George Takei

George Takei, forever etched in the annals of pop culture as Hikaru Sulu, helmsman of the USS Enterprise, might have a name that sounds vaguely Yiddish to some. One might even imagine him exclaiming "Oy vey!" with the same gravitas he delivered "Aye, Captain!" However, Takei's heritage is distinctly Japanese American, a fact that becomes vividly clear with even a cursory glance at his biography. While "Takei" isn't exactly "Goldberg," we can appreciate the aspiration.

Born in Los Angeles, Takei's childhood was marked by the unjust internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, an experience he has bravely and eloquently shared. This firsthand encounter with prejudice undoubtedly shaped his later activism, particularly his outspoken advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. He's become a beacon of tolerance and understanding, even if he's never sampled a good latke.

So, while his fan base may include a disproportionate number of Jewish Trekkies, George Takei remains firmly in the "Not a Jew" camp. Nevertheless, his contributions to entertainment and his unwavering commitment to social justice are worthy of immense kvell, regardless of his background. He's a mensch, even if he's not our mensch.