Welcome to Hard Talk on the BBC World Service with me, Stephen Sacker. My guest today is an actor in his

80s who remains instantly recognisable to tens of millions of TV viewers around the world.

That's because George Takey was a star in one of the most popular science fiction series of all time, Star Trek.

He played the role of Lieutenant Sulu, pilot helmsman of the Starship Enterprise,

whose fictional voyage to the far edges of the galaxy began in 1966.

The show transformed George Tocay's profile as an actor. It also gave him a platform

for his political views and activism far beyond the Starship Enterprise. His personal story

began with a shameful moment in America's 20th century history. His Japanese-born father and

entire family, including five-year-old George,

were held in a series of internment camps for the duration of the Second World War. They were

labeled threats to national security. That experience has informed to Kay's progressive politics.

So too the reality of living as a gay man who, for decades,

kept his sexuality secret for fear of ostracization. These days, Tocay has millions of followers on

social media platforms and advocates for liberal causes, often citing the progressive spirit of the

Starship Enterprise. But does that spirit still

resonate today? Well, George Decay joins me now. Welcome to Hard Talk. Good to be here.

You're known to many around the world as an actor. Do you see yourself, show yourself more these days

as an activist?

Both, as a matter of fact.

I am an actor, an activist as well.

Which is more important to you?

Acting is my passion.

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