Episode 52: George Takei Remembers Gene Roddenberry (Pan Am Pilot, 1945-1948)

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In this episode we learn about the life of "Star Trek" creator Gene Roddenberry, who was a pilot for Pan Am from 1945 to 1948.

Then we will be joined by a very special guest, George Takei, a legendary actor, NY Times Best Selling author, and activist. He knew “Star Trek” creator and Pan Am pilot Gene Roddenberry well for over 25 years playing Mr. Sulu in the 1966 television show “Star Trek” and six subsequent feature films.

George will share his personal insights into the Roddenberry philosophy, memories of living in a Japanese American internment camp during World War II, working in Hollywood as an actor, and how he became a pop culture icon.

His latest book, Rhymes With Takei, will be released on June 17, 2025 and can be pre-ordered.

In the early hours of June 19, 1947, Pan Am Clipper Eclipse, a Lockheed L-049 Constellation, crashed in the Syrian desert killing 15 people. Third Officer Gene Roddenberry was traveling as a passenger and became the senior officer after the flight crew was killed. He took charge of the crash site, organized and helped survivors, and sought help. After they were rescued, he decided he didn't want to fly anymore and resigned from Pan Am almost a year later on May 15, 1948 to pursue his dream of writing, particularly for the new medium of television.

For more information on Roddenberry's life, we encourage you to read Star Trek Creator: The Authorized Biography of Gene Roddenberry by David Alexander.

The audio clips of Roddenberry used in this episode are from a rare 1988 interview.

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A very special thanks to Mr. Adam Aron, Chairman and CEO of AMC and president of the Pan Am Historical Foundation and Pan Am Brands for their continued and unwavering support!