Star Trek legend flooded with support as he makes huge end of life decision

Star Trek legend George Takei, 89, who found fame playing Mr Sulu in the original series of the long running sci-fi franchise, and his husband Brad have made a huge end of life commitment, which has seen them flooded with support. The couple, who have been together for 40 years and married in 2008, have no children. As such they have promised their $21 million estate to a cause close to their hearts - the Japanese American National Museum (JANM). The organisation officially announced the news on their Instagram page alongside a portrait of the couple.

They penned: "JANM announces that George Takei and Brad Takei have pledged to gift their estate, currently valued at over $21 million, to the Museum. This future gift ensures that the Takeis’ passion for JANM will continue to endure for years to come. In recognition of their support, the new, 9200-square-foot gallery space of JANM’s core exhibition, 'In the Future We Call Now: Realities of Racism, Forging Democracy,' will bear their names."

George was quoted in the post as saying: "JANM represents the resilience of humanity through the stories and experiences of Japanese Americans over many generations.

"We wanted our gift to ensure that for generations to come, the Museum will remain a vital and active place for our community to come together to learn, reflect, and be inspired to continue the fight for a more just future.

"For over 40 years, the museum has illuminated the connections between history, democracy, and social justice. No child should carry the trauma of racially motivated discrimination or incarceration as many Japanese Americans were forced to endure during WWII. JANM embodies the power of diversity, community, and civic participation. We believe that our gift will strengthen JANM’s mission and its voice to speak for all Americans," he said.

The history and legacy of Japanese Americans is a cause close to George's heart. As a child he was imprisoned in two American concentration camps during World War II because of his Japanese ancestry.

When he was five, soldiers forced his family out of their Los Angeles home at gunpoint. The U.S. government sent them first to horse stables at the Santa Anita racetrack, then to the Rohwer camp in Arkansas, and later to the Tule Lake camp in California.

He wrote a graphic novel called They Called Us Enemy to share his haunting childhood memories and teach others about this dark part of American history. He often speaks out about his time in the camps to remind people of the importance of civil rights and to make sure the U.S. never repeats this mistake.

The star was flooded with suppoert following the announcement of his generous gesture. Commenting on the post one user wrote: "Thank you for everything you’ve done for the Japanese American community. Beautiful people do beautiful things. Thank you George and Brad."

Another added: "Wow! What a generous gift to the Japanese American community, Los Angeles, and beyond!" A third chimed in: "Just incredible - thank you George and Brad for keeping our family stories alive." Meanwhile a fourth shared: "This is just wonderful. Thank you to the Takeis."