35+ Years Of Love: The Inspiring, Untold Story Of George Takei And Husband Brad Takei

The legendary George Takei and his husband, Brad Takei, are one of Hollywood's most enduring and influential couples, a true testament to love, partnership, and social activism. As of late 2024 and early 2025, the couple continues to be a powerful force, making public appearances—such as a visit to the Pacific Buddhist Academy in February 2024—and George remains a vocal advocate against censorship and for social justice, serving as the honorary chair for the American Library Association's anti-book ban initiative. Their relationship, which now spans over 35 years, is a compelling narrative of finding love in a time of silence and boldly living an authentic life in the public eye, inspiring millions across the globe.

George Takei: Actor, Author, and Activist—A Biographical Profile

George Takei is an iconic American actor, author, and activist whose career and personal life have profoundly impacted popular culture and the fight for LGBTQ+ rights.

• Full Name: George Hosato Takei
• Born: April 20, 1937, in Los Angeles, California
• Notable Roles: Hikaru Sulu, helmsman of the USS Enterprise in the original Star Trek television series (1966–1969) and six subsequent films.
• Early Life: Spent part of his childhood incarcerated in Japanese-American internment camps (Rohwer and Tule Lake) during World War II, an experience that deeply shaped his activism.
• Education: Attended the University of California, Berkeley, and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in Theatre Arts.
• Coming Out: Publicly came out as gay in 2005 at the age of 68, revealing his two-decade-long relationship with his partner, Brad Altman.
• Activism: A passionate advocate for human rights, marriage equality, and social justice, drawing heavily on his internment camp experience.
• Husband: Brad Takei (formerly Brad Altman), married since 2008.

The Meeting: How George and Brad's 35-Year Love Story Began

The foundation of George and Brad Takei’s long and successful partnership is rooted in a shared passion for fitness and community. Their initial meeting was far from the glamour of Hollywood.

A Chance Encounter at a Running Club

The couple first met in the 1980s, long before George publicly came out, through a local LGBTQ+ running club called Frontrunners. This casual, communal setting provided a safe space for their relationship to blossom away from the intense public scrutiny of George's career as a major film and television star. George was still closeted to the wider world at the time, navigating the complexities of a highly visible career in an era when being openly gay was often career-ending.

Brad Altman: The Quiet Architect Behind the Star

Before becoming Brad Takei, Brad Altman was a financial journalist. However, as their relationship deepened, Brad transitioned into becoming George's business manager and "career architect," a role he has held for decades. He is credited with helping George manage his career, particularly his transition into a viral social media superstar and a powerful voice for activism. Brad also served as a producer on George's web series, Takei's Take.

The Boldly Going: Marriage, Name Change, and Public Life

The couple's decision to formalize their relationship became a pivotal moment in the fight for marriage equality in California and across the United States.

The Historic 2008 Wedding

In 2008, when the Supreme Court of California briefly ruled in favor of marriage equality, George and Brad were among the first same-sex couples to legally marry in the state. They were wed on September 14, 2008, in a beautiful ceremony in Los Angeles. The wedding was a public celebration of their decades-long commitment, serving as a beacon of hope and visibility for the entire LGBTQ+ community. The event garnered significant media attention, transforming their personal love story into a powerful political statement.

A Shared Name: Brad Becomes a Takei

In 2011, a few years after their marriage, Brad Altman made a deeply personal decision to change his last name to Takei, officially becoming Brad Takei. This act symbolized their complete union and commitment, moving beyond the traditional constraints of marriage and establishing a shared identity. Brad has often been described as George's rock, the steady, grounding force that manages the day-to-day realities of life with a celebrity activist.

The Public Partnership and Media Appearances

Unlike many celebrity spouses who prefer to remain private, Brad is often by George’s side at public events and has even participated in media appearances. The couple famously appeared on a same-sex episode of The Newlywed Game, showcasing their playful chemistry and deep understanding of each other. Their dynamic—George's theatrical energy balanced by Brad's calm, supportive presence—is a favorite among fans.

The Legacy of Activism and Current Endeavors in 2025

George and Brad Takei’s life together is inextricably linked to their shared commitment to social justice. Their relationship is not just a personal story; it is a historical record of the fight for human rights.

Fighting for Marriage Equality and Beyond

George's decision to come out in 2005 was largely fueled by his desire to be an effective and authentic advocate for marriage equality. He realized he could not speak passionately about the issue while hiding his own committed, two-decade-long relationship. His voice, amplified by his celebrity status, became crucial in shifting public opinion.

Recent Activism and Public Engagements

In the current climate of political and social debate, George Takei remains a constant, outspoken figure. His recent work focuses on issues of democracy and censorship. In a powerful move, he has taken on the role of honorary chair for the American Library Association's "Unite Against Book Bans" initiative. This commitment echoes his lifelong fight against intolerance, which stems from his childhood experience in internment camps. The couple was also recently seen together in February 2024, co-hosting a reception following George's visit to the Pacific Buddhist Academy, demonstrating their continued engagement with community and educational initiatives. Their joint appearances underscore their status as a unified force for good, using their platform to champion causes that promote understanding, equality, and human dignity. The love story of George and Brad Takei is a powerful narrative of resilience, visibility, and enduring partnership. From their initial meeting in an LGBTQ+ running club to their historic marriage and their ongoing work as social justice advocates, they have set a gold standard for a committed, authentic life in the public eye. Their journey is a continuous inspiration, proving that love, in all its forms, can truly live long and prosper.