- Duke Mondy is a songwriter and musician famous as the second husband of Nichelle Nichols
- Duke and Nichelle spent four years as a couple until their divorce in 1972
- The singer’s ex-wife, unfortunately, died in her home at the age of 89 in July 2022
Duke Mondy is a songwriter and musician who gained more attention following his marriage to the Star Trek actress Nichelle Nichols from 1967 to 1972. Its been over 5 decades since they parted ways but they have been placed side by side again following the demise of the actress, Nichelle.
While Duke Mondy is trapped in the shadows of his ex-wife, we have garnered some facts about his life and career you would soon learn. On the other hand, his ex-wife isn’t someone who needs much of an introduction. She is known best for her role as Lieutenant Nyota Uhura in the original ‘Star Trek series – which made her the first black woman in history to have gained the lead role in the 60s.
Brief Biography of Duke Mondy
Duke Mondy’s date of birth isn’t known at the moment since he’s not in the spotlight but according to guesstimation, he may be in his early 90s. If this were to be the case, it means he was born between the late 20s and early 30s. Details about his early life, family background, and education are also not known.
On the other hand, his wife was born on December 28, 1932, in Robbins, Illinois to her parents Nichols Samuel Earl (father) and Nichols Lisha Parks (mother). It was also there that she grew up with her 9 siblings.
Nichelle’s second husband, Duke Mondy, is not to be confused with the American professional basketball player Murray Deshawn Mondy, who is famously called Duke Mondy.
Duke Mondy is the Songwriter of Nichelle’s song Dark Side of the Moon
Nichelle Nichols’ second husband Duke Mondy was active in his own rights as a songwriter and musician. He has been given credits for writing two songs on his ex-wife’s 1974 album “Dark Side Of The Moon”. The songs include It’s Been on My Mind and Dark Side of the Moon.
Although records have it that he wrote other songs before meeting Nichelle, his discography has not been captured by the media. The singer also made several appearances with his ex-wife including the celebrity game series It Takes Two (1969).
Duke’s Marriage to Nichelle Lasted For Four Years
You wouldn’t search so much to find that Duke and Nichelle were previously married. Though we are yet to get details regarding how they met and fell in love, reports confirm that they got married in 1967 two years after she earned her breakthrough role in Star Trek. Unfortunately, they parted ways in 1972.
The reason for the end of their marriage was never confirmed but while they were together, they recorded beautiful memories and were featured on the cover of Jet magazine. Their marriage was also considered relatively long compared to Nichelle’s first marriage to Foster Johnson which only lasted for a year.
Duke and Nichelle’s marriage never welcomed any child but while they were married, he was the stepfather to Nichelle’s son from her first marriage Kyle Foster Johnson.
Read Also: Hyapatia Lee Was Married Twice- Husbands, Kids, Where Is She?
His Ex-wife Died at the age of 89
Although Duke and Nichelle have been apart for over many decades, her death on July 30, 2022, has placed him in the spotlight as one of her ex-husbands.
The mother of one sadly passed on at the age of 89 where she lived in Silver City, New Mexico. The cause of her death has been linked to natural causes/old age. This is not hard to believe since the grey-haired actress was approaching her 90th year on earth. Her son also confirmed that she was healthy and had no traces of illness.
Nichelle Nichols was survived by her son Kyle Foster Johnson, 73, who was an actor until the late 90s.
What is Duke Mondy Up To?
As stated earlier, Duke Mondy had his place in the entertainment industry as a songwriter and musician however, he mostly lived in the shadows of his ex-wife. Most of the songs he wrote also gained interest because of her.
Though we cannot clearly state the present location of Nichelle’s ex-husband as well as his career, what we know is that he faded off the screen after his divorce. Also, his last appearance was in the late 60s game show series It Takes Two alongside his now late wife.
While Duke Mondy’s name will continue to make the news as the second ex-husband of the late Nichelle Nichols, she will continue to live in the hearts of many as a brave actress and mother.
