George Takei

A hero to science fiction fans, Asian-Americans, and the LGBT community, George Takei earned his place in pop culture history as Hikaru Sulu, helmsman of the starship Enterprise on "Star Trek" (NBC, 1966-68) and six of its subsequent feature film spin-offs. Takei had been a prolific actor on television and in films and theater prior to "Star Trek," and he continued to appear in a wide variety of projects after its demise, including the science fiction series "Heroes" (NBC, 2006-2010) and as a popular guest announcer for Howard Stern's radio program. A well-known political activist in San Francisco and West Hollywood, Takei also brought a familiar and friendly face to the debate over gay rights and gay marriage after revealing his own homosexuality in 2005, surprising many a Trekkie who had been unaware of his long-closeted way of life. Whether it was for his iconic signature role as the dedicated Enterprise helmsman, the unmistakable quality of his baritone voice (best heard in his signature exclamation "Oh myyyy"), or for his work as an advocate within the Asian-American and gay communities, Takei continued to engender the admiration and devotion of generations of fans.