George Takei, the iconic Hikaru Sulu from the original Star Trek series, doesn’t buy into the idea of bucket lists. At 86, he tells Closer in an exclusive interview, “I believe in living my life to the fullest right now, not waiting for some mythical future.” George explains that many people dream of grand adventures when they retire, like visiting Venice, Italy, but by the time they get there, their bodies may not allow them to fully enjoy the experience. “Why wait? You’ve got to seize the moment when you can,” he says with his trademark blend of wisdom and charm.
In true George Takei fashion, he’s putting this philosophy into action. The actor, author, and activist has several exciting projects on the horizon, including the release of a new illustrated children’s book, My Lost Freedom: A Japanese American World War II Story, set to hit shelves on April 16. This book delves into the harrowing yet inspiring experiences of George’s own family and the approximately 120,000 other Japanese Americans who were unjustly interned during WWII. “This isn’t just my story; it’s the story of two generations—parents and children—who lived through one of the darkest chapters in American history,” George shares passionately.
George is also collaborating with FanFair Signatures, a platform that connects fans with their favorite celebrities for personalized autographs. He explains how fans can get his signature along with stunning artwork by simply tapping a few keys on their keyboard. “It’s a way to bring joy to people who appreciate my work and share my passion for storytelling,” he adds.
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Early Memories of Internment
You were only five years old when your family was detained due to your Japanese heritage. What do those memories bring back?
“I vividly remember that fateful morning in May when my father woke me and my brother, Henry, and told us to wait in the living room while he and my mother packed our belongings. We stood by the window, watching as two soldiers marched up our driveway, their boots echoing in the quiet neighborhood. They pounded on our door with such force that it still sends shivers down my spine. My mother came out holding our baby sister, tears streaming down her face. That moment is etched into my memory forever.”
Understanding the Unthinkable
Did you grasp what was happening at such a young age?
“At the time, no. That first night, we were forced to sleep in horse stalls. For my parents, it was a degrading, humiliating experience. But for my brother and me, it was an adventure. Two different perspectives from the same event.”
Resilience and Lessons Learned
After your family’s release, how did you avoid harboring bitterness over being treated as criminals without cause?
“My father instilled in us the importance of being active participants in our society. He said, ‘We are Americans, and we need to engage with America.’ That message shaped my life and drove me to become politically active.”
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Discovering a Passion for Acting
What sparked your interest in acting?
“I’ve always been drawn to the theater. Back then, tickets were expensive, so I offered to work as an usher at the Biltmore Theatre in exchange for seeing the plays. It was a dream come true, watching all the incredible productions that came to Los Angeles from New York.”
