Back in 2018 the highlight of my SDCC Comic Con was meeting Nichelle Nichols, aka Star Trek’s Uhura when stumbling upon her while navigating the maze that is the convention floor.
Nichelle Nichols and Fearsome 2018
She adored Fearsome and grabbed onto him with the biggest smile. I bought her autographed Uhura Pop which you can see in my hand.
This year, some 7 years later, I accidentally stumbled upon and had the honor of meeting George Takei , aka Star Trek’s Sulu, who played along side Nichelle on the famous bridge of the Starship Enterprise. It was truly a groundbreaking series not only placing a woman of color front and center but an Asian man as well. For the 1960s television this type of integration was unheard of before Star Trek.
George, who was once in a Japanese interment camp as a child during World War 2, didn’t stop his groundbreaking after the tv series was over. As a gay man he has led the way for many others in the entertainment industry to come out and stand up for gay rights. He is truly an inspiration leading the way with his husband Brad by his side. I bought his latest book, It Rhymes With Takei, and stood in line to meet him and have it autographed.
George Takei and Fearsome 2025
While conversing at the counter he mentioned my beard, I then told him the story of meeting Nichelle and how taken she was with Fearsome. He asked if I had a photo and I showed the one above to him. He suggested that he grab Fearsome himself for another photo. Fearsome and I are forever grateful as our two favorite characters from the bridge of the Starship Enterprise have held Fearsome Himself in their hands!
Nichell’s Pop and George’s book, both autographed, will remain together here in my home as their two characters remain together in my memory …as well as both of their beautiful smiles.
It Rhymes With Takei & Uhura Pop, two of my most valued treasures.
Thank you Nichelle for looking down on me from wherever you are and blessing me with meeting George. I adore you both. 🖖
Fearsome Beard 