"If you're known as who you are, there are consequences."-- George Takei
Jennifer M. Kroot's To Be Takei, is a lovely documentary tribute to openly gay Star Trek icon George Takei, can currently be seen exclusively at DirecTV Cinema. The satellite provider will carry the film via its OnDemand service until August 6. A theatrical release will follow.
The feature length film follows the actor from his childhood, part of which was spent in a WWII Japanese internment camp, through his seven decade journey as a science fiction icon, a human rights activist, and as a goodwill ambassador the LGBT community.
Though his sexual identity was one of Hollywood's worst kept secrets for decades, the actor finally came out publicly when then California Governor Arnold Swarchzenegger vetoed a bill that was meant to legalize gay marriage in the state. The now 77-year-old actor speaks eloquently of having no choice but to remain closeted over the course of his distinguished career. Best known for his portrayal of Mr. Sulu on Star Trek: The Original Series and six Trek movies, Takei has in fact played dozens of other roles on television, stage, and in film.