Henrick Vartanian
For seven decades, actor and activist George Takei has gone from a WWII internment camp, to become one of the most recognized Asian superstars in the world of TV, film and beyond. The fearless man who steered starship Enterprise, in the “Star Trek” franchise has gained and held on to a cross-cultural, multi-generation of fans rarely seen in Hollywood.
With his massive social media presence, including five million fans on Facebook, at age 77, Takei is a showbiz powerhouse. Best known for playing Sulu on the original “Star Trek” TV series and six movies that followed, Takei has now become a social media royalty as well. Unofficially, dubbed the King of Facebook, Trekkies, Howard Stern listeners, and the LGBTQ community remain thirsty for his quirky mix of kitten jokes, Star Trek references, heartfelt messages, and sci-fi/fantasy memes. An outspoken advocate for civil rights, Takei has used his unmistakable baritone in several satiric PSAs, including one in response to Tennessee’s infamous “Don’t Say Gay” bill that encourages viewers to say, “It’s OK to be Takei.”
His current projects include the musical Allegiance, drawn from his experience of growing up in Japanese American internment camps during World War II, and the recently published Oh Myyy! There Goes the Internet.
His You Tube channel, Takei’s Take is afast growing extension of the icon’s humor and wit where he explores the latest in technology and pop culture.
We caught up with the multi-talented Mr. Takei, his husband Brad Altman, and longtime friend and Star Trek queen, Nichelle Nichols (Uhura) during the premiere of “To Be Takei,” at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival.
“To be Takei,” a documentary directed by JENNIFER M. KROOT offers a playful look into life, liberty and love, the Takei way.
CLICK HERE for our exclusive chat with the stars and the filmmakers of “To Be Takei.”