As one of the most iconic figures in the Star Trek universe, George Takei has lived a life that is truly out of this world. With a career spanning over six decades, Takei has become a household name, and his experiences are a testament to the power of diversity and inclusion. In a recent conversation with the Guardian, Takei shared his thoughts on everything from his time on the USS Enterprise to his experiences with zero gravity and kangaroo penis.
At 89 years old, Takei is still going strong, and his enthusiasm for life is infectious. When asked about his secret to a long and healthy life, Takei attributed it to discipline and taking care of himself. He also shared his love for running, having completed six marathons, including the London marathon in 1991. However, after a recent foot surgery, Takei has had to slow down and focus on more leisurely activities.
Takei's experiences with zero gravity are a fascinating topic, and he shared his story of spending two minutes longer in zero gravity than his Star Trek co-star William Shatner. Takei's adventure took place on a zero-gravity flight in Las Vegas, where he experienced the thrill of weightlessness for five minutes. In contrast, Shatner's experience was limited to three minutes.
When it comes to the USS Enterprise, Takei had a unique perspective on the ship's bathroom facilities. As he explained, the original blueprints of the Enterprise did not include lavatories, but Takei revealed that he didn't have to get up from his console to use the facilities. This clever design allowed Takei to stay focused on his duties as Sulu, the ship's helmsman.
Personal Stories and Anecdotes
Takei's conversation was filled with personal stories and anecdotes, including his experience eating kangaroo penis on the TV show I'm A Celebrity. He described the process of chewing and grinding the rubbery, leathery texture, which was a challenging but ultimately rewarding experience. Takei also shared his thoughts on fugu sushi, a delicacy that he had served to Homer Simpson on The Simpsons, which nearly killed the character.
Takei's experience on The Apprentice was another interesting topic, where he was fired by Donald Trump. Takei described the challenge of creating a display for Ivanka Trump's designs, where his team came up with a creative idea that was ultimately rejected by Trump. Despite the setback, Takei remained positive and focused on his other endeavors.
When asked about running for president, Takei was unequivocal in his response. At 89 years old, he is content with his life and enjoys his downtime, afternoon naps, and leisurely dinners. While he is a good American citizen and serves on some public commissions, Takei has no desire to pursue a career in politics.
Takei's stories about Leonard Nimoy, his co-star and friend, were particularly poignant. He shared anecdotes about Nimoy's creative and inventive approach to acting, including his iconic gesture of "live long and prosper." Takei also praised Nimoy's sense of integrity and his commitment to diversity, which was evident in his willingness to sacrifice a job for the sake of his colleagues, Nichelle Nichols and George Takei.
Lessons from Star Trek
Takei's conversation was not just about his personal experiences but also about the lessons he learned from Star Trek. He emphasized the importance of diversity and inclusion, which was a core philosophy of the show. Takei believed that the concept of "infinite diversity in infinite combinations" was a powerful message that is still relevant today. By embracing diversity and working together, society can become a better, richer, and more vibrant place.
As Takei looks back on his life and career, he is grateful for the opportunities he has had and the experiences he has shared with his fans. His story is a testament to the power of diversity, inclusion, and creativity, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. With his documentary, Beam Me Up, Sulu, available on digital platforms in the US and coming soon to the UK, Takei's fans can look forward to more stories and anecdotes from this beloved Star Trek actor.
