Three Greats Have Died - Nichelle Nichols, Bill Russell and Pat Carroll

Over the weekend, we lost three beloved celebrity icons

First up, the iconic Nichelle Nichols died of heart failure on Saturday at the age of 89. She famously played Nyota Uhura on "Star Trek: The Original Series" and in many of the "Star Trek" movies. She was one of the first Black women to be featured in a major TV show, and from 1977 until 2015, she volunteered her time to promote NASA's programs, and to help recruit diverse astronauts, including women and minorities. In fact, NASA credits her with recruiting Sally Ride into the program. She was an amazing woman, actress and activist and she paved the way for many who came after her. She will be missed.

Secondly, NBA legend Bill Russell passed yesterday at the age of 88. A cause of death wasn't released . . . but he was not well enough to present the NBA Finals MVP trophy back in June because of a long illness. Bill was the cornerstone of the Boston Celtics dynasty in the 1960s that won eight straight titles and 11 overall during his career. He was a player-coach his last few years with the Celtics, and also later coached the Seattle Supersonics and the Sacramento Kings. In 2011, President Obama awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his accomplishments on the court and in the civil rights movement. 

And finally, actress and comedian Pat Carroll passed away of pneumonia on Saturday at the age of 95. She performed comedy and played in comedic roles starting in the early 60's. She was in Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella from 1965 that starred Lesley Ann Warren. She's best known for providing the voice of Ursula the Sea Witch in Disney's original, animated "The Little Mermaid". 

May they all Rest In Peace