George Takei is best known to fans for his role as Hikaru Sulu on the television series Star Trek. Takei came out as homosexual in 2005 and has since become known as a gay rights activist, as well having a bit of a career renaissance through social media. To Be Takei covers Takei’s entire career, as well as his personal life with his manger-husband of 25 years Brad Takei. Particular attention to spent on Takei’s childhood in a Japanese-American internment camp, which has become the inspiration of a stage musical entitled Allegiance. While he still has a devoted fanbase of Trekkers, George Takei is probably best known today for his gay rights activism and his extremely popular Facebook page, where he regularly posts various memes. The title of To Be Takei comes from the catchphrase “it’s okay, to be Takei,” which Takei created in response to a school forbidding the use of the word “gay.” Takei has been together with his husband and manager Brad for over 25 years, with the two finally marrying in 2008. To Be Takei moves back and forth between being a general biography of Takei’s life and the specific focus on his family’s time in a Japanese-American internment camp, during the second World War, which was a catastrophic event for all Japanese-Americans. However, Takei has maintained an optimistic view of life and has successfully turned the experience into the successful musical Allegiance, which broke records when it opened in San Diego. The film also features interviews with most of the classic Star Trek cast, including William Shatner, whom Takei has a playful rivalry with. Even though he’s now in his late 70s, George Takei’s career is busier than ever and To Be Takei should please fans of this iconic actor. 8 | LIKED IT Screenings:
- Sun, April 27, 1:00 PM
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