George Takei claims he'll be the final torchbearer to light the Olympic Flame in Tokyo next year in April Fool's Day Joke: 'A bit of levity in an otherwise dark time'

By ADAM S. LEVY FOR DAILYMAIL.COM 2 April 2020

George Takei hasn't lost his sense of humor in these trying times.

The 82-year-old actor played an April Fool's Day Joke Wednesday, posting on social media that he would be the the final torchbearer to light the Olympic Flame in Tokyo next year.

'Friends! I’ve been sitting on some big news for quite some time now,' Takei, who played the role of Sulu on Star Trek, wrote. 'Unfortunately, given the current global situation, I haven’t been given the clear to announce it until now.'



The latest: George Takei, 82, played an April Fool's Day Joke Wednesday, posting on social media that he would be the the final torchbearer to light the Olympic Flame in Tokyo next year

Takei, a hit with audiences on The Howard Stern Show for years, said, 'I am honored beyond belief to have been selected to be the final torchbearer who will light the Olympic Flame in Tokyo in 2021!'

He continued: 'This will be such a unique moment, before the eyes of a billion people, lighting the torch as a symbol of hope for the future in 2021 in Tokyo.

'As a life-long runner, I’m especially grateful to have been chosen, and hope to do everyone in the US of A proud!'

The socially-conscious star later clarified that he was not serious with the initial post.

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Set-up: The actor first said he was going to take the ceremonial feat at next year's games


Admission: Takei later said it was a joke, as he sought to provide levity in tough times
George Takei of Star Trek poses for photos at premiere in 2015



Oh my! Takei was a hit with audiences as an on-air personality on The Howard Stern Show. He was snapped last year in NYC

'Yes, friends, I'm afraid this was an April Fools prank, a bit of levity in an otherwise dark time,' he wrote. 'And while I’ll not be lighting that fire myself, my eyes will look upon it as a symbol of our triumph over this invisible foe and a reuniting of the global community.'

The Tokyo Olympics were postponed March 24 amid coronavirus precautions and the International Olympics Committee later said that the new date for the games will be July 21, 2021.

The international pandemic has spread to a number of notable names in the show business world George has worked in for decades. They include Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson and Idris Elba, who have all tested positive for the virus, in addition to dozens of stars in the worlds of music, sports and politics.

As of Wednesday, the death total for COVID-19 - declared a public health emergency by World Health Organization - had soared to 4,774 people in the U.S., The COVID Tracking Project reported, with 212,695 total positive diagnoses.

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