With the possible exception of William Shatner, no Star Trek star has been more in the spotlight lately than George Takei. Since he came out to the press a year and a half ago as a gay man, there's hardly a talk or comedy show that isn't clamoring to get him on as a guest. It's partly because of the notoriety of his newly revealed sexuality, but it's also in large part due to the immense affection we all have for his most famous character, "Mr. Sulu" — not to mention his own immensely likable and courageous personality.

Have you seen the Comedy Central Roast of William Shatner? To use George's own words: "Oh my!" Did you see him this past Wednesday on the improv sketch show Thank God You're Here? Hilarious! For not being a seasoned comic, he more than held his own! And of course, you're no doubt keeping up with his recurring role in Heroes, arguably one of his finest performances ever.

In October 2005 we had just reported that he was performing the lead role in an L.A. production of "Equus," when the news hit like a firestorm: In an interview with Frontiers magazine, George admitted publicly for the first time the nature of his sexual orientation and his nearly-two-decade-old relationship with Brad Altman, whom many fans have known as George's manager (related story).

George has emphasized repeatedly in interviews (including our own; see link at left) that he has been "out" among his inner circle for many years — the Frontiers story was simply the first time he talked to the press about it. And he did so mainly for political reasons, to be able to speak credibly about issues of equality and tolerance. And he has done exactly that, with vigor, in speaking engagements all over the country. And it's not always about gay rights: Recently he spoke at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida and at "Yuri's Night" at Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, offering inspiring words on how our imaginations can lead us into space, and how diversity is one of our greatest strengths.

With so much focus on his sexuality, we almost forget that George has spent most of his life campaigning against another form of discrimination — racial. He's Asian-American, remember? In fact, that is what has made him such a legend: Thanks to the foresight of one Gene Roddenberry, George was cast in a role of importance and authority on the bridge of a starship — one of the rare TV roles for an Asian at the time that completely avoided stereotype. Thus, George became a symbol of breaking down racial barriers when such symbols were badly needed.

His experience as a Japanese-American kept in an internment camp for most of his childhood during World War II has been the topic of many a touching story at conventions and other Star Trek events, as well as in his 1994 autobiography "To the Stars." He now expands the story to include the memory that not only did he feel different due to his race, but due to his sexual interests. His speaking out on both fronts has been and continues to be an inspiration to all those who feel "different" — for whatever reason — themselves, perhaps emboldening them to be more accepting of themselves and of others.

To review all of George's newsmaking activities just in the past year could take pages (just witness the number of news stories in the list below!) between his many eminently quotable and sometimes controversial appearances at conventions and other events, his cameos on TV, his frequent interviews (including one appealing for more animated Trek), and other fun stuff (like his "Animate This" video).

And he ain't slowing down — he's got a full slate of stuff coming up in the next year also. First, don't forget to catch his upcoming Heroes episode, "Landslide" — which put him through the ringer in some strenuous action sequences — tentatively set to air on May 14 (confirm later with your local listings). Also, George plays "Sulu" again in the independent production "Star Trek: New Voyages," in a webisode titled "World Enough and Time," expected to be released soon as an Internet download. Also look for him later this year in a film called "Ninja Cheerleaders," and he'll be playing himself in another film called "The Great Buck Howard" with Tom Hanks and John Malkovich.

He'll also be squeezing in a few convention appearances for Creation Entertainment: Cherry Hill, New Jersey (near Philadelphia) in July; the big one, Las Vegas, in August; and Sacramento in September. Check out GeorgeTakei.com for more info and updates.

Happy Birthday, George. It's been a chore here at STARTREK.COM keeping up with you, but we'll go on trying!

Extend your own birthday greetings to Mr. Takei at the Star Trek Message Boards!