George Takei: More Than Just Star Trek's Sulu
George Takei, best known for his iconic role as Hikaru Sulu in the original Star Trek series, has led a remarkably diverse and impactful life far beyond the bridge of the USS Enterprise. Born Hosato Takei in Los Angeles to Japanese-American parents, he was renamed George by his father after King George VI's coronation, a decision that marked the beginning of a storied journey.
Early Life and Wartime Experiences
Takei's childhood was profoundly shaped by the second world war, during which he and his family were forced to live in various US Japanese concentration camps. This traumatic experience would later fuel his creative work and advocacy. After the war, Takei pursued higher education, studying architecture and theatre, including a formative period at the Shakespeare Institute in Stratford-upon-Avon, England.
Breaking into Acting: From Dubbing to Star Trek
Takei's acting career began in the 1950s with English dubbing for Japanese monster films like Rodan and Godzilla Raids Again. He secured small roles in war films such as Never So Few and Hell to Eternity, but found greater success on television. His TV appearances included popular shows like Perry Mason, The Twilight Zone, My Three Sons, and Mission: Impossible.
In 1966, Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry cast Takei as physicist Hikaru Sulu in the series' second pilot episode. This led to him playing Lieutenant, later Captain, Sulu across all three seasons of the original 1960s Star Trek series and in the first six Star Trek films from 1979 to 1991.
Versatile Career Across Media
Since Star Trek, Takei has made numerous appearances on television, including roles in Miami Vice, Scrubs, Will & Grace, Malcolm in the Middle, and five episodes of The Simpsons, most memorably as the sushi chef who nearly kills Homer with the deadly fugu blowfish. He also competed in reality TV, coming third on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, where he ate a kangaroo penis during a bush tucker trial, and was fired early in the US Celebrity Apprentice by Donald Trump after taking responsibility as project manager on a task promoting Ivanka Trump's clothing line.
On stage, Takei starred with Martin Sheen and Jamie Lee Curtis in the play 8, about the Proposition 8 same-sex marriage trial, and in the musical Allegiance, which ran on Broadway and in the West End, drawing inspiration from his own internment camp experiences. He has authored seven books, including an autobiography and an award-winning graphic novel memoir.
Voice Work and Pop Culture Impact
Takei's voice has graced various projects, such as Emperor Yoshiro in the video game Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3. He is widely recognized for his catchphrase "Oh my," which originated from an accidental exclamation on a US radio show and led to a 2017 Pizza Hut Super Bowl advertisement riffing on it.
Advocacy and Personal Life
Takei is a prominent advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, coming out as gay in 2005, partly in response to then-California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's veto of same-sex marriage legislation. His activism and personal story have made him a respected figure in social justice circles.
Recent Projects and Documentary
Takei continues to engage with his Star Trek legacy, recently appearing in the documentary Beam Me Up, Sulu. This film explores a long-lost Star Trek fan film from 1985, serving as a gateway to discussions on representation in Hollywood, the evolution of fandom, and the enduring power of science fiction to inspire social progress. The documentary is available on digital platforms in the US from 17 February.
Through his acting, writing, and advocacy, George Takei has built a legacy that transcends his Star Trek fame, embodying resilience, creativity, and a commitment to social change.
