George Takei
Biography of George Takei
Full Name and Common Aliases
George Hosato Takei, commonly known as George Takei, is a celebrated actor, author, and activist. He is often affectionately referred to by fans simply as "George."
Birth and Death Dates
George Takei was born on April 20, 1937. As of the latest information available, he is alive and continues to be an influential public figure.
Nationality and Profession(s)
George Takei is an American actor, author, and activist. He is best known for his role as Hikaru Sulu, the helmsman of the USS Enterprise in the iconic television series "Star Trek." Beyond his acting career, Takei has become a prominent voice in social justice, particularly in advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and raising awareness about the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.
Early Life and Background
George Takei was born in Los Angeles, California, to Japanese-American parents. His early life was marked by the challenges of World War II, during which his family was forcibly relocated to internment camps, first in Arkansas and later in California. This experience of injustice and resilience profoundly shaped his worldview and later activism. After the war, Takei's family returned to Los Angeles, where he pursued his education. He attended the University of California, Berkeley, and later transferred to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theater and a Master of Arts in Theater.
Major Accomplishments
George Takei's career in entertainment began in the late 1950s, with roles in various films and television shows. However, his major breakthrough came in 1966 when he was cast as Hikaru Sulu in "Star Trek." The series, though short-lived in its original run, became a cultural phenomenon and established Takei as a beloved figure in science fiction. Beyond "Star Trek," Takei has appeared in numerous films and television series, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
In addition to his acting career, Takei has authored several books, including his autobiography "To the Stars" and the graphic memoir "They Called Us Enemy," which recounts his experiences in the internment camps. His work as an author has been well-received, further cementing his status as a multifaceted talent.
Notable Works or Actions
George Takei's portrayal of Hikaru Sulu in "Star Trek" remains one of his most notable works, contributing to the series' enduring legacy. His role was groundbreaking at the time, providing representation for Asian Americans in mainstream media. Beyond acting, Takei's activism has been a significant aspect of his career. He has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, coming out publicly in 2005 and using his platform to support marriage equality and anti-discrimination efforts.
Takei has also been instrumental in educating the public about the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. His efforts include speaking engagements, interviews, and his graphic memoir, which has been praised for its educational value and emotional depth.
Impact and Legacy
George Takei's impact extends far beyond his contributions to entertainment. As an actor, he broke barriers and provided representation for marginalized communities. As an activist, he has tirelessly advocated for social justice, using his personal experiences to highlight broader societal issues. His work has inspired countless individuals to engage in activism and has brought attention to historical injustices that might otherwise be forgotten.
Takei's legacy is one of resilience, courage, and advocacy. He has shown that personal adversity can be transformed into a powerful force for change, and his efforts have left an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the fight for equality.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
George Takei is widely quoted and remembered for his wit, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to justice. His quotes often reflect his unique perspective as someone who has experienced both the highs of a successful career and the lows of discrimination and injustice. Takei's ability to articulate complex social issues with humor and clarity has resonated with audiences worldwide, making him a beloved figure in both popular culture and social activism.
His presence on social media has further amplified his voice, allowing him to reach a broad audience and engage with fans on a personal level. Through his words and actions, George Takei continues to inspire and challenge individuals to strive for a more inclusive and equitable world.
Quotes by George Takei
George Takei's insights on:
Those Tea Party people are crazy. I mean, they're lunatics. They close down the government, throw people out of their jobs - hundreds of thousands of people - and they say that they're doing it ultimately in the interest of creating jobs.
I think being optimistic is ensuring your success. If you start out saying 'I've got this problem,' or 'I'm angry at that,' you will not succeed.
I'm most comfortable with my computer. Yes, I have an iPhone, but I've reached that point now where to read e-mails on my phone, I need my reading glasses. I'm most comfortable with the big-screen computer.
One of the gifts of 'Star Trek' is my professional work colleagues have become my lifelong friends.
Radio dramas have disappeared. What we do have now is books on tape, which I find wonderful. I've done some of those. Otherwise, radio acting is now gone.
I grew up in the age of radio. That was my main boyhood form of entertainment: lying on the living room floor with my ears affixed to the radio. I loved shows like 'The Phantom,' 'Cisco Kid,' and even 'Happy Theater' when I was younger.
I don't consider it jumping ship. The 'Star Trek' philosophy is to embrace the diversity of the universe, and 'Star Wars' is part of that diversity. I also think 'Star Trek' and 'Star Wars' are related beyond both having the word 'Star.'
When I was going to gay bars in my 20s and 30s, the older guys there explained to me that the police would occasionally raid these places and march the clients out, load them onto paddy wagons, drive them down to the station, photograph them, fingerprint them and put their names on a list. They were doing nothing wrong, and it was criminalized.
Up until the time I was cast in 'Star Trek,' the roles were pretty shallow - thin, stereotyped, one-dimensional roles. I knew this character was a breakthrough role, certainly for me as an individual actor but also for the image of an Asian character: no accent, a member of the elite leadership team.