George Takei, Sulu from Star Trek, shares his experiences living in an internment camp as a child and how he adjusted to life after. He discusses his mother's East LA-influenced tacos and her 'footballs' or Iniri that provided solace. Takei's career as an actor and activist fighting for social justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and marriage equality is also highlighted.
George Takei's mother learned how to cook Mexican cuisine from their neighbor in their Mexican-American neighborhood in East L.A., creating a cultural exchange and delicious tacos and enchiladas.
George Takei vividly recounts his family's experiences of being forcibly removed from their home and enduring dehumanizing conditions in internment camps during World War II, highlighting the discrimination, racism, and loss they faced.
Deep dives
Memory of Mother's Cooking and Mexican Culture in East L.A.
George Ticay fondly recalls his mother's cooking and the cultural exchange that took place in their Mexican-American neighborhood in East L.A. Despite being the only Japanese family, Ticay's mother learned how to cook Mexican cuisine from their neighbor and created delicious tacos and enchiladas. Ticay and his brother even had taco-eating contests, highlighting the joy and connection they found in their diverse community.
Childhood Memories of Imprisonment During World War II
George Ticay recounts his childhood memories of being incarcerated in relocation camps along with his family, following the Japanese military attack on Pearl Harbor. He vividly recalls the morning his family was forcibly removed from their home and the dehumanizing conditions they endured, including living in horse stalls and later in a prison camp. Ticay shares the painful experiences of discrimination, racism, and loss that his family faced during those years.
Finding Escape and Inspiration Through Acting and Entertainment
George Ticay discusses how acting and entertainment provided an escape from the barbed wire fences of the internment camps. He shares how movies shown in the camps and radio programs transported him to different worlds, sparking his love for storytelling and performance. Ticay's passion for acting grew, leading him to pursue a career in the entertainment industry, which eventually led to his iconic role as Hikaru Sulu in Star Trek, a groundbreaking series that promoted diversity and inclusivity.
Michele is joined by author, civil rights activist, and famed Star Trek actor George Takei. George’s story of his mother’s kitchen is far different than our other guests—he didn’t have one growing up. He shares his harrowing experiences living in an internment camp as a child, how he adjusted to life after, and what led to becoming Sulu. He’ll also share two foods that gave him solace throughout his life: his mother’s East LA-influenced tacos and her “footballs,” or Inari.
George Takei is a social media superstar, Grammy-nominated recording artist, New York Times bestselling author, and pioneering actor whose career has spanned six decades. He has appeared in more than 40 feature films and hundreds of television roles, and he has used his success as a platform to fight for social justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and marriage equality.