights movement through her portrayal of a star ship officer at a time when multiracial casts were unique to the small screen. She participated in the first interracial on air kiss with William Shatner in 1968 and was very influential in the recruitment process of astronauts in the U.S. space program which actively expanded its roster to include minorities and women. It was she who helped cultivate her character’s name, which started as the name of a book, Uhuru and softened to Uhura. Ever the professional, she stayed for hours into the evening to sign autographs for grateful fans.
Also on hand were cast members from other sci-fi shows past and present including Claudia Christian (from Babylon Five). Did you know that it was between her and Sandra Bullock for the starring role in Speed? She wondered out loud how that might have changed her life. In addition to her acting jobs, she has done singing and voiceover work. A playful, witty actress, she has been working nonstop for several years and currently resides in England.
Herb Jefferson, Jr has appeared in many television roles and was memorable as Nick Nolte’s friend in the landmark Rich Man Poor Man miniseries. Perhaps most people remember him as one of the pilots in the original Battlestar Galactica series of the 1970’s. He reminisced about the hurried, shooting schedule for that show, (which was adored for a brief time in the wake of the Star Wars fad) and how he forged a lasting, deep friendship with series star, Lorne Greene.
The usual group of dealers and vendors selling sci-fi related items was on hand, and the diverse attendees, some of whom were dressed as a favorite Star Trek character (a couple Harry Potter types were there too), all seemed to be enjoying the festive day.
