From humble beginnings to acting, movies, and community leadership, George Takei, born on April 20th, 1937, has worn many hats in his long career. He’s one of our last 3 surviving bridge crew members (along with Walter Koenig and William Shatner), so let’s look at his impressive career and the importance of his presence on Star Trek.
A chaotic youth
Born Hosato Takei, the actor’s father named him George, as George VI’s coronation occurred shortly after Takei’s birth. In 1942, the Takei family was thrown into chaos because of fear and mistrust of Asian people as World War II escalated. They lived in internment camps in Arkansas and California, then lived in poverty in Skid Row, in Los Angeles, after the war ended.
An acting career blooms
As a young man, Takei attended college at Berkley, the University of California at Los Angeles, and even abroad at schools in England and Tokyo. His earliest roles were voice-over parts for dubbed Japanese films, including the popular Rodan and Godzilla series. His movie career found him working with such silver screen legends as Cary Grant, Frank Sinatra, and Richard Burton. Small television roles eventually led him to what would launch his star—the role of Hikaru Sulu, helmsman of the Enterprise.
To the stars
Takei first appeared as Hikaru Sulu in S01E02, otherwise known as Star Trek’s second pilot, “Where No Man Has Gone Before.” He would appear in many season 1 episodes but take leave from the series to film The Green Berets with John Wayne. Upon his return, he and the newly cast Walter Koenig, Enterprise’s young navigator, shared a dressing room and often had to share a script as well. This led to a friendship that continues to this day!
Meanwhile, on Earth . . .
Takei’s acting career continued on a steady track, as Star Trek fans found him personable, amusing, and witty. He did a large number of guest starring roles, including The Big Bang Theory, Party Down, and Will and Grace. He’s also done voiceover work for Disney and MCU animated series, where his very distinct voice lends extra personality to the characters he voices. One fan favorite is from Mulan, where he voices the First Ancestor, a spirit with sass! He’s also written several books, including his autobiography, To the Stars.
Takei is also a philanthropist and community leader, lending his voice to both LGBTQA and Asian-American rights. He speaks fluent Japanese.
What crosses your mind when you think of George Takei? Do you enjoy his contributions to television, where he plays himself in cameo roles? Jet on over to our social media accounts and tell us what you think!