'Coming Out' Proves Beneficial To Takei's Career

From appearances on Will and Grace, Cory in the House, and multiple guest appearances on the Howard Stern radio show, to playing Hiro's father on Heroes, George Takei has seen an increase in work since coming out several years ago.

As reported by AccessAtlanta, Takei will appear at this weekend's Dragoncon to discuss Heroes and his upcoming wedding to his partner of more than twenty years, Brad Altman. Although not in the new Star Trek film, he was able to reassure a nervous John Cho who will be playing the character that Takei made famous.

Although his Heroes character is dead, Takei appeared in the first episode of the new season of the hit show. "I'm there for about 10 seconds," he explained. "That's the way it is with 'Heroes.' Nothing is ever as it seems on the surface. And you'll manage to see a bit more of me throughout the season."

A welcome guest star on Howard Stern's radio show, Takei appeared last week where a surprise awaited him. "They gave me a bachelor party," explained Takei. "I told them I haven't been a bachelor for over two decades so it could not be what it should be. But they brought in hunks who didn't have a thing on. I said, 'What's the point? This is radio!' But it turns out they have cameras [for a subscription-only TV show.]

Takei will take time out from his busy schedule to marry his partner, courtesy of the California Supreme Court decision in May. "We have known each other for a quarter century," said Takei. We've shared everything in our lives. The wise men and women of the California Supreme Court said, 'Oh right, boys. You have been living in sin all these years. It's about time you made yourself legal!' We're law-abiding citizens. We're going to do it up big!"

Passing the Star Trek baton on to John Cho, Takei did his best to make the actor feel at ease in taking over the role of Sulu. "...John Cho is playing my character Sulu. I've known him as an actor for quite some time. He asked me to have lunch with him once he got cast. He told me he was very nervous and anxious and couldn't sleep. I said, 'Don't worry. You'll do fine. I know what you can do and you're a perfect fit.' It won't be long before I'll be known as the guy who played the older John Cho!"

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