Lea Salonga will present the Gary Miller Award to George Takei at the Harmony gala in New York City on Monday, March 31.
The event, marking the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus’ 45th Sapphire Anniversary Season and its 25th Silver Anniversary Gala, will take place with Salonga gracing the stage.
Salonga, known for her role in Fox’s “The Cleaning Lady” Season 4, will honor Takei, a Star Trek legend and LGBTQ+ activist, for his decades of advocacy and significant contributions to representation in entertainment.
In an interview with Inquirer.net USA, Salonga praised Takei’s historic role as Hikaru Sulu in Star Trek, noting his pioneering presence as a lead character on television.
Salonga highlighted that Takei’s character defied stereotypes, portraying intelligence and leadership as part of the Enterprise crew.
She remarked on the character’s name origin, humorously noting its Filipino connection despite being portrayed by a Japanese actor.
Takei, nearing his 88th birthday, is celebrated not only for his acting achievements but also for his advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and activism related to Japanese American internment during World War II.
The Harmony gala, a major fundraising event for the NYCGMC, celebrates diversity, inclusivity, and the power of music with this year’s event promising a star-studded night.
Salonga will also return to television in “The Cleaning Lady” Season 4, showcasing a new character side described as “not so nice” and “trouble.”
