Story perspectives

Shatner, Takei Mark Star Trek 60th, Praise Asian Pioneer

7/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

William Shatner and George Takei marked Star Trek’s 60th anniversary in July 2026, noting it premiered on Sept. 8, 1966 and focused on human stories.
George Takei said his role as Hikaru Sulu was the first developed Asian character on U.S. TV.
He highlighted the crew’s Asian helmsman, Black female officer and half-alien scientist as integration.
The Smithsonian’s Air and Space Museum described the Enterprise crew as an on-screen image of equal partnership.

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Story summary

William Shatner and George Takei marked Star Trek’s 60th anniversary in July 2026, noting it premiered on Sept. 8, 1966 and focused on human stories.
George Takei said his role as Hikaru Sulu was the first developed Asian character on U.S. TV.
He highlighted the crew’s Asian helmsman, Black female officer and half-alien scientist as integration.
The Smithsonian’s Air and Space Museum described the Enterprise crew as an on-screen image of equal partnership.