Childhood and Education Journey of George Takei in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of George Takei. From birth to education, explore key events.

George Takei, born Hosato Takei, is an American actor, author, and activist, widely recognized for his portrayal of Hikaru Sulu in the Star Trek franchise. Beyond his acting career, Takei is a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and social justice. His personal experiences, including his family's internment during World War II, have fueled his activism and storytelling, making him a significant voice on issues of equality and historical awareness. He has authored books and used social media to share his experiences and advocate for human rights.

Sections (4)

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

April 20, 1937: George Takei Born

On April 20, 1937, Hosato Takei, later known as George Takei, was born in Los Angeles, California. He is known as an American actor, author and activist known for his role as Hikaru Sulu, helmsman of the USS Enterprise in the Star Trek franchise.

1942: Forced Internment of Takei Family

In 1942, following Executive Order 9066, George Takei and his family were forced into internment camps, starting at Santa Anita Park and later moving to Rohwer War Relocation Center in Arkansas.

1960: Graduation from UCLA

In 1960, George Takei received a Bachelor of Arts degree in theater from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

1964: Master's Degree from UCLA

In 1964, George Takei earned a Master of Arts degree in theater from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

1972: Alternate Delegate and City Council Campaign

In 1972, George Takei was an alternate delegate from California to the Democratic National Convention. He subsequently ran for a seat on the Los Angeles City Council, finishing second in the special election.

1980: Withdrawal from California State Assembly Race

In 1980, George Takei withdrew from his campaign for California State Assemblyman (District 46) after a dispute over the airing of Star Trek episodes and concerns about interrupting his acting career.

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1981: Alleged drugging and groping incident

In 1981, according to a later allegation made in November 2017, George Takei allegedly drugged and groped Scott R. Brunton in Takei's condo when Brunton was 23 years old. Takei denied these allegations.

1994: Publication of Autobiography

In 1994, George Takei's autobiography, To the Stars, was published. He also had plans to adapt chapters about his internment experience into a film.

October 2005: Coming out as gay

In October 2005, George Takei publicly revealed that he is gay and has been in a committed relationship with Brad Altman for 18 years. He announced the news after Arnold Schwarzenegger's veto of same-sex marriage legislation.

December 2005: Interview with Howard Stern

In December 2005, George Takei discussed his sexuality and relationship with Brad Altman during an on-air telephone interview with Howard Stern, emphasizing the diversity within the gay community and describing Altman as 'a saint'.

2005: Coming Out and LGBT Activism

In 2005, George Takei publicly came out as gay and became a prominent advocate for LGBT rights, also becoming involved in state and local politics.

2006: Appeared on Comedy Central Roast of William Shatner

In 2006, George Takei appeared alongside William Shatner on the Comedy Central Roast of William Shatner, where they humorously mocked each other, indicating a resolution of past tensions.

2006: Equality Trek Speaking Tour

In 2006, George Takei embarked on a nationwide 'Equality Trek' speaking tour, where he shared his experiences as a gay Japanese American, his relationship with Brad Altman, and his involvement with Frontrunners and Star Trek. He encouraged others to share their personal stories as well.

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2007: Mock PSA and Appearance at San Francisco Pride

In 2007, following Tim Hardaway's homophobic comments, George Takei recorded a mock public service announcement that aired on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. Takei also appeared on the Google float at San Francisco Pride 2007.

May 16, 2008: Announcement of Marriage

On May 16, 2008, George Takei announced that he and Brad Altman would be getting married. They were the first same-sex couple to apply for a marriage license in West Hollywood.

September 14, 2008: Marriage to Brad Altman

On September 14, 2008, George Takei married Brad Altman at the Democracy Forum of the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles, with Walter Koenig as his best man and Nichelle Nichols as 'best woman'.

2008: Marriage at a Buddhist Ritual

In 2008, George Takei and husband Brad Altman were married in a Buddhist ritual performed by the Reverend William Briones.

2008: Participation in I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!

In 2008, George Takei appeared on the British reality TV series I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, finishing in 3rd place due to his politeness and calmness.

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October 13, 2009: Appearance on The Newlywed Game

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

February 2010: Appearance on All Star Mr & Mrs

In February 2010, George Takei and Brad Altman appeared on the British game show All Star Mr & Mrs, losing to rugby player Phil Vickery and his wife Kate.

November 2010: PSA Blasting Clint McCance

In November 2010, George Takei released a PSA calling Clint McCance 'a douchebag' in response to McCance's homophobic remarks. McCance subsequently resigned from his position.

May 2011: PSA on Tennessee Legislation

In May 2011, George Takei released a PSA in response to Tennessee legislation prohibiting language alluding to homosexuality, suggesting people substitute 'Takei' for 'gay' in their language.

2011: Appearance on All Star Mr & Mrs

In 2011, George Takei appeared with his husband Brad Altman on All Star Mr & Mrs, a show on ITV in Britain.

