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George Takei: Actors are hiding their sexuality for fear of losing leading roles

It’s better to boldly go: Star Trek actor George Takei: Dave Benett
It’s better to boldly go: Star Trek actor George Takei: Dave Benett

Star Trek actor George Takei has hit out about how many actors still have to hide their sexuality if they want lead roles in Hollywood.

Takei, below, a prominent LGBT activist, said gay men often felt they would not be considered for certain parts if they came out.

The actor, 81, who played Hikaru Sulu in Star Trek, added: “I’m an actor who was closeted, so I understand why actors choose to stay in the closet. It’s so much more liberating if you come out and you can continue to work. But it is an individual decision... if you’re playing a superhero, bulging muscles and all, you may lose that career.

“If you’re a romantic leading man you lose credibility if you come out as gay.”

He revealed he wants to bring his musical Allegiance, inspired by his childhood in the Japanese-American internment camps of the Second World War, to the West End in the wake of Donald Trump parting migrant children from their parents.

He collected the Icon gong at the Attitude Awards last week.