'Star Trek's' Nichelle Nichols Was Not Allowed To Play Secretary 'Peggy Fair' on TV's 'Mannix'

Photo byblackfilm.com

Beloved actress Nichelle Nichols, who died at 89 in 2022, found fame with her pioneering role as Communications Officer Lt. Nyota Uhura on TV's original Star Trek series (NBC, 1966-1969). She went on to play a groundbreaking role in several feature films and, as an African-American actress, became a beacon of dignity and diversity in Hollywood.

However, Nichols almost quit The Original Series (as it's now known) for several reasons.

The First Reason

During production of Star Trek, Nichelle Nichols learned Paramount Studios was withholding her fan mail in a move of racial discrimination.

The actress discussed the issue with Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry, submitted her resignation, and then changed her mind.

While participating in an NAACP fundraiser, she was approached by a distinguished Star Trek fan: civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King.

King told her that Star Trek was the only TV show he and his family approved of, and that was due to Nichols; how her performance as Lt. Uhura was a positive role model for African Americans.

Subsequently, Nichols withdrew her resignation.

The Second Reason

Nichelle Nichols almost quit Star Trek for another reason. She had been offered the part of Peggy Fair, secretary to trailblazing Armenian actor Mike Connors on the popular TV detective series, Mannix (CBS, 1968-1977).

However, Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry would not allow it, while NBC wasn't all that crazy about the idea either. Even though Mannix, like Star Trek, was produced on the same Paramount lot, the show was broadcast on a rival network (CBS).

Unfortunately, none of that prevented Nichols from regretting not playing Peggy Fair, and at least initial mixed feelings about remaining on Star Trek.

Gail Fisher Was Then Cast as Peggy Fair

After Nichelle Nichols ultimately opted not to play Peggy Fair on Mannix, actress Gail Fisher was cast in the role, for which she won two Golden Globe Awards and an Emmy Award.

As such, Fisher became the first African-American woman to win those prestigious awards, while she also won an NAACP Image Award in 1969.

In the End, Diversity Conquers All

Nichelle Nichols may have not had the chance to play two different African-American roles on major television shows, but her portrayal of Star Trek's Lt. Nyota Uhura (who would share TV's first interracial kiss with William Shatner's Captain Kirk) will forever have a positive impact with people of every culture.