This beloved Star Trek actor isn’t slowing down even after nearly 60 years of participating in the franchise, which all started thanks to the visionary leadership of creator Gene Roddenberry. And the Trek icon is still "stunned" by the franchise's longevity to this very day.
88-year-old George Takei is genuinely grateful for the acting career he has enjoyed, which most notably includes portraying the USS Enterprise’s Hikaru Sulu. Nearly 60 years ago, Takei began his trek — pun most definitely intended — into creator Gene Roddenberry’s science fiction universe as the beloved starship’s helmsman. And after six decades of carrying Sulu’s impressive mantle, Takei is taking a moment to reflect on the Star Trek phenomenon that made him a household name. Takei said of the franchise's legacy, while reprising the role of Sulu for the Star Trek: Khan podcast, in an interview with StarTrek.com:
"Every new landmark of Star Trek's longevity amazes me.”
Takei first appeared as Mr. Sulu in the first episode of Star Trek: The Original Series, “Where No Man Has Gone Before.” However, since some of the shows were broadcast out of production order, NBC television audiences caught their initial glimpse of Sulu in the first show to air in September of 1966, “The Man Trap.” Unfortunately, Captain Kirk (William Shatner) and his crew’s five-year mission got cut short after only three seasons. Takei reflected on the end of TOS by saying in the same sit-down:
"The next day [following the show’s cancellation], I went to the beach, and I saw us in the larger universe, this great strength of this force making the waves come in and out. I ran along the beach all by myself just to burn up energy [...] Star Trek was all over in my mind."
Four years after The Original Series met its untimely demise, Takei would voice the character of Mr. Sulu again in The Animated Series. Not long after, Takei reprised the role in live action again as the crew of the Enterprise reunited on the big screen for Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979). Takei continued by saying:
"Ten years after we were canceled, a major feature film was made. We thought that's great, terrific. That's a wonderful kind of punctuation there. We never expected it to become a series of feature films. So, every aspect of this, and the 60th anniversary coming up, I'm stunned. It's always been a surprise, and now I am expecting more of the unpredicted, hope for surprises. What's next?"
Today, Takei is still playing the role that made him a sci-fi superstar in the must-listen Star Trek: Khan podcast. His Captain Sulu commands the crew of the USS Excelsior following the death of Captain Kirk in Star Trek Generations. Of the three original actors from Star Trek (1966-1969), which includes Shatner and Walter Koenig, Takei was the one asked to lock horns with Dr. Rosalind Lear — a woman with a secret agenda — in the new audio drama. Takei also said:
"I'm an activist for social causes, but I'm also an activist for my career. My George Takei activism paid off."
Cleary, Takei is still in demand, particularly on the convention circuit where Trekkies like us have to pay a pretty penny to get the Star Trek icon’s autograph and a photo. For instance, during next year’s STLV, Takei will be on hand to celebrate the franchise’s 60th anniversary. Fans who want Takei’s signature will have to pay $120 for the honor. Meanwhile, an 8x10 photo with the actor who portrays Hikaru Sulu will run you another $120. Yes, celebrity pays well, and George Takei activism has definitely paid off.
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Live long and prosper, Trekkies!