From Screen to Real Life: The Star Trek Cast's Lifelong Friendships
When you think about the Star Trek cast, it’s easy to picture them as a group of friends exploring the vastness of space aboard the USS Enterprise. But what’s truly remarkable is how these friendships didn’t just stay on-screen—they flourished off-screen too. Take George Takei, for example. The beloved actor, who played Hikaru Sulu in the original 1966-1969 series, celebrated one of the most special days of his life with his Star Trek family by his side. On September 14, 2008, George married his longtime love, Brad Altman Takei, and two of his closest Star Trek pals were there to make the day unforgettable.
George, who is now 82, opened up exclusively to Closer Weekly about the joy of having lifelong friends from the Star Trek franchise. "One of the greatest gifts that Star Trek gave me was the opportunity to work alongside colleagues who became lifelong friends," he shared. "When Brad and I got married, we decided to honor that bond by inviting our Star Trek family to be part of the celebration. And let me tell you, it was one of the most special days of my life."
Star Trek Wedding: Chekov as Best Man
One of the standout moments from George's wedding was the role played by his co-star Walter Koenig, who famously portrayed Chekov on the original series. "When it came time to choose a best man, there was no one else I wanted by my side but Chekov," George recalled with a smile. "Walter Koenig stepped up and did an incredible job. It was such a meaningful gesture, and it really showed how much our bond transcends the show."
Read also:How To Use And Understand Currency Symbols Like A Pro
Nichelle Nichols Breaks Tradition
Another unforgettable moment came when Nichelle Nichols, who played the iconic role of Uhura, insisted on being more than just a guest at the wedding. "We asked Nichelle to be our matron of honor," George explained. "But she had other ideas. She said, 'I am not a matron! If Walter can be the best man, why can’t I be the best lady?' She was absolutely right, and it was one of the highlights of the day. Nichelle brought so much grace and charm to the role, and it was a perfect reflection of her character both on and off-screen."
Star Trek's Legacy: Breaking Ground in Diversity
But the legacy of Star Trek extends far beyond the personal bonds formed among its cast members. The show itself was groundbreaking in its portrayal of diversity and inclusivity, bringing multi-ethnic talent to the forefront of television at a time when such representation was rare. "We were ahead of our time in so many ways," George noted with pride. "Not only did we inspire generations of fans, but we also showed the world what a truly inclusive future could look like."
And if you think about it, George joked, the Star Trek crew beat Neil Armstrong and the Apollo astronauts to space by three years! "We kind of led the way and showed them how to do it," he quipped during an interview with Closer Weekly at the opening night of Slave Play in New York City. "It’s a testament to the power of imagination and storytelling."
For more on your favorite celebs, pick up the latest issue of Closer Weekly, on newsstands now — and be sure to sign up for our newsletter for more exclusive news!
Be sure to check out and subscribe to our Classic TV & Film Podcast for interviews with your favorite stars!
Read also:Danielle Bregoli The Untold Story Behind The Headlines
