PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A "Star Trek" actor will be honored next month in Philadelphia for his contribution to the arts and leadership in social justice, particularly in the LGBTQ+ community.
George Takei is best known for his portrayal of Sulu in the original “Star Trek” series. The openly gay actor and activist will be the guest of honor at a show at the Kimmel Center on Nov. 18. As part of a benefit for the Mazzoni Center, it will be a night of song, music and spoken word from a wide range of entertainers.
The Mazzoni Center is a comprehensive health and wellness center that serves the LGBTQ+ community in Philadelphia and beyond.
"We end up giving away over a million dollars in care a year to serve the community and that is one of the reasons why we started the Mazzoni Center honors benefit last year,” said David Weisberg, the center's executive development and communications officer.
Broadcast journalist Soledad O’Brien will host the benefit. Grammy Award winner and actor Dawnn Lewis from “A Different World” and “Star Trek: Lower Decks” will be among the performers.
"George is a grown man living his absolute truth with love and joy for everyone else who wants to live their absolute truth, and I can't think of a better ambassador and a better way for me to spend a Monday night in a fabulous frock amongst all of you amazing people,” Lewis said.
Tickets start at $50. More information can be found on the Mizzoni Center’s website.