March 4, 2012: Fired from The Apprentice

On March 4, 2012, George Takei was fired from the third episode of the 12th season of The Apprentice.

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2012: Starred in Musical Allegiance

In 2012, George Takei starred in the musical Allegiance, based on his experiences with Japanese American internment during World War II, which premiered at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego.

September 2013: Defense of Nina Davuluri after racist comments

In September 2013, Takei used his Facebook page to defend Nina Davuluri, Miss America 2014, after she was targeted with racist and xenophobic comments. He emphasized the 'Star Trek' creed of 'Infinite diversity in infinite combinations'.

2014: Support for Camp Abercorn web series

In 2014, George Takei raised $100,000 to support the creation of Camp Abercorn, a web series about an adult Eagle Scout documenting his experiences after being forced to leave the Boy Scouts of America due to their anti-gay policy.

2014: Facebook meme controversy and apology

In 2014, Takei faced criticism for posting a meme on Facebook and Twitter that made light of wheelchair use. Following backlash from disabled people, he removed the post and apologized on Facebook for his comments.

November 8, 2015: Broadway Debut of Allegiance

On November 8, 2015, Allegiance, the musical starring George Takei based on his internment camp experiences, debuted on Broadway to mixed reviews.

December 8, 2015: Denouncement of Donald Trump's Muslim Ban Proposal

On December 8, 2015, George Takei appeared on MSNBC to denounce Donald Trump's call to ban all Muslims from traveling to the United States, drawing parallels to the Japanese American internment during World War II.

2015: Criticism and Apology Regarding Clarence Thomas Comments

In 2015, following the U.S. Supreme Court same-sex marriage decision, George Takei criticized Clarence Thomas's dissent, referring to him as 'a clown in blackface'. After defending his comments for over a week, Takei apologized for his wording.

June 10, 2016: Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from California State University, Los Angeles

On June 10, 2016, California State University, Los Angeles, presented Takei with an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters in recognition of his contributions.

March 31, 2017: April Fool's Joke about challenging Devin Nunes

On March 31, 2017, George Takei announced his intention to challenge Devin Nunes, but revealed it as an April Fools' joke and declared support for Jon Ossoff in Georgia.

June 2017: Response to Steve Scalise Shooting

In June 2017, George Takei was criticized for his Twitter response to the shooting of Steve Scalise, where he called Scalise 'bigoted' and 'homophobic' and criticized his opposition to same-sex marriage, also mentioning the lesbian officer who saved Scalise.

November 2017: Scott Brunton's allegation of drugging and groping

In November 2017, former actor Scott R. Brunton accused Takei of drugging and groping him in 1981. Takei denied the allegation, stating that non-consensual acts are antithetical to his values.

May 24, 2018: Brunton recants story; Takei forgives

On May 24, 2018, Shane Snow reported that Scott Brunton had changed his story regarding the alleged encounter with Takei. Takei then posted Snow's article on his social media platforms while publicly forgiving Brunton for his misdeeds.

2018: Role in Allegiance and Departure from East West Players

In 2018, George Takei played Sam Kimura and Ojii-San in East West Players' production of Allegiance, and stepped down as chair of the Council of Governors of East West Players.

2019: Publication of 'They Called Us Enemy'

In 2019, George Takei published They Called Us Enemy, a 208-page memoir in the form of a graphic novel, focusing on his family's internment experience. The book was co-written with Justin Eisinger and Steven Scott, and illustrated by Harmony Becker.

April 1, 2020: Announcement as final torchbearer for Tokyo Olympic Games (April Fool's)

On April 1, 2020, it was announced that Takei would be the final torchbearer for the delayed 2021 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games, but it was revealed as an April Fool's joke the next day.

June 2021: They Called Us Enemy part of USAFA reading initiative

In June 2021, Brig. Gen. Linell Letendre announced that George Takei's book, They Called Us Enemy, would be part of the United States Air Force Academy's new reading initiative for cadets, citing its detailing of Takei's internment struggle and understanding of American democracy.

2021: Scheduled torchbearer for the delayed 2021 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games

In 2021, George Takei was originally scheduled to be the final torchbearer for the Tokyo Summer Olympic Games; however, this was an April Fool's joke revealed on April 2nd, 2020.

2021: Jon Ossoff becomes Georgia's Senator

In 2021, Jon Ossoff, whom George Takei supported in 2017, became Georgia's Senator.

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 explaining how his past experiences influenced his future perspectives.

September 28, 2022: Honorary Doctorate from the University of South Australia

On September 28, 2022, Takei was awarded an honorary Doctorate by the University of South Australia in recognition of his distinguished service to the community.

2024: Support for Kamala Harris and Criticism of Donald Trump

In 2024, leading up to the United States presidential election, George Takei strongly supported Kamala Harris while criticizing Donald Trump, whom he described as a creator of 'cruel chaos'. Takei also criticized Israel–Hamas war protestors for not backing Harris' presidential campaign.