George Takei: How would you want people to remember you?

The question

How would you want people to remember you?

Originally asked

Vogue, to one guest at a time, on camera, 73 Questions

A recurring legacy prompt in Vogue's 73 Questions, appearing with only minor wording changes.

You answer as yourself. Nobody on FLAPSS answers as anybody else.

George Takei

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

As someone who loved the ideals of American democracy and made my small contribution to it.

The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 16 November 2019 source ↗

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Keir Starmer

As someone who delivered a bold and reforming Labour government, as a great dad and a great friend.

Recorded The Q&A, The Guardian, 19 August 2023 source ↗

Andrew O'Hagan Scottish author

As a good friend.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 25 July 2026 source ↗

James Dyson British inventor and businessman

Changing the way young engineers are educated through the Dyson Institute, and fostering creativity and innovation through our foundation.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 4 December 2021 source ↗

George H. W. Bush 41st President of the United States, 1989–1993

It’s family, and it’s faith, and it’s friends, and it’s not the glamour of the Presidency, or the wonder of going to receive the Nobel Prize. All those are important, of course. But maybe it’s just that I’m 71 years old now. It’s family, and it’s faith, and it’s friends.

Recorded Academy of Achievement interview, Williamsburg, Virginia, 2 June 1995 source ↗

More from George Takei

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Question Who alive today do you admire most, and what draws you to them? Values & belief

Pope Francis, who left the Vatican to wash the feet of non-believers.

Recorded Vanity Fair, The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, October 2015 source ↗

Question What song would you want played at your funeral? Death & what remains

Barbra Streisand’s Evergreen from A Star Is Born or You’ll Never Walk Alone from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 16 November 2019 source ↗

Question What one change would most improve the quality of your daily life? Daily life

One great big artistic challenge.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 16 November 2019 source ↗

Question What do you fear most? Identity & self

There’s no point living at my age with many ingrained great fears. Though I do have that dream that I walk out onto the stage nude. Does that count?

Recorded Vanity Fair, The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, October 2015 source ↗

Question What period or moment in your life brought you the most joy? Time & hindsight

When Brad and I got married. We had to struggle for it. It involved a nationwide speaking tour, lobbying Congress and campaigning intensely. We were the first couple to get our marriage licence in West Hollywood.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 16 November 2019 source ↗

Question What trait do you most dislike in other people? Values & belief

Impatience and temper. Enough already!

Recorded Vanity Fair, The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, October 2015 source ↗

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