Japanese American superstar George Takei is a distinguished actor, author and activist — and, at the age of 79, he probably has more Facebook followers than you. For years, Takei has maintained his status as one of the most influential people on social media, amassing millions of fans on Facebook and Twitter with everything from hilarious memes to poignant social commentary. In chronological order, here are Takei’s most memorable social media moments of 2016.
1. Dumping on Trump
(George Takei Facebook screenshot)
A staunch opponent of then-presidential candidate Donald Trump, Takei took to Facebook to share a joke that mocked Trump’s roundabout manner of answering political questions.
2. Takei Speaks to Mexican Americans in Spanish
(George Takei Facebook screenshot)
Takei spoke eloquently in Spanish about his childhood experiences in a World War II Japanese internment camp, urging Mexican Americans to prevent a retread into racist policies by exercising their rights to vote.
3. George on the GO
(George Takei Facebook screenshot)
Ever on top of the latest trends, Takei live-streamed his first time playing the popular game Pokémon GO while walking in Central Park.
4. Zero-G George
This world is so teeming with such wondrous sensations. Never in my life had I cut the gravitational umbilical cord… pic.twitter.com/fAaeXvy0kZ
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) August 18, 2016
As the actor of the character Sulu on the original “Star Trek” television series, Takei celebrated the show’s 50th anniversary with a zero-gravity flight. He was joined by his husband, Brad Takei, and several lucky “Star Trek” fans.
5. A Voice of Comfort
The unthinkable happened before, to my family in WWII. We got thru it. We held each other close. We kept our dignity and held to our ideals.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) November 9, 2016
In a year characterized by global political and social unrest, Takei comforted voters who were distressed by the outcome of the American election by harkening back to the strength of the Japanese Americans who endured internment.
See Takei featured in our 2016 Annual Issue, coming Dec. 10! You can order your FREE copy at https://charactermedia.com/subscribe now.
