The death of pioneering Star Trek cast member Nichelle Nichols on Saturday has inspired lots of tributes, but the sweetest one may have been from her costar George Takei.

On Monday, Takei took to Facebook to honor Nichols, who was not only his colleague from the bridge of the Enterprise, but his lifelong friend:

Much has been said about what a trailblazer and role model Nichelle was for so many young Black women, who saw in her hope and promise for their own future. I wanted to take a moment to share some stories about Nichelle that arent as well known, and which highlight her lively spirit, her incredible kindness, and her warm generosity.

Takei said he and Nichols actually met before Star Trek, when she came backstage after a performance of a civil rights musical he was doing.

I will never forget that first meeting, Takei wrote. She was stunningly beautiful. But beyond her beauty, she stood out. It was a time when many African American women conked their hair, which meant straightening it, as was the current fashion. Instead, Nichelle wore an enormous natural Afro sphere on her head. It was natural, it was proud, and it was glorious. I knew right then that she was a singular individual.