In our profile series, Tell Us In 10, we ask cast members and creatives of top London shows to tell us all about themselves in just 10 questions. From how their castmates would describe them and alternative careers, to their Theatreland idols, we want to know it all!
This week, we hear from George Takei, who is currently playing Sam Kimura/ Ojii-chan in George Takei’s Allegiance.
Find out more about George and his career so far below:
1. My route into theatre was…
Truly, it was born within me. My mother always knew she was always saddled with a ham. But as for the specific way in, I fell in love with the theatre seeing plays at the Biltmore Theatre in downtown Los Angeles.
2. My West End idol is…
… Angela Lansbury. I was impressed with how she was always working on a new project well into her 90’s. I loved working with her on Murder She Wrote. And I think I’d make a terrific Mrs Potts one day, no? My tail’s as old as time these days.
3. My colleagues would describe me as…
A nice and supportive friend. I have no idea why. But seriously, I have been blessed with colleagues that have been supportive of me, and I am always happy to reciprocate.
Telly Leung, Aynrand Ferrer, Tara Overfield Wilkinson, George Takei. Rehearsal Photography by Danny With a Camera
Masashi Fujimoto, Aynrand Ferrer, George Takei, Telly Leung. Rehearsal Photography by Danny With a Camera
George Takei, Rehearsal Photography by Danny With a Camera
4. My favourite show (that isn’t one I star/work in) is…
Les Miserables is my favorite musical. Perhaps it’s the turntable, I can’t ever unexperience that magic! And Death of a Salesman is my favorite play. I was very taken with the recent production from the Young Vic on Broadway.
5. The career moment I’m most proud of is…
When I did Year of the Dragon on Broadway and the subsequent television version. It was written by Frank Chin…
6. The hardest part about my role is…
My last scene in Allegiance is very emotional and requires a lot of vulnerability. To get there every night consistently has taken a good deal of discipline and focus, but it’s been worth it.
Allegiance – Masashi Fujimoto George Takei Aynrand Ferrer Photo Danny Kaan.
7. If I wasn’t an actor, I would be…
An author, of course! Which I am, in fact. I enjoy writing and have a few books out – including a NY TIMES bestseller They Called Us Enemy. See how I got that plug in?
8. Something people don’t know about me is…
That Brad brings me the paper every morning in bed after fixing me green tea. I am spoiled rotten by my beloved.
9. The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…
Because of my family’s experience, we as citizens have a responsibility to be actively engaged in the democratic process. My father told me that, and it has stuck with me. I try to pass this advice along to every new generation—and there have been several since I first learned it!
10. The one thing I wish I could tell my younger self is…
Be yourself. Don’t only take advice from older people (I of course say this as an older person giving advice). You are going to be living in your time with unique challenges. Be true to yourself.
Allegiance – George Takei as Sam Kimura. Photo Tristram Kenton.