playnext.fm

Frank Buckley Interviews

Re-release: George Takei, Actor

·45 min·4 clips
George Takei, Star Trek actor and civil rights activist, reveals he has an asteroid named after him.
Frank Buckley hosts a re-released interview with George Takei, focusing on his career and activism. Takei begins by humorously mentioning an asteroid named after him due to his Star Trek fame. He explains his legacy projects, such as the musical Allegiance and his graphic memoir They Called Us Enemy, which aim to educate about Japanese American internment during World War II. Takei describes how singing and dancing in the camps inspired Allegiance, making it an organic storytelling choice. He reflects on his Star Trek days, noting tensions with William Shatner while praising friendships with cast members like Jimmy Doohan and Nichelle Nichols. The discussion shifts to diversity in Hollywood, where Takei highlights Asian American advances but notes a lack of bankable stars. He addresses anti-Asian hate during COVID, linking it to political rhetoric like the term 'China virus'. Takei shares his personal journey, including coming out as gay at age 68 after Governor Schwarzenegger vetoed a marriage equality bill. He talks about his relationship with Howard Stern, which helped him reach broader audiences. The episode concludes with Takei's views on LGBTQ rights in Japan and his ongoing work at age 86, emphasizing education and community building as solutions to racism and discrimination.

As heard by us

George Takei connects stardom, family history, and representation with warmth and a long view.

George Takei comes through as an artist shaped by performance, memory, and public duty. He talks about the asteroid named for him, his family's wartime incarceration, LGBTQ rights, and the still-unfinished work of representation in Hollywood.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You get an asteroid joke, a wedding memory, and George Takei's clear-eyed read on representation and anti-Asian hate.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →
Listen to the show on
Apple PodcastsSpotify
Play clips from this episodeMore from Frank Buckley Interviews