George Takei visits Adelaide to help launch University of South Australia enterprise hub project

The actor who played Lieutenant Sulu in Star Trek – and has become a beloved activist – is in Adelaide to ensure a new enterprise lives long and prospers.

The actor who played Lieutenant Sulu in Star Trek has beamed into Adelaide to ensure a new enterprise lives long and prospers.

Internationally acclaimed civil rights activist George Takei will participate in various events, including the dedication of UniSA’s new Enterprise Hub.

Thirty start-up businesses will be based inside a heritage-listed industrial building being refurbished by the university on Light Square, in the CBD.

During his week-long visit, Takei, 85, also will receive a honorary doctorate from UniSA in recognition of his “distinguished service to the community”.

Globally renowned for his 1960s portrayal of fictional starship USS Enterprise helmsman Hikaru Sulu, the award will be conferred upon Takei on Wednesday.

Artist's impression of an image of George Takei on the UniSA’s Bradley Building on North Tce. Picture: UniSA

A well-known figure on social media, Japanese-American born Takei spent his childhood in an internment camp during World War II.

He has been outspoken on issues including LGBTQIA+ rights, marriage equality, politics and pop culture.

UniSA vice chancellor Professor David Lloyd said he was “thrilled to welcome such a creative icon and social justice leader to the university community”.

“Throughout his six-decade career, George’s career has boldly gone where few have gone before,” he said.

“He has a unique ability to portray and connect with people of different backgrounds, circumstances and generations.”

George Takei (right) with other Star Trek cast members (from left) James Doohan, DeForest Kelley, Walter Koenig, Majel Barrett, William Shatner, Nichelle Nichols and Leonard Nimoy.

Professor Lloyd said while Takei was known as a talented actor, he was “also a powerful human rights activist, representing the voices and concerns of under-represented groups all around the world”.

“Just as diversity and a quest for knowledge have always been at the heart of Star Trek, so too are they at the heart of UniSA,” he said. “And these values connect us both.”

Former Star Trek actor and gay rights activist George Takei. Picture: George Takei

The autobiography of actor George Takei, better known as Star Trek's Mr Sulu

Professor Lloyd said Takei had been determined “to make a difference to the lives of so many, particularly to those in the LGBTQIA+ community”.

“His understanding of the role that education plays is exemplary,” he said.

Takei will attend several UniSA events including a session with Professor Lloyd, graduation ceremony, meetings with students and screening of an autobiographical documentary.

Asked how much it was costing to bring Takei to SA, a UniSA spokeswoman said as a guest of the university his flights and accommodation would be paid for.