Ep 40. George Takei

George Takei, an actor, and activist, makes an appearance on this episode of Larry King Now season 2. Takei is best known for his role as Hikaru Sulu in the Star Trek franchise. He is also recognized for his efforts towards LGBTQ rights activism.

Host Larry King begins the interview by asking Takei about his childhood experiences, including his time in Japanese-American internment camps during World War II. Takei shares his memories of the camps, which he described as a traumatic experience. However, he credits this experience with shaping his worldview and inspiring him to fight for social justice.

Moving on from this poignant subject matter, King delves into Takei's acting career. Takei reflects on his time on the set of Star Trek and the impact of the show on his life. He discusses his relationship with co-star Leonard Nimoy and the sense of camaraderie that existed among the cast. He also highlights the enduring appeal of the franchise and its ongoing relevance in popular culture.

The conversation then turns to Takei's activism work. Takei speaks about his experience of coming out as gay and the challenges he faced in his personal and professional life as a result. He also discusses his involvement in organizations such as the Human Rights Campaign and his efforts to raise awareness of LGBTQ rights issues.

King and Takei also touch on issues of diversity and representation in Hollywood. Takei talks about his work to increase visibility and opportunities for Asian American actors and filmmakers. He discusses the progress that has been made in recent years, as well as the work that still needs to be done to achieve greater diversity in the industry.

Towards the end of the conversation, King and Takei discuss Takei's current projects. Takei shares information on his upcoming graphic novel, "They Called Us Enemy," which details his experiences in the internment camps. He also talks about his involvement in the Broadway musical "Allegiance," which tells the story of the internment camps from a Japanese American perspective.

Overall, this episode of Larry King Now season 2 provides viewers with a fascinating look at the life and career of George Takei. Takei's experiences offer a unique perspective on both Hollywood and American history. His insights on social justice issues are also incredibly timely and relevant. King does an excellent job of facilitating discussion and eliciting thoughtful responses from his guest. Fans of Star Trek and LGBTQ advocacy will undoubtedly find this episode to be of interest.