Rise to Success: Career Highlights of George Takei

How George Takei built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

George Takei, born Hosato Takei, is an American actor, author, and activist. He gained fame for his role as Hikaru Sulu, the helmsman of the USS Enterprise in the Star Trek franchise. Beyond acting, Takei is a prominent LGBTQ+ rights activist and uses his platform to advocate for social justice and equality. He has also written about his experiences as a Japanese American during World War II, including his family's internment, making him a voice for historical awareness and reconciliation.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1972: Delegate and Political Ambitions

In 1972, George Takei served as an alternate delegate from California to the Democratic National Convention.

1973: Appointment to Southern California Rapid Transit District

In 1973, George Takei was appointed by Los Angeles mayor Tom Bradley to the board of directors of the Southern California Rapid Transit District.

1978: Tie-Breaking Vote for Los Angeles Subway System

In 1978, George Takei, serving on the board of directors of the Southern California Rapid Transit District, was called away from the set of Star Trek: The Motion Picture to cast the tie-breaking vote for the creation of the Los Angeles subway system.

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1980: Takei Withdraws from Assembly Race

In 1980, George Takei began a campaign for California State Assemblyman (District 46) but withdrew after his opponent challenged the airing of Star Trek episodes, and citing that it was the wrong time to interrupt his career.

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1984: End of Term at Southern California Rapid Transit District

George Takei served on the board of directors of the Southern California Rapid Transit District from 1973 until 1984, making him part of the team that initiated and planned the Los Angeles subway system.

1986: Hollywood Walk of Fame Induction

In 1986, George Takei was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame, receiving a star at 6681 Hollywood Boulevard for his contributions to television.

1989: Appearance in 'Return from the River Kwai'

In 1989, George Takei appeared as a sadistic Japanese POW camp commander in the World War II film 'Return from the River Kwai'.

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2004: Order of the Rising Sun Award

In 2004, the Japanese government awarded George Takei the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette. This award was given in recognition of his contributions to US-Japanese relations.

October 2005: Takei Publicly Reveals Being Gay

In October 2005, George Takei revealed in an issue of Frontiers magazine that he is gay and had been in a committed relationship with his partner, Brad Altman, for 18 years. This announcement was prompted by California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's veto of same-sex marriage legislation.

2006: Embarking on the "Equality Trek" Speaking Tour

In 2006, George Takei embarked on a nationwide "Equality Trek" speaking tour, sharing his life experiences as a gay Japanese American, his relationship with Brad Altman, his involvement with Frontrunners, and his connection to Star Trek. He aimed to encourage others to share their personal stories.

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November 2007: Lifetime Achievement Award

In November 2007, George Takei received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the San Diego Asian Film Festival.

October 13, 2009: Takei and Altman Win "The Newlywed Game"

On October 13, 2009, George Takei and Brad Altman appeared on a celebrity edition of "The Newlywed Game" and won $10,000 for the Japanese American National Museum. They were the first same-sex couple to be featured on the show.

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February 2010: Takei on 'All Star Mr & Mrs'

In February 2010, George Takei and Brad Altman appeared on the British game show 'All Star Mr & Mrs', where they competed against other celebrity couples.

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May 2011: Takei's Response to Tennessee Anti-Gay Bill

In May 2011, George Takei released a PSA in response to a Tennessee bill prohibiting language alluding to homosexuality. Takei humorously suggested substituting his name for the word 'gay'.

June 2012: LGBT Humanist Award

In June 2012, George Takei was given the LGBT Humanist Award by the American Humanist Association.

July 2013: NAAAP100 Award

In July 2013, George Takei was honored with the NAAAP100 award by the National Association of Asian American Professionals for his contributions to the Asian community.

September 2013: Defended Nina Davuluri

In September 2013, George Takei used his Facebook page to defend Nina Davuluri after she faced racist and xenophobic comments when named Miss America 2014. He later appeared in an ABC interview with her, referencing Star Trek's creed of 'Infinite diversity in infinite combinations'.

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May 2014: GLAAD Vito Russo Award

In May 2014, the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) presented George Takei with the GLAAD Vito Russo Award. This award recognizes an openly LGBT media professional who promotes equality for the LGBT community.

2014: Takei Supports Web Series About Gay Boy Scouts

In 2014, George Takei raised $100,000 to fund 'Camp Abercorn', a web series documenting the experiences of an adult Eagle Scout who was forced to leave the Boy Scouts of America due to their anti-gay adult policy. Takei expressed his disappointment with the BSA's policy.

May 2015: Distinguished Medal of Honor

In May 2015, George Takei received the Distinguished Medal of Honor for Lifetime Achievement and Public Service at the Japanese American National Museum's 2015 Gala Dinner in Los Angeles.

March 31, 2017: Takei's April Fool's Joke About Running for Congress

On March 31, 2017, George Takei announced his intent to challenge Devin Nunes for Congress as an April Fools' joke. Instead, he supported Jon Ossoff in Georgia's 6th congressional district special election.

2018: Role in 'Allegiance' and Political Commentary

In 2018, George Takei played Sam Kimura and Ojii-San in East West Players' production of 'Allegiance'. He also spoke openly about parallels between the WWII-setting of the musical and the current political climate.

2019: Publication of 'They Called Us Enemy'

In 2019, George Takei published his graphic novel memoir, 'They Called Us Enemy', co-written with Justin Eisinger and Steven Scott, and illustrated by Harmony Becker. The 208-page book focuses on his family's experiences in internment camps.

They Called Us Enemy

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2020: American Book Award for 'They Called Us Enemy'

In 2020, George Takei's graphic novel 'They Called Us Enemy' received an American Book Award. He also narrated the documentary 'Who's on Top?' in 2020.

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They Called Us Enemy

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June 2021: They Called Us Enemy Added to USAFA Reading List

In June 2021, Brig. Gen. Linell Letendre, dean of the United States Air Force Academy, announced that George Takei's graphic novel memoir, They Called Us Enemy, would be included in the Academy's new reading initiative for cadets due to its detailing of Takei's experiences with internment and his understanding of American democracy.

They Called Us Enemy

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February 23, 2022: NCLS Kickoff speaker at USAFA

On February 23, 2022, George Takei was the NCLS Kickoff speaker at USAFA, elaborating on his book 'They Called Us Enemy' and discussing how his past influences his future.

They Called Us Enemy

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