Star Trek Actors Rally for Equality and Respect, Demanding Fair Treatment in Hollywood
In a show of solidarity and support for fair treatment, Star Trek actors gathered outside Paramount Studios on Star Trek Day to join the ongoing strikes led by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and the Writers Guild of America (WGA). The picketing has been taking place for over 50 days in Los Angeles, New York, and several other cities.
Among the actors taking part in the rally was George Takei, famous for his role as Sulu in the original Star Trek series. Takei expressed his gratitude to all those who joined them in celebrating Star Trek Day and highlighted the core values of the franchise: equality and respect. He called on the studios and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers to acknowledge their demands and treat them with the respect they deserve.
During an interview with KTLA, Takei challenged the misconception that all actors are financially well-off. He revealed that the majority of SAG-AFTRA members do not earn the minimum required to receive health benefits, shedding light on the need for fair compensation and improved working conditions.
George Takei made his debut as Sulu 57 years ago on September 8, 1966, when the original Star Trek series premiered on NBC. Although the show was canceled in 1969, Takei continued to contribute to the franchise, appearing in the animated series, six movies, as well as episodes of Voyager and Lower Decks.
The picket line also saw the participation of other Star Trek actors, including Walter Koenig (Chekov) from the original series and actors from the newer series and spin-offs, such as Isa Briones, Michelle Hurd, Jeri Ryan, Santiago Cabrera, Jonathan Del Arco, and Todd Stashwick.
The studios have expressed their desire for the WGA and SAG-AFTRA to agree to terms similar to those already approved by the Directors Guild of America. These terms include a salary increase of roughly 12.5% and a significant jump in streaming residuals of approximately 21%. The studios have also assured the actors that artificial intelligence will not replace human beings in their roles.
The ongoing strikes and rallies highlight the need for fair treatment and improved working conditions for actors in Hollywood. As the Star Trek actors demand equality and respect, it remains to be seen how the studios and producers will respond to their calls and negotiate a mutually beneficial agreement.
In the spirit of live long and prosper, the Star Trek actors, united in their cause, continue to advocate for fair treatment and respect in the entertainment industry. With their voices amplified by the picket lines, they hope to bring about tangible change and create a more inclusive and equitable future for all actors.
