History of George Takei in Timeline
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.
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.
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.
1981: Alleged incident with Scott Brunton
In 1981, George Takei allegedly drugged and groped Scott R. Brunton, according to Brunton's account in November 2017. Takei has denied these allegations.
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'.
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.
December 2005: Takei Discusses Gay Identity with Howard Stern
In December 2005, George Takei discussed gay identity in a telephone interview with Howard Stern. He emphasized the diversity within the gay community and described Brad Altman as 'a saint' for helping care for his terminally ill mother.
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.
November 2007: Lifetime Achievement Award
In November 2007, George Takei received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the San Diego Asian Film Festival.
2007: Takei's Response to Tim Hardaway's Anti-Gay Comments
In 2007, following Tim Hardaway's homophobic remarks, George Takei recorded a mock public service announcement for Jimmy Kimmel Live!, humorously turning the tables on Hardaway. Takei also appeared on the Google float at San Francisco Pride 2007.
May 16, 2008: Takei and Altman Announce Marriage Plans
On May 16, 2008, George Takei announced that he and Brad Altman would be getting married and were the first same-sex couple to apply for a marriage license in West Hollywood.
September 14, 2008: Takei and Altman Get Married
On September 14, 2008, George Takei and Brad Altman were married at the Democracy Forum of the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles. Walter Koenig served as Takei's best man, and Nichelle Nichols was the 'best woman.'
2008: Takei and Altman's Buddhist Wedding
In 2008, George Takei and Brad Altman were married in a Buddhist ritual performed by Reverend William Briones.
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.
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.
November 2010: Takei's Response to Clint McCance's Homophobic Remarks
In November 2010, George Takei released a PSA calling Clint McCance "a douchebag" after McCance made homophobic remarks. McCance later resigned from his seat on the Midland school board and Takei was praised for his response.
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'.
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: Facebook Meme Controversy and Apology
In 2014, George Takei faced criticism for a meme he posted on Facebook and Twitter which made light of a woman in a wheelchair. He removed the post and apologized on Facebook. Disabled people responded that people need not be paralyzed to need wheelchairs.
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.
December 8, 2015: Takei Denounces Trump's Muslim Ban Proposal
On December 8, 2015, following Donald Trump's call to ban all Muslims from traveling to the United States, George Takei appeared on MSNBC to denounce Trump's proposal. Takei drew parallels to the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.
2015: Takei Criticizes Clarence Thomas and Apologizes
In 2015, after the Supreme Court's same-sex marriage decision, George Takei criticized Clarence Thomas's dissent, calling him "a clown in blackface." After defending his comments for over a week, Takei apologized for his wording.
June 10, 2016: Honorary Doctorate from California State University
On June 10, 2016, George Takei was presented with an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters by California State University, Los Angeles, in recognition of his contributions.
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.
June 2017: Takei's Response to Steve Scalise Shooting
In June 2017, George Takei was criticized for his Twitter response to the shooting of Steve Scalise. Takei criticized Scalise's previous opposition to same-sex marriage and commented on the lesbian identity of the officer who saved Scalise, which was widely condemned as unfathomable.
November 2017: Sexual Assault Allegation
In November 2017, Scott R. Brunton accused George Takei of drugging and groping him in 1981. Takei denied the allegations, stating that non-consensual acts are antithetical to his values.
May 24, 2018: Report of Brunton Recanting
On May 24, 2018, Shane Snow reported that Scott Brunton had changed his story regarding the alleged incident with George Takei, describing it as a 'great party story' and not remembering any touching. Takei posted the article and publicly forgave Brunton.
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.
April 1, 2020: April Fools' Torchbearer Joke
On April 1, 2020, it was announced that George Takei would be the final torchbearer for the delayed 2021 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games. He announced on April 2nd that this was an April Fools' joke.
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.
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.
2021: Involvement in the 2021 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games
In 2021, George Takei was falsely announced as the final torchbearer for the Tokyo Summer Olympic Games as part of an April Fool's Joke.
2021: Ossoff Becomes Georgia Senator
In 2021, Jon Ossoff, who was supported by George Takei 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 discussing how his past influences his future.
September 28, 2022: Honorary Doctorate from University of South Australia
On September 28, 2022, George Takei was awarded an honorary Doctorate by the University of South Australia in recognition of his distinguished service to the community.
2024: Takei Endorses Kamala Harris
In 2024, George Takei strongly supported Kamala Harris for President and criticized Donald Trump. He wrote in an opinion piece that Trump was a creator of "cruel chaos" and criticized Gaza war protesters for not backing Harris.
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