Sept. 8 marked the 60th anniversary of the original “Star Trek,” which premiered on NBC on that date in 1966 and ran for three seasons.
George Takei, who played helmsman Hikaru Sulu, said in a social media post, “Sixty years ago today, the starship Enterprise launched and with it, a vision of the future where humanity had moved beyond its divisions. I was there at the beginning, and I can tell you: we never imagined how far that dream would travel, into homes, into hearts, into the way generations imagined what we could still become.
“In a world that often feels as divided as ever, maybe that’s exactly why we need it now: a reminder that unity was always the point. Happy 60th anniversary to the brilliant universe of Star Trek, and all who made it possible. Live long and prosper.”
Takei, 89, went on to play Sulu in the animated series, six movies, episodes of “Voyager” and “Lower Decks,” as well as audio books, video games, and fan productions. He continues to speak at “Star Trek” conventions across the country and around the world.
Probably the only co-star from the original series that had negative comments on the series which put his name to be nationally known. Gratitude and humbleness goes a long way.