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Atomic Adventures: George Takei's Journey from Imprisonment to Space Explorer

Walter Simmons

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Published in Atomic Adventures George Takei

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George Takei is a living legend. An actor, activist, and author, he is best known for his role as Lieutenant Sulu on the original Star Trek series. But Takei's life story is far more complex and inspiring than any fictional character could ever be.

Atomic Adventures

by George Takei

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	55127 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	389 pages

Takei was born in Los Angeles, California, in 1937. His parents were Japanese immigrants, and he was raised in a traditional Japanese household. In 1942, when Takei was five years old, the United States entered World War II. As a result of the war, all Japanese Americans were ordered to be interned in camps.

Takei and his family were sent to the Manzanar internment camp in California. They lived in barracks surrounded by barbed wire and guarded by armed soldiers. Takei has said that his experience in Manzanar was "like living in a prison." He was not allowed to go to school, and he was constantly subjected to racism and discrimination.

Despite the hardships he faced, Takei managed to maintain a positive attitude. He learned to speak English fluently, and he excelled in his studies. He also became involved in the camp's theater program, which helped him to develop his acting skills.

In 1945, the war ended and the internees were released. Takei and his family returned to Los Angeles, where he finished high school and went on to college. He eventually pursued a career in acting, and in 1965, he landed the role of Lieutenant Sulu on Star Trek.

Star Trek was a groundbreaking television series that featured a diverse cast of characters. Takei's portrayal of Sulu was one of the first times that an Asian American actor had played a major role on a mainstream television show. Sulu was a skilled helmsman and a loyal friend, and he quickly became a fan favorite.

Star Trek ran for three seasons, and Takei reprised his role as Sulu in several subsequent Star Trek movies and television series. He also appeared in a number of other films and television shows, including The Twilight Zone, Hawaii Five-O, and The Simpsons.

In addition to his acting career, Takei has also been a vocal advocate for social justice. He has spoken out against racism, homophobia, and other forms of discrimination. He is also a supporter of the Japanese American National Museum, which tells the story of Japanese Americans in the United States.

Takei is a true American hero. He has overcome adversity and prejudice to achieve great success in his life. He is an inspiration to all of us, and his story reminds us that anything is possible if we never give up on our dreams.