Hosato Takei was born in Los Angeles on April 20, 1937, into a family that faced forced internment at the Rohwer War Relocation Center and Tule Lake during World War II. Following this period of systemic displacement, he pursued an academic path through the University of California, Berkeley and UCLA, eventually establishing a multifaceted career in television, film, and activism.
Early Career and Education
After graduating from Los Angeles High School, Takei attended the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of California, Los Angeles, earning a Bachelor of Arts in 1960 and a Master of Arts in 1964. His training included studies at the Shakespeare Institute and Sophia University. During the late 1950s, he entered Hollywood by providing voiceovers for the English dubs of Japanese films such as Rodan and Godzilla Raids Again. Early screen roles included appearances in Playhouse 90, Perry Mason, and Hawaiian Eye. His film credits from this era feature performances alongside Frank Sinatra in Never So Few, Richard Burton in Ice Palace, and Cary Grant in Walk, Don't Run.
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In 1965, producer Gene Roddenberry cast Takei as Hikaru Sulu for the original Star Trek television series. Although his participation was limited during the second season due to his commitment to the film The Green Berets, he returned to the franchise to reprise his role in Star Trek: The Animated Series and the first six Star Trek films. His character was ultimately promoted to captain. Beyond the original series, Takei appeared in a 1996 episode of Star Trek: Voyager and contributed voice work to various Star Trek computer games.
Activism and Public Life
Following his public coming out as gay in 2005, Takei became an active proponent of LGBTQ rights. His advocacy extends to immigrant rights, a theme central to the 2012 Broadway production Allegiance, which explored the experience of internment. He maintains fluency in both English and Japanese and has collaborated extensively with the Japanese American National Museum. His contributions to public life and international relations have been recognized with the Order of the Rising Sun, 4th class, and induction into the California Hall of Fame in 2016.
Fast facts
- Born: 1937, Los Angeles
- Education: UCLA, University of California, Berkeley, Shakespeare Institute
- Notable Role: Hikaru Sulu in Star Trek
- Awards: Order of the Rising Sun, 4th class
- Religion: Buddhism
- Language: English, Japanese
Questions readers ask
What is George Takei's birth name?
He was born Hosato Takei, and his father named him George after King George VI.
Did George Takei serve in the military?
The provided material does not state that he served in the military, though he portrayed a South Vietnamese Army officer in the film The Green Berets.
Achievements
- Order of the Rising Sun, 4th class
- California Hall of Fame — 2016
- Worked as comedian, singer and voice actor
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